Metro Vancouver, B.C. – When Pat Dooley was a boy, he dreamed of a life on the golf course.
Although he excelled at many sports, his passion was golf, and he spent long hours on the driving range, in practice sessions with his coach, and playing many rounds – in all kinds of weather – at local golf courses.
Upon graduation from high school, Pat planned to attend the turf management program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), but the Surrey 16-year-old passed away suddenly on Feb. 5, 2008 after a short illness.
Pat’s memory and enduring spirit on the golf course will be honoured by the new Pat Dooley Endowment Fund at KPU, which will provide students a chance to follow in what would have been Pat’s chosen path. Starting next year, an award of $1,000 will be given annually to a student in the turf management program.
Pat’s parents started building the fund in Pat’s honour, and KPU turf club students offered to top up the fund to the endowment level − $20,000 − by organizing a golf tournament, which was held in April.
“This was truly a ‘polytechnic’ endeavour, involving turf and business students, faculty, turf management industry, alumni and Dooley family,” said Stan Kazymerchyk, turf management instructor.
The tournament, at Mayfair Lakes in Richmond, gave golfers a chance to learn more about Pat in a place he loved to spend his time.
“I did not know Pat Dooley personally, but I was very moved by the stories shared by many people throughout the day about him,” said golfer Jason Hooper. “It was a privilege to be a part of the event that honoured Pat and his spirit.”
Pat was a member at Mayfair Lakes, where his low round was a one under par 70. His lowest competitive round was a three under par 69 at Hazelmere Golf Club in South Surrey.
For more information on the turf management program, visit kpu.ca/hort or register to attend (kpu.ca/hort/info-tour) the next Horticulture Information Session on June 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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