{"id":1698,"date":"2024-10-08T16:12:11","date_gmt":"2024-10-08T20:12:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/giving\/?p=1698"},"modified":"2024-10-08T16:33:59","modified_gmt":"2024-10-08T20:33:59","slug":"red-hawk-open-shines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/giving\/2024\/10\/08\/red-hawk-open-shines\/","title":{"rendered":"Red Hawk Open Shines"},"content":{"rendered":"

There was plenty of enthusiasm and sunshine on Sept. 30, as 135 golfers hit the links to raise more than $130,000 for ÌÇÐÄvlog student athletes and programs at the 12th annual<\/span> Red Hawk Open<\/a>, held for the first time at the Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton.<\/span><\/p>\n

Attendees enjoyed a day on the course that included a BBQ lunch and dinner reception, along with enticing auction items, raffles and prizes. Silent auction items included rounds of golf at Upper Montclair Country Club, Essex Fells Country Club, Essex County Country Club, tickets to a New Jersey Devils game, a family day at American Dream, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s terrific that our alumni and friends rallied their support to benefit Montclair student athletes and sports-related initiatives,\u201d says Rita Walters, vice president for Development and Alumni Engagement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Proceeds from the 2024 outing will continue to support the University\u2019s athletes by providing updates to the Panzer Fitness Center and enriching the student-run and produced<\/span> Red Hawk Sports Network (RHSN).<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cWe appreciate the great support that we receive from our alumni, friends and campus partners to enhance the student-athlete experience at Montclair,\u201d says Rob Chesney, director of Intercollegiate Athletics.<\/span><\/p>\n

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During the dinner portion, three student athletes thanked guests for their support and shared the difference it makes for Montclair students.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMontclair has led me to unbelievable opportunities,\u201d said senior Grant Holbrook, part of the men\u2019s basketball team who is majoring in Business Administration. \u201cTo me, being a student athlete means being dedicated to bettering yourself on and off the court while excelling in the classroom and in the community.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Senior Matthew Pontari, who is studying business management and is a member of the baseball team, shared: \u201cMy coaches have always been \u2013 and will always be \u2013 there for me \u2026 That is what makes Montclair such a special place. All of us are here to get a great education and win championships, but it\u2019s what takes place day-in and day-out that leads to all of the success.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs a first-generation student in a single parent household, I hadn\u2019t imagined I could reach these heights in my college career,\u201d said senior Tiffany Sosa, a Sports Communication major and member of the women\u2019s basketball team, in sharing how her Montclair experience has helped her grow.<\/span><\/p>\n

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In his remarks, Montclair President Jonathan Koppell thanked attendees for their partnership in creating opportunities for Montclair students, pointing out the importance of students gaining professional hands-on experiences that prepare them for their careers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Committee and Sponsor Support<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe outing\u2019s success was made possible by each of our sponsors, the hard work of my fellow Red Hawk Open committee members and all the golfers who participated,\u201d says Anthony Carlino \u201977, who serves on the Red Hawk Open committee as well as vice chair of the ÌÇÐÄvlog Foundation.<\/span><\/p>\n