This Friday, students are invited to play in the Jinkerson Golf Scramble to raise money for the Darryl and Cindy Jinkerson Study Abroad Scholarship.
The second Jinkerson Golf Scramble will honor the memory of Darryl Jinkerson, former professor of management, who passed away following a heart attack in October 2012.
After his death, Jinkerson’s daughters and his close friend, Dr. Phil Vardiman, professor of management, started the Darryl and Cindy Jinkerson Study Abroad Scholarship in his honor.
Jinkerson’s passion for golf and studying abroad encouraged Jinkerson’s daughters and Vardiman to start a fundraiser that would be enjoyable and contribute to study abroad scholarships for college students.
“Jinkerson was an avid golfer who loved competition and having fun,” Vardiman said.
Jinkerson golfed at the Abilene Country Club, which is why the tournament will be played there Friday.
“He was a very close friend of mine who helped me be a better person and teacher,” Vardiman said. “We shared many adventures together.”
Vardiman and Jinkerson went on several study abroad trips and owned a consulting business together.
“Not only was Dr. Jinkerson a good friend, but he was also a very caring and wonderful professor,” Vardiman said. “He loved his students, and he was highly competent in his subject matter. He brought years of experience and knowledge into his classroom. He was always engaged with his students and committed to their growth.”
In the last tournament, 91 students, faculty and community members formed 24 teams at the first Jinkerson Golf Scramble. They raised a total of $10,000 – more than twice the amount they were hoping for.
“The Jinkerson Golf Scramble is a lot of fun,” said Michael Smith, ACU alum from Denton. “It’s a great time to be on the course with my fellow students, faculty, staff and alumni and play the sport Jinkerson loved the most.”
Vardimans’ hopes for the golf scramble to become an annual event appear to be coming true. Following the success of last year’s event, Vardiman said their goal this year is to raise at least $10,000 for the endowed scholarship fund.
This year, students are encouraged to come in teams of four but can be paired with other students if they come alone. Tickets are $75 for students and $100 for non-students, which includes a shirt, two meals and the expenses of the game. The tournament will start at 8:30 a.m.
All proceeds will benefit the Darryl and Cindy Jinkerson Study Abroad Scholarship Endowment.
Tickets are available to buy online at: https://secure.touchnet.com/C20286_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=998.
