The EDJ Associates foursome included Gloria Lawlah-Walker, Lavern Chatman, Angela Moody (president and CEO of EDJ Associates), and Beverly Lewis-Rachal.
Few facts better illustrate George Mason’s role as a higher education opportunity engine than this: each year, one-third of Mason graduates are the first in their families to earn a four-year college degree. The Early Identification Program (EIP), aimed at area high schoolers, and the Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP), which aids Mason undergraduates, are especially important to helping these first-generation students succeed in college.
Both EIP and STEP draw widespread community support, notably through the annual Diversity Scholarship Golf Classic, a popular Mason tradition. On June 10, more than 120 golfers turned out at Westfields Golf Club in Clifton, Va. to support students. Undeterred by rainy conditions, the golfers had fun while raising about $50,000 for scholarships for Mason undergraduates, bringing the tournament’s lifetime total raised through 24 years to well over $650,000. During that time, more than 220 scholarships have been awarded to first-generation students.
After play finished, nursing major Angelica Felder, a scholarship recipient and graduate of T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, spoke about the Early Identification Program, while mechanical engineering student Andy Tapia highlighted the value of the STEP program to his college success.
“EIP has given me friendship, guidance, and a [campus] job as an office assistant,” Angelica told attendees. “I am so grateful to be a part of EIP and an event like this one. I implore everyone here to continue looking for their opportunity, and enjoying every moment. Because what you’re doing here matters. Thank you.”
The Diversity Scholarship Golf Classic volunteer committee includes co-chairs Jim Green and Ty Johnson, Annie Bolger, Rich DeMasi, Del. Charniele Herring, Jerome Newsome, Paul Patton, Robert Sowell, Sr., Wenbo Su, Terry Wang, and Ted Williams.
Mason extends its thanks to Sandy Spring Bank, now in its tenth year as title sponsor of the Diversity Scholarship Golf Classic, and to Patriot Scholarship sponsor United Bank. Other generous sponsors included:
Apple Federal Credit Union
The Brick Companies
BB&T, Scott & Stringfellow, the Price-Taylor Group
CACI
Capital One Bank
The Carney Foundation
China Telecom Americas
EDJ Associates, Inc.
Enterprise
Robert and Debi Gallo
Glory Days Grill
Licentia Financial
Mason Alumni Association
Kathy McKay
Jay O’Brien and Annie Bolger
PNC Bank
Jen and Reid Shelton
Robert Sowell, Sr. and Bill Washington
Wenbo Su
Taraworth House
Volkswagen Group of America
Terry Wang, New World Bilingual Institute
June 13, 2019 / Rob Riordan