On Friday, Sept. 24, the alumni office hosted the annual Alumni Golf Outing. This is a time-honored tradition that has occurred for many years and raises money for an incredible cause.

The proceeds from the event go toward the James McKeever Memorial Scholarship, named after 1989 Mercyhurst graduate James “Jim” McKeever. Following his graduation, McKeever returned to his alma mater to work as an admissions officer, becoming a well-known face and figure on campus.

After McKeever sadly developed cancer, the friends of McKeever put together the annual Alumni Golf Outing, with proceeds going toward the James R. McKeever scholarship fund.

The financial impact of this event has been substantial, totaling over $300,000 over the past 26 years. The money from the scholarship goes toward helping prospective students become Lakers.

Each year, McKeever’s parents, Don and Linda McKeever, choose the scholarship recipients and meet them at the golf event. At this year’s event there were nearly 70 total players on the golf course at Lake View Country Club.

Registration for this event cost golfers $110 individually but included the game itself, a golf cart, lunch, dinner and drinks on the course.

Alumni, sponsors and friends of McKeever were able to register with a fee that included golfing, lunch, dinner and drinks.

A wide range of alumni typically attend, ranging from the class of 1977 all the way through the most recent 2020 and 2021 graduates.

“Some alumni who attend the golf outing every year are actually recipients of the Jim McKeever Memorial Scholarship and come back to support the event,” said Meaghan Hubert, Director of Donor Relations.

As is typical with many Mercyhurst events, the alumni golf outing received some help from the Ambassadors organization.

Student ambassadors made their way out to the course to drive golf carts, sell raffle tickets and represent the face of Mercyhurst even in an off-campus location.

“It was interesting to see all the alumni and where they are now in their lives post graduation all taking a trip back to Erie to support this event,” Anika Pearson, senior Early Childhood and Special Education major and student ambassador said.

Another ambassador who worked the event was Mason McCaslin, a junior Intelligence Studies major. McCaslin said that while working the event he was able to have some friendly conversation with the attendees who asked him about his major, Mercyhurst experience and plans after graduation.

The annual golf outing always falls on the Friday of Homecoming weekend, ensuring that alumni are able to return back to campus and attend multiple activities throughout the weekend.

Following the golf event, the attendees are invited to a sit-down dinner at the country club. There are several silent auctions with items that are donated from local businesses and Mercyhurst departments alike.

The golf outing is just one of the many ways that alumni were able to connect over the Homecoming weekend. It is not only a way to connect, but also a fantastic cause to support.

To sum it up, when asked if he would consider attending as a future alumnus, McCaslin responded, “if and when I get better at golf, absolutely!”

If you are an alum of Mercyhurst, and this sounds like it would be something that you are interested in participating in, be sure to keep your eye out for the golf outing next year during Homecoming Weekend!