Graduating seniors recognized for academic, leadership achievement
GLENVIEW, Ill. – Evans Scholars from the University of Washington and Michigan State University were named the Program’s most outstanding graduating seniors during the Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation’s annual meeting for volunteer leadership on Monday, July 10, at Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, Illinois.
Michelle Garcia of Washington and Andrew Hendren of Michigan State were honored as the 2023 Evans Scholars of the Year, the most prestigious title a student can earn within the Evans Scholars Program.
Michelle Garcia is from Los Angeles, California, and caddied at Indian Hill Club in Winnetka, Illinois, as a participant in the WGA Caddie Academy. She graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in public and global health and earned a 3.7 GPA. Garcia served as vice president of New Scholars and as the first female president of the Washington Evans Scholars chapter. She also worked as a certified nursing assistant throughout her college career and was a summer intern with the WGA Caddie Academy. Garcia plans to pursue a career in healthcare.
She says, “Words will never be able to express the extent of my gratitude. I am so thankful to have been a recipient of the Evans Scholarship. Without it, I would not have been able to attend the college of my dreams. The scholarship is part of an amazing community and truly makes a difference in the lives of young adults across the nation.”
Andrew Hendren is from Royal Oak, Michigan, and caddied at Red Run Golf Club. He graduated with degrees in finance and psychology from Michigan State University and earned a 3.9 GPA. Hendren served as vice president of finance and president of the Michigan State Evans Scholars chapter. He also received the 2023 Golf Association of Michigan’s James D. Standish Award, which recognizes an outstanding upperclassman at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan based on scholarship and leadership in chapter affairs. Hendren will attend Indiana University this fall to pursue his law degree and serve as a Graduate Resident Advisor at the Indiana Evans Scholars chapter.
He says, “Four years ago I was fortunate enough to receive the Evans Scholarship. Without the support of the Evans Scholars Foundation and everyone at Red Run Golf Club, attending Michigan State would have never been possible. I’m thankful to have been able to grow as a leader, speaker and student during my time as an Evans Scholar.”
“Our Evans Scholars of the Year demonstrated tremendous academic excellence and leadership throughout their college careers in both their Scholarship Houses and communities,” said WGA President and CEO John Kaczkowski. “We are extremely proud of how Michelle and Andrew have represented the Evans Scholars Program and look forward to supporting them in the next step of their journeys.”
Evans Scholars are caddies who have earned a full, four-year tuition and housing grant based on their strong caddie record, excellent academics, financial need and outstanding character. The Evans Scholars Program has been run by the Western Golf Association since its founding in 1930. This fall, a record 1,130 caddies will be enrolled at 24 partner universities nationwide as Evans Scholars, and more than 12,000 caddies have graduated since the program began.