THE
ALUMNI REVIEW
“Memphis has a world-class business industry and we are striving to continue this legacy. But we can’t just talk about being the best … we have to act upon our words.” Michael Cook, founder and CEO of SouthernSun Asset Management, who established the Cook Trading Lab with his wife, Jennifer.
FEATURE STORIES
ON THE RECORD
ALUMNI ACTIVITIES
CLASS NOTES
IN MEMORIAM
Tee time By Gabrielle Maxey
On a steamy Thursday morning in July, members of The First Tee of Memphis haul golf equipment across a field under the smokestack of the former Firestone plant in north Memphis, setting up a putting clinic for youngsters from First Baptist Church Broad Street.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE FIRST TEE, a youth mentoring program that teaches life skills through the game of golf. It’s located in a roomy trailer at the old Firestone site. As important as teaching golf skills is, First Tee stresses nine core values to its young participants: honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility, courtesy, sportsmanship, confidence, judgment and perseverance. The program includes lessons, tournaments and volunteerism. Etiquette is expected and respected. Players must know the rules, keep
“Your next shot is always your best shot,” says Nyrone Hawkins, executive director of The First Tee of Memphis. “It’s not about obstacles, but about how you handle them.” The program began as the Mid-South Jr. Golf Association in 1991 at Pine Hill Golf Course. (Photos by Rhonda Cosentino)
shirts tucked in, shake hands firmly. “Working with the youth of Memphis has always been a passion of mine,” says First Tee’s
had nonprofit experience.” Hawkins, who sports a “Tiger for Life” golf
community and the meaning of responsibility and respect. One of our nine core values is
executive director Nyrone Hawkins, a Tiger
shirt, admits he wasn’t really a golfer before he
perseverance, and learning to play golf you are
football player from 1988-92. Hawkins had
came to First Tee. “I did know the language and
going to need it, trust me. Perseverance is also
been working in the nonprofit sector for several
some rules, but my skills set was youth and a
needed to be successful at most anything in life;
years, including positions at Binghampton
knowledge of nonprofits.”
once you get it you tend to keep using it. We
Neighborhood School, Taylor Brown Garden
The First Tee provides opportunities for
start our youth out with setting personal ‘pars.’ A
Group Home and Just Care Family. “I heard
young people to experience a positive, safe place
personal par is a small goal that can be obtained
The First Tee of Memphis was looking for an
surrounded by caring adults, says Hawkins (BLS
with little help from others. It’s your goal so it is
executive director. I knew the game of golf and
’07). “They learn the value of giving back to their
personal. Next we build from personal pars to
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