Pitt State president to “Golf the Four States” to raise $1 million in scholarships for student-athletes

Last summer, President Dan Shipp embarked on an ambitious fundraising campaign to raise $8 million for scholarships and the student experience at Pitt State by riding his bike across Kansas and meeting with alumni and donors along the way. He called it Dan Bikes Kansas, and it worked.

This summer, he’s continuing the idea with another campaign: Dan Golfs the Four States, this time with a focus on raising $3 million in scholarships for student-athletes.

From May 13 through May 24, he’ll golf at locations across Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, to raise funds for the Silverback Fund by playing golf with alumni and other supporters. He’ll be joined by Athletic Director Jim Johnson.

“We have nearly 400 student-athletes at Pitt State, and none of them receive a ‘full ride’,” Johnson said. “Scholarships from the Silverback Fund enable them to focus on their performance and the championship culture we expect in Gorilla Nation.”

Foursomes will play over eight days at eight courses across the four states, and Gorillas around the globe can participate remotely on their home courses. Each of the eight days will also include an evening gathering for all alumni and friends in the area.

Those competing from their local courses can do so individually or form a team. A leaderboard combining in-person and remote play will be featured online, with daily and overall winners.

“We ask a lot of our student-athletes, and what they bring to Pitt State impacts the entire community,” Shipp said. “Growing their financial support is critical to continued success and our ability to recruit and retain the best athletes in NCAA Division II athletics.”