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Georgian Court Annual Scholarship and Golf Classic to Support Students and Honor Raymond J. Shea Jr.

shadow of man playing Georgian Court golf classic in golf shoes
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On May 2, fun on the Battleground Country Club in Manalapan, New Jersey, supports Georgian Court University students. The location for GCU’s Annual Scholarship and Golf Classic is new, but the cause marks a longstanding commitment to making college accessible—and affordable—for students.

There is something for everyone at the golf classic—golfers, event sponsors, or those who simply would like to enjoy the company of GCU alumni and friends for dinner. And once again, it’s all for a good cause.

“Nearly every GCU student receives some form of financial aid, so support from sponsors and golfers makes an immediate and important impact,” said GCU President Joseph R. Marbach, Ph.D., noting all proceeds from the outing will benefit students. The outing is in its 26th year and has raised money to support hundreds of worthy students through the years.

At the classic, Georgian Court will also honor the memory and legacy of Raymond J. Shea Jr., a former GCU trustee, with the Joseph E. Buckelew Civic Service Award.

“Ray was an incredible part of the Georgian Court community, providing leadership as the chair and vice chair of our Board of Trustees,” said Matt Manfra, GCU vice president for institutional advancement. A co-owner of Laurita Winery, a land-use lawyer, and a former mayor of Jackson Township, among many other activities, Mr. Shea was very community-minded and a tremendous friend to GCU.

“To honor his life and his legacy, GCU established the Raymond F. Shea Memorial Scholarship, which will be given to a student who embodies Ray’s traits as a true servant leader,” Mr. Manfra added.

Golf Classic Expands Possibility

Scholarship assistance is especially important at Georgian Court, which—as part of its mission—offers upward of $18 million in institutional aid to students, about 36 percent of whom are the first in their families to attend college. The fundraising effort is especially important given than 40 percent of Georgian Court students come from lower-income households.

This year’s event is made possible by participating golfers and a host of event supporters, including:

There’s still time to be part of the Georgian Court Annual Scholarship and Golf Classic! Click here for a schedule of the Classic’s events and opportunities to participate.

Story contributed by freelance writer Sheila Noonan. 

Aerial view of GCU.

About Georgian Court University

Georgian Court University is a leading regional university that provides a transformative education, preparing students for ethical leadership and service in the Catholic Mercy tradition. Founded in 1908 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court University is Central and South Jersey’s only Catholic university. The university has a strong liberal arts core and a historic special concern for women.

As a forward-thinking university that supports diversity and academic excellence, GCU is known for expanding possibility for more than 1,900 students of all faiths and backgrounds in 35+ undergraduate majors and 10+ graduate programs. The GCU Lions compete in 16 NCAA Division II sports in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC). In 2020, GCU was named a Best Value College by Money.com and a Best Bang for the Buck (Northeast) by Washington Monthly. High student retention and graduation rates make GCU a Top Performer on Social Mobility on U.S. News & World Reports rankings, and in 2024, GCU was named one of the best Online Master’s Colleges in New Jersey.

The main campus is in Lakewood, New Jersey, on the picturesque former George Jay Gould estate, a National Historic Landmark. Georgian Court, which is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, also serves students through its Center for Professional Studies, and at other locations, including GCU at Brookdale, and through multiple online degree and certificate programs.