Evans Scholars Foundation
Among the most fulfilling involvements in my Life In Golf has been working for the Evans Scholarship Foundation. Administered by the Western Golf Association, Evans Scholarships are granted to caddies with exceptional academic records and severe financial need. The recipients must be involved at their school and in the community. Being awarded an Evans Scholarship is life changing.
“When I first started caddying in 2009,” said Natalie Berg, a 2017 graduate of Northwestern University, “my parents had just lost their house in the financial crisis along with incurring a major health crisis. The Evans Scholarship changed everything. It put me on a path to success.”
“When I was two years old my father passed away,” said Ben Miller, a sophomore at Northwestern. “He was an avid golfer and loved the sport. Caddying was a way for me to stay connected to him. He would be proud of my taking advantage of the opportunities given me.”
One of the key elements of the success for the scholars is the safety net the program provides. 95% of the scholars graduate in four years. Volunteer state directors stay in close contact with all scholars. When a problem develops with a scholar, such as a dip in academic achievement, one of the adult directors will talk with the scholar. Recognition of a potential problem in a student’s life is the difference between getting back on track or possibly leaving school.
In addition to relieving the financial strain from families, it is fascinating to watch what happens to the high school seniors who are awarded the Evans Scholarship. Many lack self confidence.
Once in the Evans House, all scholars are given responsibilities, move into leadership positions, and are involved with mentoring younger scholars. The transformation is dramatic as they evolve into strong, confident men and women.
“I am a junior and it’s my turn to lead the younger scholars,” said Manny Bonille-Galvez. “All the support is here. We take care of each other.”
Evans Scholars are highly motivated self starters. I have spoken with friends who have hired Evans Scholars. They all give glowing reports.
“I would get up at 5:00 AM and take a bus to get to the golf course,” said Manny. “I started as a ‘B’ caddie. It took me five years of caddying to get the scholarship. It taught me that nothing is ever given to you. It was one of the best days of my life when I got the Evans.”
There are 1045 Evans Scholars at 19 universities principally located in the midwest. All scholars live in Evans Houses on campus and plans are underway to expand east, possibly to Penn State. In the west there are Evans Scholars at the University of Oregon and the University of Washington.
“We are the defenders of youth caddies,” said Bill Kingore, Executive Vice President of the Western Golf Association. “We are thinking of new ways to partner with clubs to introduce high school kids back into caddying at courses which have predominantly used professional caddies.”
“If not for the Evans Scholarship, my life would have taken a different trajectory,” said John Mendesh who was an Executive Vice President at General Mills. A former Minnesota State Director and current national director of the Evans Scholarship Foundation, John continued, “There was not a day that went by that something I learned as a caddie and scholar didn’t apply as a General Mills employee. I could not pay back what I learned as an Evans Scholar.”
When John Otieno was two years old his parents immigrated from Kenya, looking for a better life. “My mother got sick and was unable to work,” said John. “I caddied for six years. My mother was always scared when I would go out, but she had no fear when I went to the golf course. Getting the Evans Scholarship is the best thing in my life.”
I sat in the meeting when John was interviewed by the committee. His final statement to the group grabbed everyone in the room. “Everyday I get up and ride my bike to the course. When I get a loop I am not carrying the bag just for the player, but everything in the past, possibilities for a better life in the future and for my mother and father.”
John has an internship at the Federal Reserve, a job he got through connections he made at Golden Valley Country Club where he caddied. His goal is to work for the Federal Reserve with his IT major and Data Management minor.
John is the technology chair in the Evans House. “I had a stutter. My communication skills have improved. I hope my actions express my appreciation for the scholarship,” he added. “I want to work as hard as I can to make the Evans Scholars proud.”
“We have been blessed with great leadership in the Evans House,” said Jim Trenda. “This is my greatest joy.” Jim is current Minnesota Director of the Evans Scholars at the University of Minnesota. As a volunteer Jim oversees everything with the program from the operation of the house, the progress of the scholars and, with the guidance of the staff located in Chicago, the future direction of the Minnesota operation.
“Another great joy has been the women in the house. The diversity is very good.” There are 14 women Evans Scholars at the University of Minnesota, with 32% of all scholars nationally being women.
Jim reflected on his years as a volunteer. “More and more parents are involved with the kids. Also more single parents. When a kid gets off the rails we meet with the scholar and the parent(s) to get things going again.”
I spoke with senior Amanda Polanski, a biology major working with genomics who wants to be a genetic counselor. “The Evans Scholarship has changed my life in so many ways,” said the outgoing house president. “I have had so many opportunities that I would not have had without the scholarship. I would have had to work to pay for school. It has allowed me to do other things.”
Amanda is the co-national chairperson of the Evans Scholars. “I am a more confident person. I have learned to listen to people in the community. Everybody has their own strengths and they use them to give back. A big part of the scholarship is seeing how people care about each other,” she said. There are many positive effects of group living in the Evans Houses.
55% of Evans alumni give $250 or more annually back to the program. “Scholars want to see others get the scholarship,” said Amanda.
In the past few years a ‘caddie academy’ has been started in Chicago and in Denver with the Solich Caddie Academy. Because access for caddying at golf courses is limited in many minority communities, the Western Golf Association recruits boys and girls. They are taught life skills along with caddying, then distributed out to country clubs. At the end of the day they are transported back home. 30% of the Caddie Academy caddies were awarded Evans Scholarships last year.
“I came from a low middle class family,” said Duffy Solich, a former Evans Scholar and former director of the Colorado Evans Scholar program. “As one of five boys my dad told me there was no money for college. I don’t know what I would have done. The Evans Scholarship changed everything.”
Along with his brother George, also an Evans Scholar, the Solich brothers have been vitally important in the success of the program in Colorado, as well as leaders in their community. “I am reinvigorated at each annual selection meeting hearing the adversity the candidates live with,” said Duffy.
The Evans program has introduced me to an impressive group of young men and women. I am excited to contribute my time and money to the Evans Scholarship Foundation in A Life In Golf.
