Golfing to Raise Funds for STEM Is a Success

With support from members of the community, the chapter marked its Diamond Anniversary with its 60th Annual Golf Tournament. This year's tournament was one of the chapter's highest-earning fundraising events, raising over $5,900 to support AFCEA scholarships for local students pursuing STEM career fields. Representing both industry and government, 28 teams teed off on August 3, 2022, at the Valley View Golf Course in Utica. The winning men's team of Chris Turczyn, Mike Volz, JJ Diana and Tom Kane shot a 60, and the top co-ed team, comprised of Adam Hovak, Mike Stone, Jason Nashold and Jessica Lukas, shot a 58. Three skins were given out to the teams of Adam Hovak, Brian Spink and Luke Dixon. The Closest to the Line Winner on Hole #13 was Scott Podkowka and Dan Cornmire. Kelley Lee won the Closest to the Pin on Hole #18.

The chapter would also like to congratulate Mike Stone, who had a hole-in-one on Hole #6. Congratulations to all winners!

This tournament could not have happened without support from the chapter's Gold Sponsors: AIS, AX Enterprize, NYSTEC and SRC; Silver Sponsors: ANDRO Computational Solutions, Huntington Ingalls Industries and Revere Copper; and Bronze Sponsor: Radiance Technologies, as well as the following organizations and people for their generous donations: AIS, Andrea Belmont-Gwilt, Applebee's, Bambi Patterson, Copper City, Damettoes, Eye Care Center of Rome, Griffiss Institute, Hannaford Supermarkets, Lakeside Landing Restaurant, Market 32, MaryBeth Gurdo, Nancy Sepulveda, NYSTEC, Oneida Community Golf Course, Save of the Day Foundation Inc., Speedway, Spressos Cafe, Symeon's Greek Restaurant, Syracuse Crunch and Valley View Golf Course. The chapter would also like to thank its volunteers: Chris Garlin, Dori Placito, Laura Wessing, MaryBeth Gurdo, Bambi Patterson, Kelly Bruckner, Tracey Henderson and Collen Roller for their hard work in planning and supporting the event.

Also, special thanks to Valley View Golf Course, Cooley Group, Dawn Rava-Crofoot and committee members Salvatore Paladino, Rosanne Pelli, Mike Wessing, Dori Placito, Rick Lockridge, Nancy Sepulveda, Chris McKee and Collen Roller.

It was a great day spent with colleagues and friends, and the chapter hopes to see everyone at next year's tournament.

Event Photographs: