RALEIGH, N.C. — Nearly 90 golfers, alumni, industry partners and friends of NC State’s College of Natural Resources gathered at Lonnie Poole Golf Course on April 17 for the 9th Annual Fore the Pack Scholarship Golf Tournament. The annual event generated approximately $14,300 in scholarship support for students in the Professional Golf Management (PGM) and Paper Science and Engineering (PSE) programs, helping reduce financial barriers and create opportunities for future industry leaders.

The tournament brought together students, donors, alumni and supporters of each program for a day of friendly competition, networking and philanthropy. Participants began the day with breakfast, reconnecting with classmates, colleagues and friends before taking to the Arnold Palmer-designed course for an 18-hole shotgun-start tournament. The event concluded with a cookout and awards celebration behind the clubhouse, providing an opportunity for supporters to celebrate another successful year of scholarship fundraising.

Industry partners once again demonstrated their commitment to student success through generous sponsorships and donations. Packaging Corporation of America served as the Tournament Platinum Sponsor, while ANDRITZ, Valmet, Pratt Industries and International Paper supported the event as Gold Team Sponsors. Numerous hole sponsors and student sponsors also contributed to the tournament’s success, helping expand scholarship opportunities while providing students a chance to participate in the event.

The tournament’s prize drawings were made possible through generous contributions from alumni, faculty, industry supporters and community partners. Donations from Richard Pierce, the Pulp and Paper Advisory Board, Dr. Tony Rosselli, Mike Hendricks, Dogwood Country Club, Dr. Joel Pawlak and Dr. Robb Wade helped create an engaging participant experience while increasing scholarship fundraising opportunities throughout the day.

Among the most popular prizes were golf experiences, NC State-themed merchandise, professional golf assessments, apparel and unique sports memorabilia. Wade also donated several Carolina Hurricanes’ collectibles, including game-used hockey sticks from Andrei Svechnikov, Nikolaj Ehlers, Logan Stankoven and Jordan Martinook, which generated considerable excitement among participants.

“We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, players, volunteers, prize donors and supporters who made this year’s tournament such a success,” organizers said. “Their generosity directly impacts students in our Professional Golf Management and Paper Science and Engineering programs, helping them achieve their educational and career goals.”

More than a fundraiser, the Fore the Pack Scholarship Golf Tournament serves as an opportunity for alumni, industry leaders, faculty and students to strengthen connections, expand professional networks and celebrate the enduring impact of the College of Natural Resources community. Hosted by the NC State Natural Resources Foundation, the tournament demonstrates the power of alumni and industry engagement in supporting student achievement.

Planning is already underway for next year’s tournament, scheduled for Friday, April 16, 2027. For information about sponsorship opportunities or participation in future tournaments, contact Shannon Lora at [email protected].