Over $30,000 was raised for Christendom’s student-athletes at the 15th annual Thomas S. Vander Woude Golf Tournament this past week. The event, held at the local Shenandoah Valley Golf Club, saw a record participation of more than 180 golfers, including alumni, friends, and benefactors of the college, as well as nearly 50 sponsors, all united in support of Christendom’s student-athletes.
The tournament, one of Christendom’s most popular events each year, not only served as a fundraising effort but also as a celebration of Christendom’s athletic achievements, with many current and former student-athletes in attendance.
Following the golf event, which saw Phil, Josh, Jake, and Joe Daniels emerge as winners of the tournament, Athletic Director Patrick Quest announced the recipients of this year’s Thomas S. Vander Woude Athletic Scholarships: Lucy Stahl and Edmund Thomas. Stahl, a standout on the college’s volleyball team, has already made a significant impact. Edmund Thomas, who excels in basketball and baseball, is preparing for the upcoming men’s basketball season. Other scholarship recipients were also recognized, including seniors Regina Bonvissuto and Miranda Keller, juniors Megan Lovar and Bobby Vander Woude, and sophomores Mary Pennefather, Charlie Ackla, and Daniel Schultz.
From left to right: Athletic Director Patrick Quest, Thomas S. Vander Woude Scholarship Recipients Charlie Ackla, Edmund Thomas, Lucy Stahl, Megan Lovar, Daniel Schultz, Miranda Keller, Regina Bonvissuto, and Mary Pennefather, and College President George A. Harne, Ph.D., and his wife, Debbie.
The Thomas S. Vander Woude Golf Tournament was established to provide financial support to student-athletes like Stahl and Thomas, helping them pursue a Christendom liberal arts education. It also honors the memory of Thomas S. Vander Woude, a former athletic director at the college, who heroically passed away on September 8, 2008, while saving his youngest son’s life. Vander Woude, a father to many Christendom alumni, was dedicated to the character development and personal formation of young people, especially in the areas of both intercollegiate and intramural athletics.
For more information on contributing to the Thomas S. Vander Woude Memorial Scholarship fund, please contact Athletic Director Patrick Quest at patrick.quest@christendom.edu.
Photos from the event available here.