The fund provides scholarships to the nearly 400 student-athletes at Pitt State.
Last summer, Shipp embarked on an ambitious bike ride across Kansas to raise $8 million in support of student scholarships; he was successful, joined by alumni and supporters along the way. This summer, he and Athletics Director Jim Johnson are focused on scholarships for student-athletes.
The effort is two-fold: In May, June, and July, Shipp and Athletic Director Jim Johnson will golf with alumni and other supporters by invitation only at six locations across Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. In addition to the golf outings, traditional “Gorilla Gatherings” will be hosted by Alumni & Constituent Relations and Athletics.
Also this summer, individual golfers and teams are invited to register to golf wherever they like, whenever they like, to support the cause, for as little as $100 per person.
“This is a fun way for Gorillas around the country, or even the world, to participate and support student-athletes when and where it’s convenient for them. Maybe it’s on your home course, or maybe you pack your clubs and ‘Golf with Dan’ on your summer vacation," explained Becky McDaniel, associate vice president for University Advancement. "Once you register, we’ll send you a package with Pitt State merch. When you play, take a selfie and tag us on social media. And if you don’t golf, we hope you can attend an alumni gathering!"
Privately funded scholarships including those provided through the Silverback Fund help relieve the university’s general fund to assist in recruiting and retaining high-quality student-athletes.
“We ask a lot of our student-athletes, and what they bring to Pitt State impacts the university and the entire community,” Shipp said. “Growing their financial support is critical to continued success and our ability to recruit and retain the best athletes in NCAA Division II athletics.”
Register at pittstate.edu/dangolfs