Maintaining existing relationships and fostering new ones is a primary task of the DSU Heritage Foundation. Each February, that mission takes foundation staff to the desert for the annual Arizona Alumni and Friends event.
“Arizona is a winter destination for many Dickinson State alumni and friends and the Foundation believes it’s important to maintain relationships with those individuals,” DSU Heritage Foundation Executive Director Ty Orton said. “They appreciate the fellowship and entertainment the event provides.”
This year’s event was the largest yet. Held February 18-20 in the Phoenix area, it culminated with the Alumni and Friends social and recognition dinner at Superstition Springs Golf Course in Mesa. One hundred DSU friends, spouses, and family members attended. The 2024 Arizona Golf Difference Maker Award was presented to Rob Bollinger ’74. Rob’s son Brooks, a former New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys quarterback and representative of Bell Bank gave a heartfelt speech on his dad’s behalf during dinner. Bell Bank was the primary event sponsor in 2023 and 2024.
Recently retired board members Bob Green and Dodie Birdsall were presented with a custom monogrammed DSU Heritage Foundation bag. “We wanted to do something to recognize the hard work and dedication that Rob and the other board members have made to the Foundation’s growth during their time of service. We appreciate what they have done for and will continue to do for Dickinson State University,” Orton said.
While golf was the centerpiece of the gathering, it wasn’t just for golfers. Festivities began on Sunday at O.S.H.O. Brewery in downtown Phoenix. The DSU Heritage Foundation Alumni Committee launched the event to appeal to those who do not golf and new alumni.
Activities on Monday shifted to Top Golf in Gilbert, where 60 alumni and friends – including graduates from the 1960s to 2022 tried their hand at golf before gathering for a social that didn’t end until staff asked everyone to leave at closing time.
On Tuesday morning, 17 teams teed it up under the warm desert sun at Superstition Springs Golf Course in Mesa. When the last putt dropped, the team of Tim Priebe, Jackie Priebe, Alex Priebe, and Austin Enning took home championship bragging rights.
Golf Winners:
1st (pictured above): Tim Priebe, Jackie Priebe, Alex Priebe, Austin Enning
4th: Rob Bollinger '74, Kent Jesperson '75, Ev Nelson '77, Mike Tschetter '76
8th: Bob Green '71, Fred Fridley Sr. '66, Curt Honeyman, Cory Lohse
12th: Cal Wandrey, Rich Brinkman, Tod Brinkman, Don Connel
Last: Willie Winn, Billie Winn, Doug Braun, Evon Braun
Closest to the pin: Blake Wilkins
Longest putt: Kaye Orton
Longest drive: Jordan Bancraft
Scheels gift card: Bob Green ’71
Go to www.dsuheritagefoundation.org to find out more about the foundation and its events.
By Scooter Pursley
DSU Heritage Foundation Communication Specialist