June 4, 2004
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - More than 300 supporters of Purdue women's athletics gathered Friday at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex for the Schleman-Hovde Classic, to play golf, socialize and celebrate another exciting year of Boilermaker sports.
Following an afternoon on the links of the Kampen and Ackerman Hills courses and a dinner under the tent, several administrators and coaches gave update reports, including Purdue President Dr. Martin Jischke, volleyball coach Dave Shondell, women's basketball coach Kristy Curry and Athletics Director Morgan Burke.
The Black Coat Award, given annually to John Purdue Club members who have demonstrated outstanding support and loyalty to Purdue women's athletics, was presented to William Connors of West Lafayette.
A longtime John Purdue Club member and Boilermaker backer, Connors is the president and CEO of Purdue Employees Federal Credit Union. Through PEFCU, Connors has been a champion for various women's teams. PEFCU is a corporate partner of the Purdue volleyball and softball programs.
The Schleman-Hovde Classic is the kick-off event for the annual John Purdue Weekend festivities. John Purdue Day on Saturday includes an open round of golf in the morning and a celebrity scramble in the afternoon. The John Purdue Club serves as host for the two-day event to honor and entertain its members.