Buffalo State’s 27th Annual Scholarship: The Buffalo State Foundation is set to host its 27th annual Golf and Pickleball Scholarship Classic—formerly known as the Golf and Tennis Scholarship Classic—on Tuesday, September 24, at the Orchard Park Country Club. The event offers alumni, faculty, staff, and community members the chance to contribute directly to student success while enjoying a day of friendly competition.
Over the years, the classic has provided crucial financial assistance and academic scholarships to hundreds of Buffalo State students. This year’s event highlights Buffalo State’s arts and hospitality, STEM, and education programs, with golf and pickleball competitions allowing participants to engage with students, faculty, and staff from these key disciplines. The event includes lunch and dinner for all attendees.
While golf has been a centerpiece of the classic since its inception, this year marks the introduction of pickleball. Paul Herlan, a Buffalo State alumnus from the Class of ’85, will serve as the event’s volunteer pickleball coordinator. Herlan, who has played golf and tennis in the tournament for many years, was excited about the new addition after learning of it from a friend on the Foundation Board.
“There’s a reason pickleball is such a fast-growing sport. It’s easier for people to learn than tennis. We can bring new players up to speed quickly so they can get on the court and play. Plus, tennis players tend to pick it up right away.” – (Herlan)
Herlan will be on hand to guide new players through the most challenging part of pickleball—the scoring. He’s confident the sport’s simplicity and accessibility will make it a hit at this year’s event.
Jeremy Hudson, vice president of Hudson Advisor Services and the event chair for the past two years, highlighted the rationale behind the addition.
“We noticed that many of our participants had migrated to golf over the years. With pickleball’s surge in popularity, we decided to include it, offer a lower participation cost, and hopefully appeal to a broader audience.” – (Hudson)
In addition to the sports, participants will have the opportunity to interact directly with Buffalo State students, who will showcase their current projects and accomplishments.
“It’s vital for attendees to see firsthand where their support is going and how it benefits our students. That impact comes to life through the students’ stories when they’re present at the event. You can’t replicate that experience with a sign or a pamphlet.” – (Hudson)
Hudson emphasized that events like the Scholarship Classic are critical in supporting Buffalo State students.
“This is invaluable for both the school and our students. Our city campus is a gem, with a rich cultural landscape that includes the Burchfield Penney Art Center, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, and local restaurants in Elmwood Village. Our goal is to continue fostering an environment where students can learn and thrive.” – (Hudson)
Jim Finnerty, vice president for institutional advancement and external affairs, showed the importance of the classic as one of the Foundation’s two major fundraising events of the year.
“Beyond raising vital financial support for scholarships, it’s an excellent opportunity for our corporate partners to meet our students and build relationships with our faculty and staff. This year, we’re excited to highlight students in our arts, applied STEM, and education programs.” – (Finnerty)
For those interested in participating, registration is now open. Golf foursomes are priced at $1,600, while pickleball tickets are $250 per player or $400 for two players. Faculty and staff can participate for $250 in either sport. For more details or to register, visit giving.buffalostate.edu/scholarshipclassic, call (877) 236-4252, or contact Elizabeth Grady, director of development events for Institutional Advancement, via email.
“Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to pickleball, come out and join us. We’ll coach you up and make sure you have a great time.” – (Herlan)
News in Brief: Buffalo State’s 27th Annual Scholarship
The Buffalo State Foundation will host its 27th annual Golf and Pickleball Scholarship Classic on September 24 at Orchard Park Country Club. This year’s event introduces pickleball to its traditional golf competition, aimed at supporting Buffalo State students through scholarships. Paul Herlan, an alumnus and volunteer pickleball coordinator, will help new players learn the game.
The event will feature lunch, dinner, and opportunities to interact with students from Buffalo State’s arts, STEM, and education programs. Registration is open, with golf foursomes at $1,600 and pickleball tickets at $250 per player.
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