June 27, 2011
There was a different feeling in the air at the 4th Annual Father
Dorr Golf Classic.
If you took a quick look you’d think that everything was pretty
much the same. The course at the Garden City Country Club was as
beautiful as ever, the camaraderie among the over 180 alumni and
friends in attendance was filled with smiles and laughter and the
post-golf reception was a great place to end another wonderful St.
John’s event.
Photo Gallery
What made
this year’s Classic a bit more special was that it honored the
memory of Robert Chrenc ’66CBA, ’06HON, a past Chairman and
longtime committee member of this popular outing since it began as
the Newman Golf Classic nearly a quarter-century ago. Chrenc was
one of St. John’s most loyal and dedicated alumni, and so it was
entirely fitting that he was remembered at an activity that meant
so much to him.
“Bob was so enthusiastic about everything that had to do with St.
John’s,” noted his wife Susan. “He always looked forward to this
event, and spent more than 20 years doing whatever he could to help
make it a success. He believed in St. John’s mission and was a
strong supporter of scholarships to help today’s students, which is
one of the main reasons for this tournament. Our family is so
honored and thrilled that Bob is being remembered today in this
way.”
Chrenc was a genuinely popular man who made friends wherever he
went, both inside and outside of his St. John’s family. It was not
surprising to see many of his business and professional colleagues
in attendance to support the cause that was so high on his list of
priorities.
Although not a St. John’s alumnus, John LaBarca was happy to be a
part of this special day. “Today is particularly memorable for me
because of Bob Chrenc,” he said. “We were partners in business,
friends on the golf course and our families are friends as well.
Bob brought me to this event twice in the past three years, which
is why I’m here again for the third time. I know that Bob is with
us, even if not in person. When it comes to the Fr. Dorr Golf
Classic, he’ll always be with us.”
In addition to offering an opportunity for alumni and friends to
come together for a day of golf and socialization, the Classic has
always been about raising money for scholarships to assist
deserving St. John’s students. Since it’s inception it has
generated more than $3.5 million for this worthy cause, reflecting
the University’s Vincentian mission of caring and concern for
others.
Chairman Joseph F. D’Angelo ’52CBA, ’88HON is a strong believer in
the importance of helping students who might otherwise not realize
their dream of a St. John’s education.
“I’m happy that Fr. Dorr asked me to be Chairperson this year,” he
said. “I’ve known Fr. Dorr for nearly 24 years and I’ve
been involved with him and this golf outing since its very first
day. Everybody loves Fr. Dorr, and this event is a real tribute to
him and his personality. For me, I really support scholarships for
St. John’s students, which is what this event is all about. I’m a
strong believer in scholarships, and do whatever I can, personally
and professionally, to keep them coming. I’m a St. John’s guy all
the way, and if I can do something to help today’s students enjoy
the benefits of the same great education that I had, I’m all for
it.”
As the evening drew to a close, an obviously happy Rev. James F.
Dorr, C.M. ’79GEd, grew thoughtful as he looked back on yet another
successful Classic. “You know,” he recalled, “when somebody came to
me 24 years ago and suggested that we get some alumni together to
play golf and raise money for scholarships, I never thought that
we’d still be doing this so many years later. I’m so proud and
humbled by the dedication of everyone who comes out here, year
after year, to reach out to help our students. Of course, today is
particularly special for me, because I knew Bob Chrenc for so many
years. He was always there to help make this outing a success, and
I know he’s looking down and smiling at us right now.”