The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund
Barbara & Jack Nicklaus Honored MAY 14, 2007
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“Golf’s Greatest Couple,” Barbara and Jack Nicklaus, share the podium.
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Serving as Master of Ceremonies for the Annual Banquet was Charlie Mechem, LPGA Commissioner Emeritus. Charlie Mechem first served as Ouimet Banquet Master of Ceremonies in 2004 when Nancy Lopez was the honoree. He is one of the most respected people in golf, and has been deeply involved with Mr. Nicklaus in many business and civic activities.
Barbara and Jack Nicklaus, long considered “Golf's Greatest Couple,” were the guest speakers and honored with the 12th Francis Ouimet Award for Lifelong Contributions to Golf at our 58th Annual Banquet. The banquet was held Monday, May 14, 2007 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in front of a record audience of 2,100!
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Charlie Mechem, Master of Ceremonies, led the evening’s schedule with class. |
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All in attendance were touched by the words of John Hines, speaking of his late wife, Ellen |
In a special presentation, a permanently endowed scholarship was created in the name of Boston native Ellen Hines, who died of cancer in April of 2005. Mrs. Hines was a Regis College graduate and former Boston area teacher who lived for many years in the Columbus, Ohio and Jupiter Island, Florida areas. She and her husband John Hines were long time friends of Mr. and Mrs. Nicklaus.
The Ouimet Fund also announced a new record for annual scholarships of $1.3 Million in 2007-2008. It was an increase of $150,000, from the $1.15 Million awarded to 329 students in 2006-2007.
Tom Martin, a Ouimet Director and President of Cramer Productions, was presented with the Richard F. Connolly, Jr. Distinguished Service Award. Mr. Martin's company produces the videos and presentations for these banquets along with many Ouimet video projects. Another highlight of each Annual Banquet is the Student Speaker. This year, Andrew Bartlett of Woodland Golf Club, the Franklin Park Caddie Scholars Program, and Providence College spoke the same week as his college graduation.
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Tom Martin, receives the 2007 Richard F. Connolly Distinguished Service Award. |
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Ouimet Fund Trustee, Dick Connolly, thanks Charlie Mechem, the evening's Master of Ceremonies. |
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Andrew Bartlett, remarks on his experiences as a caddie, a Ouimet Scholar, and now a Ouimet Alumnus. |
*All photos courtesy of Tony Cammarata, AerialBoston.
Previous Honorees:
2006 Peter Jacobsen
2005 Greg Norman
2004 Nancy Lopez
2003 Chi Chi Rodriguez
2002 Former President George H.W. Bush
2001 Ken Venturi & Eddie Lowery
2000 Curtis Strange
1999 Ben Crenshaw
1998 Gene Sarazen
1997 Arnold Palmer