Golfers Hit the Links to Raise More Than $94K For Student Success in 35th Annual Golf Classic

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Foundation raised a record-breaking $94,000 at its 35th Annual Golf Classic, creating significant support for scholarships and programs that help students reach their academic goals. 

Held on August 6, the sold-out event welcomed 144 community partners, supporters, and alumni to tee off at Swan Point Yacht and Country Club and enjoy a round of golf in support of student success. Raffles, prizes, and driving and putting contests added extra competition and fun throughout the day. 

While golfers were down the fairways, the CSM Foundation hosted the 10th Annual Sip and Swing, where participants enjoyed a mini-golf-style putting contest on the practice green, wine tasting, and a build-your-own bouquet activity.  

The Golf Classic has become a beloved tradition over its 35-year history, thanks to community support. CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson thanked the 28 sponsors who make the event possible, including lead sponsor Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, and the community supporters and alumni who return each year to show their CSM pride and invest in the next generation of Hawks.  

“Our alumni are our brightest points of pride,” Wilson said. “They bring distinction to our college, are leaders in business, industry, and government, and serve on the front lines of public health safety. They keep the gears of our community turning.” 

Charles County Commissioner Vice President Ralph Patterson recognizes firsthand the transformative power of a CSM education.  

As a former CSM Hawk, Patterson highlighted the college’s role in strengthening the Southern Maryland workforce and creating opportunities for students to achieve upward mobility and success. On behalf of the Charles County Board of Commissioners, Patterson read an official citation congratulating CSM for 35 years of hosting this successful event and leaving a lasting impact on students. It read, in part,  

“The College of Southern Maryland has continued to bring together community members, strengthen partnerships, and support educational opportunities throughout Southern Maryland. May this milestone anniversary be a memorable occasion and celebration of this event’s enduring legacy.” 

New this year, event sponsors helped support two special contests out on the course. On hole six, golfers could make an extra donation to trade their driver for a cannon, which can shoot the ball more than 250 yards straight down the fairway.  

On hole two, golfers could participate in a ‘Beat the Hawk’ challenge to out-drive one of the CSM golf team members. If the participants land their drive closer to the pin than the Hawks, the foursome could make up a few strokes on their scorecard. 

Made possible by event sponsor Waldorf Toyota, one skilled golfer, CSM alum Brett Burroughs ’19, sunk a hole-in-one on the eighth hole, winning a 2026 Toyota Camry.  

CSM Foundation Executive Director Susan Mudd Vogel said the new contests and activities were a big success and helped generate even more support for students.  

“We’re proud to see our community partners and alumni return to the Golf Classic year after year to give the next generation the support, encouragement, and opportunities they need to succeed,” Vogel said. “As we celebrate 35 years of this event, we’re excited to keep building on that legacy and finding new ways to make it even more meaningful for years to come.”  

Sofia Wind will begin her next chapter this fall as a CSM student and member of the volleyball team. 
A recent graduate from Henry E. Lackey High School, Wind said her experience as a three-sport athlete taught her to persevere through adversity. She said what matters most is how you respond to mistakes.  

A recipient of the prestigious Danny Williams ’68 Scholarship for student athletes, Wind thanked the sponsors and event supporters whose generosity is helping change students’ lives, as well as Williams for his more than four decades of service to CSM.  

“Williams’ legacy reminds me of the lasting impact one person can have on so many,” Wind said. “Receiving this scholarship is about more than financial support, it reminded me that people believe in students like me and are willing to invest in our futures. It means more than I can put into words. I’m grateful for the encouragement and support this scholarship stands for.”   

Over the tournament’s 35 years, the CSM Foundation has raised more than $1.6 million for student scholarships and support programs, helping generations of students like Wind pursue their educational and career goals.  

Below is the full list of award winners: 

Tournament Winners: 

• First Place: Byron Brezina ‘84, Dan Escolopia, Erik Koch, Brett Burroughs ‘19 

• Second Place: Ed Paton, Kwang An, Craig Heurich, Josh Lansberg 

• Third Place: Mike Garner, Vinny Kruszka ‘25, Phil Wiley, Keith Sanderson 

Contest Winners: 

• Closest to the Pin: Vinny Kruszka ‘25, Linda Goodman 

• Longest Drive: Anthony Neeley, Erin Johnson 

• Straightest Drive: John Edelen, Kellie Jamison 

Shore United Bank Putting Contest: 

• First Place: Nick Ellis 

• Second Place: Nick Davis 

• Third Place: John Edelen