4th Annual Golf Classic (2002)

A Lubin Classic: 4th Annual Golf Outing
by Arjun P. Talwalkar
From Lubin Business Summer 2002

Alumni and guests sizing up the competition in the putting contest. The eventual winner, George Bundschuh, '55, Pace Trustee, is standing center with hands on his hips.

Warm weather and a stunningly beautiful golf course welcomed participants to this year's 4th Annual Lubin School of Business Golf Classic at Wheatley Hills Golf Club in East Williston, NY on May 28, 2002. DELL was the title sponsor. “We were concerned about participation in this year's event, but it exceeded all of our expectations,” remarked Dean Arthur Centonze of the success this year's Classic had in attracting alumni, faculty, and staff to an event that continues to increase in size and stature. This year's Golf Classic was, in fact, the most successful ever, both in terms of the number of participants, as well as the support raised for Lubin programs.

The Golf Classic serves as a means of raising funds to help support various initiatives that take place within the Lubin School of Business. It is a dynamic and pleasurable way of maintaining relationships and interacting with business community leaders in an on-going effort to promote the Lubin School.

Participants in this year's event enjoyed the delicious feast that was served at the brunch and the elegant cocktail reception hosted by Lubin Dean Arthur L. Centonze. MIM Corporation graciously sponsored the brunch, while JPMorganChase sponsored the cocktail reception.

The event also gives rise to former students reminiscing about their days at Pace University, such as alumni Perry Vascellaro, LSB, '51, who recalled the days when he was editor of the Pace Press and his days of calling in sport scores to local area newspapers.

Vascellaro, James A. Anziano, LSB, '77, Lester J. Stephens, LSB, '66, '70, and Wesley H. Watson, DYS, '73, LSB, '78, began the presentation of awards by recognizing the winner of the annual Robert I. Ruback Memorial Award. The award is given to the team with the lowest net score in recognition of Robert I. Ruback, who built the Department of Taxation at the Lubin School and chaired the department for over 30 years. This year's winners, with a low score of 67, were Mike Patti, Mark Vannowa, Nick Patti, and Nick Patti, Jr. Also honored for their golf skills were Dom Salzano, Joe Costello, Suzanne Salzano, and Len Fabrizzo. Individual low scores had Connie Pustorino, Mary Bagnato, Jeanette Albanese, and Mary Jo Prestiano earning awards recognizing their achievements during the day. Paul Defalco and Jennifer Proce each won for their precision in being the closest to the hole on the par 3. The longest drives of the day were awarded to Suzanne Salzano and Martin Gracia. Straightest drive was awarded to Mike Winn and Anita Anziano.

Shoot for Show, Putt for Dough
George Bundschuh, '55, Pace Trustee, was the winner of the putting contest, as he beat out fellow competitors time and again and came close to winning the $10,000 grand prize for the putting contest but missed on a 50-foot putt.

A large number of prizes were awarded individually to participants and for raffle prizes. Some of the prizes included brunch at the Plaza Hotel, golf clubs, magazine subscriptions, a night at the NY Marriott Financial Center, baseball tickets to the NY Mets, hockey tickets to the NY Islanders, and the grand prize of two round-trip tickets to London on British Airways, which was won by Al Valise.

This year also had participants trying out their swing for a lease on a brand new Mercedes Benz if they were accurate enough in getting a hole-in-one. Unfortunately, there were no winners of the car, but all who attended the event had a great time.

Highlights from the 4th Annual Golf Outing