The LSM Society, with support of faculty and students in the Leisure and Sport Management Department completed another successful volunteer effort at the SAS Golf Championship this past weekend (September 28 – October 2). The SAS event is a Champions Tour – Senior PGA golf event held annually in Cary, NC.
Although this event was substantially smaller than the recent US Open endeavor in Pinehurst, where the LSM Society raised and contributed $15,000 to an ongoing endowed scholarship drive for the LSM department, it was another positive experience for the students. Feedback received by Hal Walker, Associate Professor in the LSM department, was highly complimentary regarding the Elon students involved. Approximately 50 current LSM students volunteered over the 5 day event and Prom Management Group, Inc., the catering company responsible for concessions at this event, could not have been more pleased with the efforts and conduct of the Elon students.
Tracy Wiener, staffing and personnel coordinator for Prom Management, told Dr. Walker during the event: “the Elon students are absolutely awesome.” She informed him that every single student volunteer not only showed up for their assigned shifts, she complimented them on their work ethic, their outgoing nature, and their professional conduct during the event. Ms. Wiener stated that along with the concessions volunteers acquired through the Elon LSM department, they also hired staff for their corporate tents through a local staffing agency. When several of the agency staff failed to show up for their shifts, she borrowed Elon students from the regular concessions area to fill the void. She called Dr. Walker to inform him of the change in plans and notify him how thrilled she was with the performance, attitude and energy of the Elon students. Ms. Wiener, a veteran of many years in the professional staffing area said this was the first event she has ever managed, where a volunteer group had a 100% attendance record – for pre-registered volunteers.
Like the US Open, it was another great opportunity for students in the LSM department to network, acquire hands-on experience, and observe the myriad tasks that often go unnoticed, during the operation of a major international sporting event.