Robert is was in my foursome playing in the first annual IEEE PES Scholarship Plus Golf Outing here at the Shingle Creek Golf Course in Orlando. (Photo - Robert Sheffield, Mark O'Conner, Mike Beehler, & Rick - still having fun after an ugly round of golf)
Along with Robert (who hits it long in many directions) I played with Mike Beehler, Vice President with Burns & McDonnell and Mark O'Conner , Sales Manager with Trimble Energy Solutions. I didn't swing the club that well and our foursome didn't put up anywhere near the lowest score. But at the end of the day we made new friends and had a great time on a beautiful day.
Robert was the only student I met that was golfing. Most of the golfers are here to support the “Roberts” who will determine the future of IEEE and the future of our T&D Industry. Judging by comments from fellow golfers, this inaugural event will have legs. Expect to see a similar fund-raising event at the General Meeting coming up in San Diego.
At the luncheon, I chatted with the effervescent Wanda Reder (our very own former IEEE PES President) who has taken the lead to kick off the Scholarship program (of which this fund raiser is a small part). If I recall correctly, more than 100 scholarships have been awarded this year at some 50 colleges and universities who offer power programs.
Today wasn't my best day on the golf course. I hooked a few and shanked some more. And my partners had their “moments” too. But the reason for our being here, the Scholarship Plus Initiative is a true “Hole-in-One” .
