Community members and students alike will take to the links to raise money for local charities Friday in the Student Alumni Association’s annual Rise and Shine charity golf tournament.
The tournament begins at 1 p.m. at The Links, and participants have the opportunity to register until noon. This year the SAA is teaming up with Phi Sigma Kappa, a fraternity that is relatively new to campus, to host the event.
The entirety of the event’s proceeds will be split to benefit several charities including the University of Alabama RISE School, a program established in 1974 to assist young children ages 0 to 5 with physical disabilities. Profits will also benefit student scholarships and Phi Sigma Kappa’s national philanthropy, the Special Olympics.
Kyle Zimmerman, who serves as vice president of special events for the SAA and is in charge of planning and organizing Rise and Shine, said students, Greek or non-Greek, as well as alumni and Tuscaloosa citizens are invited to participate at Rise and Shine.
“Anyone that can swing a club can participate in the tournament,” Zimmerman said. “It is open to all that can golf, love to golf or want to take a swing at golf. Students will be able to relax from a hard week of school, enjoy a little golf in the sun and support a great cause.”
An entry fee of $75 is charged for students and alumni while non-students and non-alumni will be charged $100. Those who wish to contribute additional monetary donations may do so by participating in an auctioning of door prizes at the event. For additional funding, local businesses can offer sponsorships in exchange for advertisements in the form of gift bags, course signs and scorecards.
Mylin Ackermann, public relations officer for the SAA, said Rise and Shine might also serve as a networking opportunity for students.
“Students will benefit not only from helping out the community but from getting to know people who are also active in the community,” Ackermann said. “It’s a chance for them to get to know some of the alumni, as well.”
Colin Whitworth, a senior majoring in English, said he fears that some students may traditionally shy away from the pressure of networking but may be more comfortable in a more laid-back environment like the golf tournament.
“I think networking opportunities for students are great and a good way to ease students into the idea of putting themselves out there and making connections with people in the real world,” Whitworth said. “As long as the university and affiliated organizations supply diverse networking opportunities for the varied student body, all networking events have their place.”
At the end of the spring semester, the SAA will also host University of Alabama and Auburn University Summit, a newly created event in which Auburn’s SAA Executive Board will meet with the University’s SAA to discuss ideas and participate in leadership activities.
Throughout the academic year, UA’s SAA hosts a variety of events including: Halloween Festival, Tailgating on the Quad, McAllister Nights, Capstone Village volunteer days, Alumni and Student Mixers, Homecoming T-shirt Sales and various other events.
Students interested in participating with the SAA are encouraged to visit SAA.ua.edu for more information.
