CSM Foundation’s 33rd Golf Classic Aces Fundraising Goals; Generates Record-Breaking $91,000 For Student Success

Supporters and alumni of the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) joined last week for an afternoon of friendly competition when 148 golfers teed off at the annual Golf Classic, smashing fundraising records to generate more than $91,000 to support student success and athletic programs. 

The 33rd CSM Foundation Golf Classic, held Aug. 29 at the Swan Point Yacht and Country Club in Issue, was supported by 30 sponsorships, and seven contest sponsors. Educational Systems Federal Credit Union was this year’s grand tournament sponsor. Along with CSM Foundation members and CSM staff, CSM student athletes from baseball, softball, and golf teams participated in the tournament.  

Through the collective impact of the CSM Foundation, CSM provided $1 million in scholarships to more than 1,000 students last year, CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson told the golfers when welcoming them to event. 

“This year we are celebrating and honoring more than 30 partners in all, some new and many returning,” Dr. Wilson said. “I applaud every single one of you because without you and your generosity, this event would not be the signature classic event that it is, and we could not support our students the way we do.” 

CSM softball player, second-year student, and Danny Williams Scholarship recipient Dakota Headley (both Williams and Headley are pictured right) also took to the mic to welcome players and offer her thanks to supporters.  

“I came to CSM after transferring from a four-year university,” she shared. “I had planned to spend the next four years of my life playing softball in North Carolina. [There is a] difference between big schools and CSM. It is apparent that the coaches at this college give everything they have to their program. Coach Keith, coach Phil, and coach Steve set the standard so high there is no other choice but to reach for it.  

“Being a college student is hard,” she continued. “Being an athlete is hard. And doing both of those at the same time could be considered insane. However, if you have ever talked to a student-athlete they rarely complain about their busy schedule. They focus most of their complaining on being sore and hungry 24/7. Because of people like Danny Williams, student-athletes and myself included, can spend more time and energy on their goals.” 

“We had a great day on the links!” gushed CSM Foundation Interim Executive Director Toni Kruszka, 11. “There’s nothing better than spending a beautiful afternoon with new and returning supporters of CSM, enjoying a round of golf, participating in the Sip & Swing, and sharing in all the day’s fun events. The CSM Foundation is so very grateful for this community who never ceases to amaze us with their support of our Golf Classic, and our students.”  

In this year’s tournament, sponsor team Independent Air, (Brady Jameson, Greg Winkler, Tyler Wood, John Bailey), came in first place, followed by sponsor team Ed Paton State Farm Insurance, (Ed Paton, Kwang An, Alan Cheng, Gus Nunez), and sponsor team WesBanco (Richard Head, Steven Head, Danny Michael, Kevin Frere) came in third place.  

Coming closest to the pin for the men was Tyler Wood and Jill Williams for the women. JB Whitney had the longest drive of the men, while Kayla Getgen had the longest drive for the women. Brady Jameson won the straightest drive for the men, while Ashley Herrmann won the straightest drive for the women.  

Over time, the golfing fundraiser has raised almost $1.5 million to support students and programs, shared CSM Foundation Chair Trey Proctor. 

See photos of the tournament at: Zenfolio | College of Southern Maryland Photos | 2024 CSM Foundation Golf Classic.  

CSM and the CSM Foundation thank the numerous sponsors of the 33rd Golf Classic – corporate sponsors: Rotary Club of Charles County, Meinhardt Properties, Scheibel Construction; pin flag sponsor: G.S. Proctor & Associates; golf cart sponsor: Shasho Consulting, P.A. Commercial Real Estate; mulligan sponsors: Ted Hardwood, Shore United Bank, SMECO, the SBW Group with ReMax United Real Estate, University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center; bloody mary and mimosa bar: Kim Rosenfield ‘21 and Chuck Rosenfield; community sponsors: Coldwell Banker Jay Lilly Real Estate, WesBanco, HK Properties, LLC; sip and swing sponsors: Southern Maryland Women’s League and Patuxent Dental; beverage cart: former CSM coach Danny Williams ‘68, Vickie Williams, Toni Zanelotti Kruszka ‘11; golfer gift sponsor: Chutes International, Meinhardt Properties; driving range sponsor: Steve Kruszka ‘88; contest sponsors: Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, G.S. Proctor and Associates, Quality Printers, Yolanda and Dale Wilson, Danielle Conrow ‘23 and Thomas Conrow, Shore United Bank; food and beverage: Apple Spice Junction, Chick-fil-A La Plata, Bozick Distributors; and hole-in-one sponsor: Waldorf Toyota.