The Professional Golf Association (PGA) Golf Management Program at UCCS is celebrating its twentieth year with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 30.
The ceremony will take place from 4-5:30 p.m. to commemorate both the anniversary and the unveiling of the renovated area “Ed’s Place,” located in Dwire Hall.
“Ed’s Place” is named in memory of beloved Ed Kelbel, the former program director who served from 2008 until his death in 2012.
“Most importantly, we have the opportunity to honor an incredible individual in former Program Director Ed Kelbel by proudly renaming the room to ‘Ed’s Place.’ As we developed this concept, we wanted to encapsulate one of Ed’s most defining characteristics with this room: being welcoming to all. In turn, ‘Ed’s Place’ will be known as the place where everyone belongs.”
“For me, this evolution is very personal, as I have been a part of this program for 15 of the program’s first 19 years, as both a student and staff member. Ed was a great mentor and friend to me and so many others, and now we get to perpetuate his legacy with the opening of ‘Ed’s Place,’” said Mark Bacheldor, current PGA Program Director.
The new space will enrich the program through several aspects, as it will serve as the area for the Alumni Hall of Fame, alumni showcase, Club Repair Lab, donor highlights, learning laboratory and collaboration space.
“We are ecstatic to finally showcase the renovation of this space, knowing that it will serve as a center point for the program, the students and our golf community,” Bacheldor said.
The PGA Golf Management Program was established in 2003 and is one of only eight programs in the nation that is both Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and PGA accredited, in addition to being the only such program in Colorado. Graduates from the program have a 100% job-placement rate after graduation and eligibility for election into the PGA as a PGA Golf Professional.
The program also partners with the local Pine Creek Golf Club, where PGA students enjoy full membership and the ability to play unlimited golf during fall and spring semesters. Students partake in full-time internships at various golf clubs around the nation, along with the opportunity to attend seminars and tournaments.
In honor of the PGA’s anniversary, campus and the community can support future initiatives by making a gift to the program.
About the UCCS College of Business
The College of Business was established in 1965 and has more than 1,300 undergraduates and 350 MBA students. The College of Business and Administration awards the Bachelor of Science in Business and Bachelor of Innovation degrees. The Graduate School of Business Administration awards the Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Accounting and Executive Doctor of Business Administration degrees. More than 10,000 alumni of the College of Business live and work around the world. Learn more about the College of Business at UCCS.