The Molloy University Annual Golf Classic set a fundraising record, bringing together more than 200 golfers at The Seawane Club and Rockaway Hunting Club to support student scholarships and financial assistance programs.
The outing, which has been held for about 30 years, continued its tradition of combining golf, philanthropy and community support for Molloy students. Held July 20, the Golf Classic raised approximately $320,000 for student scholarships and attracted about 230 golfers across the two neighboring clubs.
During the evening reception, attendees also contributed about $34,000 to Molloy’s Student Success Fund, which assists students facing unexpected financial hardships.
Ed Thompson, Molloy’s vice president for advancement, said this year’s event was the most successful Golf Classic in the university’s history.
“We broke the record,” Thompson said. “Every year we go up a little, and this year we continued to go up a little.”
Thompson said the fund helps students when emergencies or unforeseen circumstances create financial obstacles that could affect their education.
“The best part of this golf outing is everyone’s having a good time, but they know that they’re there for a larger purpose,” Thompson said. “People are very generous.”
Golfers played at both The Seawane Club in Hewlett and Rockaway Hunting Club in Lawrence, which have hosted the event together for several years.
This year’s Golf Classic honored Chris Vene and Cynthia Costanzo Metzger for their contributions and connection to Molloy. When selecting honorees, Thompson said the university seeks individuals with strong ties to the school, including alumni, former employees and members of the business community who have supported its mission.
Vene is a prominent golf industry executive, entrepreneur, and community leader who serves as the general manager and co-owner of the Baiting Hollow Golf Club. He has a well-established footprint in Long Island’s golf community, maintaining ownership stakes in multiple regional courses—including The Vineyards Golf Club—and co-owning Parkland Golf Maintenance, a business that services nearly a dozen local clubs.
In 2021, Vene expanded his portfolio by partnering with Anthony Lomangino to purchase and revive the 132-acre Great Rock Golf Club in Wading River.
“He said, ‘I always hire Molloy alumni. These are the most hard-working, nice, bright kids,’” Thompson said.
Metzger is a dedicated higher education leader, community advocate, and prominent alumna of Molloy, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 2009. She spent over 20 years advancing the university’s mission by cultivating strategic partnerships, expanding student scholarship opportunities, and leading major institutional events.
Metzger is also deeply involved in local civic organizations, notably serving as an active board member for the Friends of Senior Services.
“She’s one of our own,” Thompson said. “She did a lot over the years to rally corporate support for Molloy. And it was right and appropriate and fun for us to recognize her and honor her.”
