For the Good of the Game

I was recently hired by the United States Golf Association as a first-year fellow. The USGA fellowship is a two-year program designed for graduating seniors. Half of our job is devoted to grant work. The USGA donates approximately $5 million annually through its "For the Good of the Game" golf initiative. This money goes towards junior golf programs, caddie programs and golf programs for individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to make the game of golf more affordable and accessible to those who would not normally have the opportunity. The other half of our job is devoted to professional development and individual projects. One of my projects is to work with trick shot artist Dennis Walters. Dennis performs at various USGA championships and events throughout the year. My job is to work under the second-year fellow and basically act as his agent. We facilitate between the USGA about his contract, book his performing dates, travel arrangements, etc. I also work on all fundraising aspects of "Pikes Peak Linkers," which is the junior golf program our office runs in the Colorado Springs area.

Drive for Success

Fellows are also given the opportunity to attend at least one USGA championship a year where we help with media and administration. This past August I worked at the U.S. Women's Amateur championship in Atlanta, Ga., and had an incredible experience. My dream job is to be a sports agent, and this Fellowship is really helping me learn about the sports business and make connections. My future plans would consist of staying in the sports industry and trying to attain that dream job of mine. That will probably include going back to school, which I'm excited to do, and hopefully get a business or law degree (or both).

Making Dreams a Reality

The MVS scholarship played a huge role in my Princeton experience. Coming from a single-parent home, the dream of attending an Ivy-league institution was just that - a dream. But with financial aid from Princeton, as well as outside scholarships like the Elks National Foundation MVS scholarship, I was able to make this dream a reality. And I am ever-grateful for that opportunity. I had an amazing experience at Princeton and it has so far been the best four years of my life. It has opened so many doors for me, and I know for a fact that I would not be at this Fellowship if it were not for my Princeton education, which the MVS scholarship helped me attain. Thank you so much!

- Kristin Lynch, 2001 Most Valuable Student, Mission Viejo, Calif., Elks Lodge No. 2444