Students and faculty tee off for good cause

The Austin Community College Riverside Golf Course was the site of a recent tournament held to benefit the Student Emergency and Book Emergency Funds.

The first annual ACC Scramble was held on August 18th. In its first year, the event drew many corporate sponsors including companies such as Barnes & Noble, JP Morgan Chase & Co. and HEB, which provided drinks for participants.

A crowd of 80 golfers came amid the summer warmth to get a round in. The format had 4 person teams competing against each other. The whole field was made up of mostly ACC faculty and staff.

The lone student group was from the Student Government Association, which had a team in the running. Josh Whitcomb, who headed the team, said the group had fun even though their game was not in top form. The weather may have curbed their focus, he said.

"It was hot," Whitcomb said. "It took place during the 100-degree days."

The event also included longest drive and longest putt contests, as well as a raffle. The creator of the tournament was ACC's Board of Trustees chairman John Hernandez, who said it was designed as a financial fundraiser for the student and book emergency funds. The scramble will also be the main avenue for funding both programs.

The Student Emergency Fund was established in 1997 by Dr. Carol Nasworthy to assist current ACC students suffering from catastrophic events. The Book Emergency Fund is still in development and will only be available to students eligible for short-term assistance through financial aid.

A student may access the Student Emergency Fund through a faculty member or advisor who knows of their situation. The advisor or faculty member can then refer them to a committee who reviews their case and decide upon a financial award. Last year the fund was put to use to help two Katrina evacuees attending ACC. Prior to the ACC Scramble, the only financial support for the fund was acquired through donations.

Organizers hope the annual ACC Scramble will become a bigger event with each passing year. One goal is to get local celebrities involved, raising the visibility of the tournament and sparking increased public interest.