With some help from SNHU faculty and staff, student Eric Chabot has been able to invigorate a golf program he played in as a child.

A finance and accounting major, Eric was appointed manager of Androscoggin Valley Country Club’s youth golf program two years ago. Making the program more kid-friendly and finding funding were his top priorities.

“I wanted kids to enjoy this program,” he says. “Every year a lot of golfing scholarships go unclaimed, and this program gives kids a chance to excel in this area.”

 Eric turned to his finance professor, Dr. Diane Lander, for advice. Their conversation led them to Dr. Doug Blais, sport management chair, and SNHU’s Institutional Advancement office. Blais suggested submitting a grant proposal to the United States Golf Association. Institutional Advancement staff members Stephanie Bergeron and Cathy LaForge worked closely with Eric on the proposal.

 “They really helped me get things rolling,” Chabot says. “They helped me write the grant request and were there for the interview.  Without the initial support from SNHU there is no way this goal could have been achieved.”

 The grant was approved in May 2008 and Eric launched the new-and-improved program the following June. He is currently pushing to make this program officially non-profit for next summer and is always trying to find ways to better improve the program.

“Golf teaches kids about life lessons, etiquette, respect and an overall love of the game,” he says.