120 golfers scrambled across the greens of Flossmoor Golf Club on August 13 for South Suburban College’s (SSC) third annual Charity Golf Outing. From elected officials and business owners, to alumni and community organizers, golfers turned out in droves to support South Suburban College.
The outing is one of two marquee events for the SSC Foundation, with the funds raised going to the Student’s Scholarship Fund and the Frank M. Zuccarelli Memorial Fund, which is named in honor of the late longtime SSC Board Chairman. The foundation has awarded over $2.6 million in scholarship awards since its establishment, making events such as the golf outing a critical part of SSC’s goal to provide the community with quality and accessible education.
“We want to change the narrative that community college is a last resort. We want to remind folks that we’re here and we’re a first option,” said Dr. Kellie Martin, Executive Director of Public Relations and Resource Development at SSC. “It’s important to know the resources and programs that are available right in your backyard to advance your education, and we have certificate programs that can push you into a very well paying career.”
Community support for the event was so strong that SSC quickly sold out of golf tickets, which included a full round of golf, lunch, dinner, an open bar, and access to a number of raffles. Interest was so high that SSC opened additional dinner tickets for those who missed out on the chance to golf.
“It’s amazing, we have great partners that always come out including some that have attended all three years,” said Susan Cox, SSC Board President. “It’s always great to see business leaders and other community members come out to support our students. A lot of our students fall into the low-income category, and without the scholarship funds, a lot of them wouldn’t be able to attend school. We get them started with their first two years, and a lot of them move on to universities from there.”
In addition to the scholarship funding raised, the Frank M. Zuccarelli Memorial Fund also received a chunk of the event proceeds. In previous years, the fund supported a large scale revitalization of the campus’ gazebo park area, which hosted many classes and events during Zuccarelli’s time with SSC.
“Mr. Zuccarelli built a vast network of relationships in the Southland community,” Martin said. “I was at a golf outing for another foundation and they were talking about him there as well. He was well known throughout the Southland and left a great impact.”
Golfers of all skill levels participated, from those with decades of experience to complete beginners. One group even saw Calumet City Mayor Thaddeus Jones coaching a group of new golfers.
“It’s beyond exciting to see this crowd,” Martin said. “It reaffirms our faith in people and our faith in education. It shows their faith in our system, that we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing to service our community and provide lifelong learning.”
To learn more about South Suburban College and how you can contribute to its mission, visit ssc.edu.