June 23, 2010

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PHILADELPHIA - The eighth annual "Friends of Bill Raftery" Golf Outing benefiting La Salle Men's Basketball was held on Monday, June 21 at North Hills Country Club. Thirty-one foursomes golfed during the picturesque day and a large group joined the golfers for the event dinner, where the "Friends of Bill Raftery" Golf Committee honored Dean Emeritus Greg Bruce, MBA '81. Bill Raftery '63, NCAA basketball commentator on ESPN and CBS, was in attendance as the Honorary Chairman for the Golf Outing. Frank Corace '64, Co-Chairman of the Outing with Bill DeMarco '62, served as the emcee of the dinner. The title sponsor of the event was Land Services, USA, a full service national title insurance agency.

Golfers enjoyed a beautiful day in North Hills, PA for the outing, which was played in the scramble format. With a score of -12, the winning foursome was Chip Greenberg '86, Kevin Lynam '81, Pete Tiano '85, and Greg Webster '81. Earning second place on a match of cards with a score of -11 was the foursome of Chris Burns, Mike Carr '90, Joe Malott, and Bruce Walter. Rounding out the top scorers in third was the foursome of DeMarco, Craig Morien, Rob Snyder, and Tom White. In closest to the pin contests on holes 3, 11, and 14, the winners included Joe Ellis, Dennis Foley, and Kale Beers '95, respectively. Foley also won the longest drive competition on hole 17.

During the dinner, Bruce received the recognition from the golf outing committee with introductions from Ed Fierko '63 and Dean of the School of Business Paul Brazina. The praise in Fierko and Brazina's glowing remarks about Bruce was matched by the fondness in their friendly jabs. Holding positions as Director of the MBA program to the Dean of the School of Business, Bruce has had a profound influence on the business school. Accomplishments such as the founding of the MBA Alumni Association and the development of off-campus programs in Bucks and Montgomery Counties are a small sample of his impact at La Salle. In his remarks, Bruce was gracious in his description of his beginnings and the importance of La Salle in his life.

Other Lasallians recognized by the "Friends of Bill Raftery" Golf Outing Committee include: Jim Phelan '51, Bill Raftery '63, Coach Obie O'Brien, the Greenberg family (Hank '49, Charlie '56, Chip '86 and Kelly '89) Charlie Halpin '46, Jack Reardon '59, and Brother Gerry Molyneaux '58.

Dr. John Carabello '62 and 2009 winner Gus Chialastri '44 presented the Buck the Bartender Award to John Glaser '62 for his significant contributions to the basketball program. An avid fan of La Salle basketball and a generous alumnus, Glaser voiced the importance of supporting La Salle University financially. With a keenly observant eye, Glaser has been a presence in the stands rooting for the Explorers as feverishly as his days on campus.

Many La Salle alumni basketball players were in attendance at the dinner. Some recent graduates included Darnell Harris '08, Doug Overton '91, and Steve Smith '05. Recently picking up the game of golf, Smith entered a foursome in the outing as well.

Raffle prizes for this year's outing included a one-year membership to Talamore Country Club, Weber Gas Grill from Ambler Fireplace and Patio, Rita's Water Ice Party for 30, Nike Putter, and La Salle Men's Basketball jersey. Local news and radio personality Harry Donahue led a live auction for a travel package to the Cancun Challenge, where the Explorers will be competing on November 23 and 24. The give-a-way for the golfers was a "Friends of Bill Raftery" pullover jacket, donated by Under Armour, the official apparel provider for the "Friends of Bill Raftery" Golf Outing.

The 2011 "Friends of Bill Raftery" Golf Outing will once again be held at North Hills Country Club. To receive additional information on next year's event, please contact Phil Telan at telanp1@lasalle.edu or 215.951.1524 to be placed on the mailing list.