WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — The University of Hartford Department of Athletics celebrated the 43rd Annual Roger Poe Golf Classic this past week, raising an event-record $84,000 to help support the Hawks' 17 Division I athletic programs. Thanks to the generosity of Hartford's donors, sponsors, family and friends, the Poe — presented by JCJ Architecture — set records in both dollars raised and attendance, as 240 golfers enjoyed a beautiful day at Blackledge Country Club on Sept. 17.
 
"Once again our donors, partners, friends and the Hartford community demonstrated they are committed to the Hawks," Director of Athletics Mary Ellen Gillespie said. "They are the true difference-makers in helping make possible our goal of changing lives and building leaders. From record-breaking attendance to raising over $84,000 – this will help us enhance the student-athlete experience and help take the Hawks to the next level."
 
The field featured a number of former Hartford student-athletes who came back to support the Hawks, while many of Hartford's current student-athletes donated their time to volunteer for the event.
 
The Roger Poe Golf Classic is the department's largest event of the year, primarily supporting the Athletic Impact Fund, which provides vital services to the Hawks' 380 student-athletes.
 
"With the rising costs of competing at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics, the Roger Poe golf outing becomes even more critical for our student-athletes and our department," Gillespie said. "We are so appreciative of the tremendous support we received from our donors, alumni, fans, Letterwinners and community partners."
 
Next year's Roger Poe Golf Classic will be held on Monday, Sept. 16. For more information on the Poe or to become a Poe sponsor for 2019, please contact Hawk Nation Club Director Ed Owens at eowens@hartford.edu, or at 860-768-4620. For more information on the Hawk Nation Club, or to make a gift to Hartford Athletics, please visit www.hartfordhawks.com/hnc.