Story by: Alexander K Smith, Loyalist College Public Relations student and 2011 Queen’s University graduate, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with a Major in Music
Last Friday, September 14, more than 120 golfers participated in the 14th Annual Loyalist College Golf Tournament, titled ‘Celebrating Student Success.’ Held at the Bay of Quinte Golf and Country Club in support of the College’s Endowment Fund, the fundraiser provides financial assistance to Loyalist students.
“Over the years, this event has raised more than $440,000, including government matching, for student financial assistance,” said Loyalist President Maureen Piercy. “Friday’s results will add more than $30,000 to that support – our best results ever!”
Financial assistance makes a positive difference for College students, helping to set them up for success now and in the future as graduates who contribute to their community.
This has been true for General Manager of the Bay of Quinte Golf & Country Club Marc Ray who helped to oversee the tournament. A Loyalist Business Administration graduate, Marc received a scholarship in 1998 for his academic and athletic achievements. It helped to give him the financial leg-up he needed to begin his professional life on the right foot.
“I wake up every day and do what I love,” said Marc. “Loyalist is the reason for that. Receiving a scholarship helped to get me started in my career.”
As GM, Marc currently oversees all aspects of the Bay of Quinte Golf & Country Club operations. He brings extensive knowledge of golf management as past General Manager of two golf courses in Wasaga Beach. Prior to that, he was the General Manager of Golf Operations at the Hollinger Golf Club in Timmins. Having grown up in the Quinte region, Marc is happy to be home. His Loyalist diploma still hangs prominently in his office.
“I get so much mileage out of being a Loyalist graduate and I am very proud of that,” said Marc. “I had a great time there. I loved every second of it.”
The Loyalist College Foundation was established in 1995 to provide leadership in meeting the goals for long-term development and fundraising to benefit the students and programs at Loyalist College. Overall, $667,189 has been added to the Foundation Endowment Fund, bringing the total to $7,938,419 as of March 31, 2012. During the past year, 248 awards, with a total value of $134,415 were presented at various awards ceremonies. In addition, 117 students received expendable awards totaling $46,285 through the Awards office.
“Students are the future,” said Marc. “They are so important to our community, and we need to make sure that they have every opportunity available to them.”
Marc’s rewarding career is a testament to the difference that financial assistance can make in the life of a student. He is only too happy to pay it forward to help the next generation of students to complete their programs and find good jobs.
“The spirit of support was incredible,” observed President Piercy. “It was the largest group of golfers we’ve ever had. We’d like to thank all of our sponsors who contributed financially and participated in the event. In particular, I’d like to mention Trenval Business Development Corporation, our lead sponsor, as they celebrate 25 years of growing jobs in the Quinte community.”
Members of the Trenval Team, from left to right: Bruce Davis, Kurt Gregoire, Chuck
O’Malley, Ray Goulet
Partner, Templeman Menninga LLP, Ian B. Sullivan
From left to right: Loyalist Executive Director, College
Advancement, Dianne Spencer, Loyalist College President Piercy, Chair of the
Loyalist Foundation Beverley Townsend and Ben Poirier.