“Over half of our revenues are from businesses in Albuquerque, and we think that’s terrific. Sponsors don’t need something named for them or donate only to get business from ENMU. They support education and support people getting an education, which makes our state better as a whole.”
Tournament Golfers in 2019
I had a conversation recently with Terry Othick about Eastern New Mexico University, golf, and the future of New Mexico.
For a conversation I thought would only be about golf, we covered a lot of ground.
Terry is on the Board of Regents for ENMU, and was talking to me about how scholarships granted to students via a University-run golf tournament make our state better.
Non-Traditional Students
“At ENMU, we have several campuses,” Terry said to me on a warm New Mexico afternoon, “and our students tend to be non-traditional. Many are married and work several low paying jobs to try and get by and pay for their University degree.
“Scholarship recipients tell us time after time what a tremendous difference the funds make for them. We awarded 20 scholarships at $1,000 – $1,500 each, and oftentimes the scholarships made a difference between a student having a meal plan or not having one, or buying books or not buying books. ”
2019 Participant
The Tournament
The ENMU Golf Tournament was started 12 years ago and saw 27 golfers participate. “This year,” Terry said with a satisfied laugh, “we have 192!”
“Over half of our revenues are from businesses in Albuquerque, and we think that’s terrific. Sponsors don’t need something named for them or donate only to get business from ENMU. They support education and support people getting an education, which makes our state better as a whole.”
The tournament had to be cancelled last year due to Covid-19, but Terry said there was a silver lining that demonstrated how great New Mexico civic pride is.
“We had collected $45,000 in donations, and then had to cancel the tournament. We let everyone that donated know we were prepared to refund their money, and do you know what happened?”
He paused for a moment.
“We refunded less than $1,000. Almost everyone said, ‘Keep the money, we are happy to help.’ That shows you what kind of donors we have, and Pattern Energy is one of them. We’re very grateful for their support.”
2019 Participant
How it works
The scholarships are awarded by the University Foundation, which answers to the Board of Regents.
Board members serve a five-year term, and as Terry said to me, “We stagger everyone’s time so that the whole Board doesn’t turn over at the same time. I’m proud of my time here but I’ve also reached the end of my term, and now that I’m in my 70s it’s time for some new blood to come in.”
The scholarships are geared toward students after they complete their freshman year of school. They must be a full-time student and have a minimum 3.0 GPA, whether an undergrad or graduate student.
Students that are legacy students (meaning their parents or grandparents went to ENMU) get special consideration and each applicant has to write an essay.
2019 Participants
2021
Terry said they expect to raise $57,000 this year, and he’s excited to see the growth in participation.
“The Golf Tournament really is one of our biggest fundraisers we do, and 192 people signing up is fantastic.” Terry said.
The ENMU Golf Tournament takes place July 9 at the Santa Ana Golf Club in Albuquerque.