Carthage Golf Outing Raises $70K to Support Athletes, Honors Late Athletic Director

7/1/2021 1:12:00 PM

KENOSHA, Wis. — Honoring the life and legacy of former athletic director Dr. Bob Bonn, the Carthage College athletic department's 2021 golf outing raised $70,000 to support its 28 varsity sports and the student-athlete experience.

Sponsored by Palmen Auto, the 46th annual outing was held Monday at Kenosha Country Club. Nearly 160 people participated in the event, which included lunch, golf, a cocktail reception, and dinner.

The dinner program featured a tribute to Bonn, who passed away in June 2020. As the director of athletics from 1992 to 2018, Bonn raised 117 banners signifying conference championships or top-eight national finishes, while overseeing more than $50 million in facility renovations and building a $3 million endowment.

His wife, Michele, son Ryan, and daughter-in-law Christine were special guests at the event. Bonn's other son, Steven, is a 2010 Carthage graduate.

"Dr. Bonn built a lasting legacy at Carthage and, through his work, touched the lives of so many Carthage student-athletes and families," said Director of Athletics Nate Stewart. "I was honored to have Michele, Ryan, and Christine join us for the dinner as we celebrated the life and achievements at Carthage of Dr. Bonn."

Speakers at the dinner program included Stewart, Carthage President John Swallow, men's volleyball coach JW Kieckhefer, student-athlete Zach Bulthuis, and baseball coach Augie Schmidt. All spoke to Bonn's lasting legacy at Carthage.

There, President Swallow and Carthage trustee Andy Palmen announced that Bob and Michele Bonn will be awarded the Carthage Flame. The college's highest honor, it recognizes outstanding service to the college and the greater community,

The award will be presented as part of the 2021 Homecoming festivities Oct. 15 through 17, in tandem with Bob Bonn's induction into the Carthage Athletic Hall of Fame. Michele Bonn worked as an assistant professor, registrar, and director of advising at Carthage.

The traditional golf outing supports more than 750 student-athletes in the college's NCAA Division III program.

"Thank you to all the golfers, sponsors and dinner guests for making Monday so successful as we raised funds to support our student-athletes," said Stewart. "Your partnership and support will enable Carthage Athletics to continue to grow and reach new heights."

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