UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — On Sept.16, Penn State IT hosted the 26th annual Penn State IT Golf Tournament benefiting the Centre County United Way (CCUW). The event at the Penn State Blue and White Golf Courses raised more than $100,000, a new record for the fundraiser.
“The Penn State IT United Way Golf Tournament has been the largest contributor to the University’s annual United Way fundraising efforts for many years. Last year, the tournament raised more than $75,000 for the Centre County United Way, and I’m beyond thrilled that we were able to top that significantly by raising more than $100,000 at this year’s event,” said David Horton, vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer.
After listening to an a capella rendition of the national anthem sung by Kari Williamson, director of Commonwealth Campus IT, more than 200 golfers filling the sold-out flight of 54 teams began the day with a shotgun start. In addition to having the opportunity to win such skill prizes as closest to the pin, longest drive and longest putt, golfers could also participate in winning raffles and silent auctions, with all donations benefiting the CCUW.
Out on the course, golfers were given more opportunities to donate and have a better chance at decreasing their score by purchasing mulligans — an extra stroke allowed after a poor shot and not counted on the scorecard — and “advantage holes,” which would enable them to move up in the tee box and take their first shot from a closer distance to the hole. The winning teams from both courses had a score of 56.
In addition to having nearly 40 volunteers on the day of the event, this year’s planning committee was led by co-chairs Laura Davis and Susan Taylor and comprised of Penn State staff members Dave Gindhart, Matt Harter, Krystal McMillen, Jeff Minelli, Ellen Rodgers, Bennett Ulmer, Julie Waite and Dana Williams. Planning for the event starts 10 months in advance. Committee members enlist volunteers, secure food and beverages for the event, solicit gift donations from local and University vendors, coordinate the golf pairings and man the tournament on the day of the event.
“Today was great, thanks to our sponsors and golfers. Hitting the $100K mark was quite emotional. It was a stretch goal we set for ourselves at the beginning of the planning process, and we couldn’t have done it without the help of the planning committee and all the volunteers,” Taylor said of this year’s success.
Started in 1998, the Penn State IT Golf Tournament has continually garnered support from Penn State staff, University vendors and local businesses. The tournament has raised more than $744,000 to support the CCUW.
“The Penn State IT golf tournament, which supports the CCUW, is an exceptional fundraising event that grows more successful each year. The organizing committee excels in planning a day of golf that participants look forward to with great enthusiasm every year. CCUW and our partner agencies sincerely appreciate the support that surrounds this event and the impact it has on our neighbors in Centre County,” said Megan Evans, interim director/communications coordinator, Centre County United Way.
Although this year’s tournament is over, there are still several ways interested Penn Staters can pledge their support for the 24 United Way partner agencies: through the Penn State IT United Way Golf Tournament fundraiser, through payroll deduction or a one-time donation, or by participating in another United Way fundraiser at the University.
Penn State IT staff who are interested in joining the planning committee or volunteering for next year’s tournament on Sept. 15, 2025, can email PSIT-CCUWGolfOuting@psu.edu for details.