Methodist University’s Founders Council recently held its annual golf tournament and tennis showcase, which bring alumni, sponsors, and community members together to support student scholarships and academic programs within the MU community.
Methodist University’s Founders Council recently held its annual golf tournament and tennis showcase, which bring alumni, sponsors, and community members together to support student scholarships and academic programs within the MU community.
This year’s Founders Council Tennis Showcase took place on October 31 at MU’s Clayton Tennis Center, followed by the Golf Pro-Am Tournament on November 4, held at MU’s on-campus, 18-hole “Downback” golf course. Proceeds from both events support MU’s Loyalty Fund, as well as its PGA Golf Management and Professional Tennis Management programs.
For Jackson Bingham ’21, serving his second term as president of the Founders Council, these events are especially meaningful not only to Methodist University’s role in the local community, but also to him as a graduate.
“The mission of the Founders Council is to raise money for the student scholarship fund, and as someone who has benefited here at Methodist University, it’s very important to me to give back and pave the way forward for the students,” Bingham said. “It’s really important to give back when you find yourself in a position where you’ve received previously.”
Tennis Showcase
Professional Tennis Management program faculty, staff, and students, along with students on the men’s and women’s tennis teams, welcomed alumni and community members to the Clayton Tennis Center for a special Halloween-themed edition of the Tennis Showcase.
Students and guests donned Halloween costumes for their matches, with outfits ranging from a furry mouse to healthcare scrubs to the Pokémon Pikachu. Three students even dressed as athletic administrators Dave Eavenson (vice president and director of Athletics), DeeDee Jarman (deputy director of Athletics), and Christy Johnson (associate director of Athletics).
Debbie Best, CFP®, CEPA® with Edward Jones was the presenting sponsor of the event, which benefited the Loyalty Fund for Student Scholarships and the Professional Tennis Management program.
Golf Pro-Am
Held the Wednesday after the Tennis Showcase, the Founders Council Golf Pro-Am Tournament was held at the “Downback” golf course, as competing teams of four players looked to capture the tournament title.
The morning began with MU students from the PGA Golf Management program teaming up with alumni and community members, who were served breakfast and practiced their swings on the driving range. Each four-person team featured a combination of alumni, professionals in the community, and students. After a shotgun start, participants enjoyed 18 holes of play, group photos, and an awards presentation.
“The golf tournament is such a cool event that we are able to host because this is a top-tier PGM program, it’s a top-tier golf course in college athletics, and it’s private,” Bingham said, alluding to the course’s consistent ranking among the top private facilities nationally.
Brown Advisory Group was the presenting sponsor of the event, which benefited the Loyalty Fund for Student Scholarships and the PGA Golf Management program.
Several images from the events will be posted on MU’s Flickr account in a few days.
Founders Council
Methodist University’s Founders Council members are individuals who believe in Methodist University and are willing to support and advance the mission of the University while fostering and promoting the growth, progress and general welfare of Cumberland County and North Carolina. The Council has hosted tennis and golf tournaments since 2021 to increase alumni and community involvement with MU, while providing essential financial support for students and programs.
“I am really appreciative of the community members who have served on the Founders Council taking the time and making the effort to host these events, and it’s an honor to host them year after year,” Bingham said.
For more information on how you can sponsor either event in 2027 or make a gift to the Loyalty Fund, visit methodist.edu/support-mu.