The Alfred Open
Although he moved to the west coast and found his career path, Greg stayed connected to his core friends from Alfred State. In 2002, the mutual love of golf spurred Greg, Tim Young, '78, Scott Morley, '78, Tim Fay, '78, and Steve Bartlett, '79, to begin a traditional golf tournament that they coined the “Alfred Open.” The winner of the tournament would have their named place on the “Cup” as they rotated every year hosting the event in their respective hometowns. Another MacKenzie North resident, Dave Bellso, '78, later joined the fun.
Establishing an Endowment
Fast forward to 2018, Greg was curious about the opportunity to hold a 40th reunion. “I received an email from Colleen Argentieri, former Director of Alumni, announcing alumni events and I reached out to see about a reunion. After a few email exchanges I was getting involved in planning a reunion.”
Plans for the reunion included establishing an endowment to benefit future Pioneers. “By God's grace and through the generosity of fellow 1978 alumni, we raised enough money to make our class the first in Alfred State history to have its own Endowment fund. What makes it even more special is that there are trees planted on campus in our honor.”
With a mindset to add to the endowment, Greg was driven to help put on “fun and do good” alumni events. After a fun Buffalo Bills event that did not raise as much money as hoped, the idea of transitioning their fun “Alfred Open” into a bigger event and fundraiser looked like a win/win for all concerned: the Alfred State students, the alumni office, and Greg's friends.
“I pitched the idea to my Alfred golfing friends to establish “The Alfred State Open,” an annual tournament, where teams play to get their names on the “Jug.” With the help of the alumni office and Kert King, '82, the first tournament took place at Springville Country Club with seven teams competing.”
Fellow golfers Bret Llewellyn, '80, and Josh Torrance, '08, joined the planning committee and have helped keep the tournament going. The committee's goal is to have eighteen teams play at the 4th annual Alfred State Open on September 16 at Springville Country Club.”
The original “Cup” has since been retired; Greg and his friends now make the “Alfred State Open” their excuse to continue their annual gatherings.
“By God's grace and through the generosity of fellow 1978 alumni, we raised enough money to make our class the first in Alfred State history to have its own Endowment fund. What makes it even more special is that there are trees planted on campus in our honor.”
Giving Back
People might ask why organizing a golf tournament on the other side of the country is so important to Greg and his friends. “Alfred State gave us such a great start in our career along with priceless friendships. Because Alfred State provided such a solid first step in life, whatever we can give back is the least we can do to say thank you.”
Greg is an ardent believer in endowment funds. “Any contribution to an endowment will be a contribution that will continue to contribute. Our giving will be supporting students for the next one hundred years.”
The 2024 “Alfred State Open” will not only benefit the Class of 1978 Endowment Fund but the newly established Buffalo Alumni Chapter Scholarship.
How to Participate
To play, support, or if have questions about the “Alfred State Open” contact Mary Perkins, Director of Scholarships & College Relations by email or by phone at 607-587-3932.