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Eighteen teams competed at the 4th annual ��Ӱֱ�� State Open organized by the Class of 1978 at the Springville Country Club. The team of Mitch Shafer, TJ Klubek, Bryan Cybulski, and Christian Hollfeder took home the team honors with a score of 60.

“This all started from a group of alumni that love ��Ӱֱ�� State and wanted to give back to the students,” commented Director of Alumni Relations Mary Perkins. “This is a group of alumni that started to raise money for their class endowment fund, and it has now branched to not only benefit The Class of ’78 Endowed Fund but also supports the Buffalo Alumni Chapter scholarship.”

The event raised over $4,000 for the Class of 1978 Endowment Fund and the Buffalo Alumni Chapter Scholarship. Brett Llewellyn, ’80, Patrick Stanchak, Mike McMaster, and John Schleyer, ’87, finished second while Bryan Price, Jim Irwin, Mike Cipolla, and Brad Arnone were third. Gary Bork was the winner of the raffle for a spot on the Mary Huntington Plaque.

“This is really special because we started this tournament just amongst us playing for a little cup” stated Gregory Haeseler, ’78. “We got the vision of expanding this and having an official ��Ӱֱ�� State Open. My classmates totally supported the idea and having an event like this is a win for everybody. It's a win for ��Ӱֱ�� State because attracts alumni and we're getting new alumni playing in this tournament each year.”

Cameron Howard, ’22, was the youngest alum that participated in the tournament. “It is really cool because I am here with three other ��Ӱֱ�� State alumni that I work with. Just knowing that the money raised will go back to the school to help others. I enjoyed my time at ��Ӱֱ��, and it is nice to give back.”

The event started in 2021 with seven teams and continues to grow each year. Alums travel from near and far to compete including competitors from California and Colorado.

Haeseler continued “It's a win for ��Ӱֱ�� State and it's a win for the students. It's also a win to continue our friendship that started in 1976 in MacKenzie North.”

Leon, ’86, and Sue Blondin have established a new endowed scholarship to help future Pioneers. The scholarship is part of a $120,000 gift to the college that includes support to the unrestricted annual fund and a legacy gift.

Leon, a Civil Engineering major, enjoyed his time at ��Ӱֱ�� State. “It was easy to navigate and make new friends. I wish it was a four-year school when I attended. I firmly believe ��Ӱֱ�� State provided the skills and knowledge for me to succeed in the construction market.”

Blondin has spent over forty years working at Balfour Beatty. He currently is the Chief Executive Officer of the US Buildings Operations. “I always focused on doing my best at the position I attained and continued to raise my hand for opportunities to stretch myself.”

Nearing retirement, Leon and his wife were looking for ways to give back. “I have always had a special bond with ��Ӱֱ�� State and many of Balfour Beaty’s ��Ӱֱ�� State alumni are my great friends.”