Doug Gibson Memorial Golf Tournament

Honoring the Entrepreneurial Spirit of Doug Gibson

In honor of a Brother whose life was cut entirely too short, a close group of Delta Theta Brothers and friends joined forces earlier this year to establish a foundation and scholarship endowment in his name. Brother Doug Gibson, Delta Theta 2005, was always known for his “we can do it” mentality, an entrepreneurial attitude this foundation seeks to honor and celebrate.

Brother Gibson was born on July 3, 1981 to Dennis and Joyce Gibson in Salt Lake City, Utah. Shortly thereafter, the Gibson family moved to Ohio before settling down in Georgia. In 2000, when it was time for Doug to decide where he would attend college, he selected Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina.

During this time, the Chi Phi Fraternity was establishing a brand new Associate Chapter at Clemson. Timing could not have been better for Doug. In the spring of 2003, Doug’s junior year, he accepted a bid to join Delta Theta’s second New Member class and became an official Charter Member that April. While on campus, Brother Gibson made an immediate impact. He had an infectious positive attitude and a ‘we can do it’ life motto that was felt from anyone that had an opportunity to meet and interact with him.

Upon graduation, Doug joined the family business as General Manager of Heritage Charity Auction and Awards in Cumming, Georgia. On January 5, 2014, while on a work trip in Orlando, Doug and his brother Mark were involved in a fatal automobile accident. The loss of Doug and Mark has been devastating and has left a void in the lives of all those that knew them. In honor of Doug’s 40th birthday, his friends, family, and fellow Chi Phi Brothers wanted to create a lasting legacy on Clemson’s campus and within the Delta Theta Chapter so that his motivational spirit would live on forever.

In early 2021, this dedicated group of individuals turned their aspirations into a reality by establishing the Doug Gibson Scholarship Foundation. Later that year the foundation’s president, Brother Kirk Thomas, Delta Theta 2005, engaged the Chi Phi Educational Trust to coordinate the management and distribution of funds. In January of 2022, the Scholarship Foundation and the Educational Trust officially established the Doug Gibson Memorial Endowment, a fund that will provide scholarships and other educational awards to Delta Theta Chapter Brothers as well as Clemson University undergraduate students.

On April 15, 2022, the foundation hosted the first annual Doug Gibson Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit the scholarship endowment. Tournament director Brother Josh Ogulewicz, Delta Theta 2005, coordinated all details of the tournament. Brother Ogulewicz was able to secure the famous Walker Course at Clemson where seventy-two players participated in a shotgun start tournament. Participants included Doug’s family, childhood and college friends, as well as numerous Delta Theta Brothers. Recognition was given to the top three teams along with those individuals who had the longest drive and were closest to the pin. All players were treated with gifts provided by Heritage Charity Auction and Awards.

In addition to the money raised from participants, the tournament was fortunate to have a multitude of additional sponsors and donors. A silent auction was held where individuals had a chance to win items ranging from Clemson paraphernalia to seven-day vacations. Branded items were also available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the scholarship endowment.

When the final numbers were tallied,

over $42,000 was raised, exceeding all expectations. Brother Kirk Thomas recognized the important role Brother Gibson’s family played in helping the foundation surpass its goals. “Much of the success of the tournament goes to Dennis and Joyce Gibson, as well as the entire team at Heritage Charity Auction and Awards, for their generosity to make this tournament better than we could have envisioned.”

“It is such an overwhelming feeling to have one of our wonderful sons recognized in this way. To witness the character and talents of the professionals that took time from their families and jobs to dedicate themselves for this cause means a great deal to us. There’s really no way we can adequately express our heartfelt appreciation to every sponsor, donor, player, and board member.”

- Dennis & Joyce Gibson

Doug’s spirit was a constant presence at the tournament and could be felt throughout the entire weekend. From golf cart to golf cart, stories about Doug could be heard, happy memories prompting lots of smiles and laughter. Educational Trust Executive Director Laura Landry, who was present throughout the weekend said, “While I never had the opportunity to meet Doug, I can clearly see the impact he left on this world through his friends, family, and Delta Theta Brothers, who all represented him throughout the weekend.”

The Educational Trust is honored to work with the Doug Gibson Foundation on establishing this endowment. If the first annual golf tournament is any indication of what Doug’s friends and family are capable of, the future for this scholarship is bright.

There is no question, our friend and Brother Doug would be proud.

Save the date for the 2nd Annual Doug Gibson Memorial Golf Tournament– Saturday, April 15, 2023. The tournament will return to the Walker Course. During the weekend the scholarship foundation will hand out the first two scholarships from the endowment. We hope to see many of you in Tigertown in April. Please contact dhgtourney@gmail.com with questions about the Doug Gibson Memorial Golf Tournament. If you would like to participate or donate to the Doug Gibson Scholarship Endowment, scan the QR code!