Funding the Future
At the time of his passing, Ed Hoard was working with the University of Georgia and several Athens youth organization to set up a First Tee program in the community. To honor his memory, his wife Kathy Hoard established the Ed Hoard Memorial First Tee Scholarship Fund to help youth who have previously completed a First Tee program gain a college education at the University of Georgia.
“This scholarship has served as a major component in affording deserving young recipients the chance to have confidence in themselves, achieve their goal of a first-class education and contribute at the highest level to society. My planned gift will help ensure that the scholarship will continue to meet and enhance its goals long after I am no longer here,” Kathy said.
Development officers at UGA showed Kathy how planned giving can ensure the scholarship fund continues helping students for generations to come.
“I don’t think I have made a financial decision that has ever provided a sense of fulfillment greater than this one,” Kathy said.
Donor’s Impact Goes Far Beyond the Ordinary
By establishing the Ed Hoard Memorial First Tee Scholarship Fund in the wake of her husband’s passing, Kathy Hoard has truly built a legacy; ensuring his memory will impact students at the University of Georgia for many years to come. A well-respected PGA golf professional and community member, Ed Hoard valued the sport of golf as a tool to teach life skills and the benefits of giving back to others to youth in the program.
Kathy used Ed’s life insurance to set up the fund, and now, after Kathy established a planned gift of her own to benefit the fund, the scholarship and its impact will continue far into the future.
Donor Kathy Hoard takes a walk with scholarship recipient Mason Howard on campus.
“The knowledge that this scholarship will be in existence for many years into the future well after I am gone brings me much happiness. It is an ideal tribute to my husband, serving as a lasting memorial to him and his life’s work; to those whose gifts have enhanced its value; and to the deserving young people whose lives are enriched by its existence.”
– Kathy Hoard
Witnessing Ed’s Legacy Firsthand
Kathy has seen the extraordinary impact of the scholarship; in the years since creating the fund, she has made it a point to meet the recipients and witness her husband’s legacy in each of their stories. According to one of those recipients, Ellyzsa Valencia (BS ’21, MAT ’22), the impact the scholarship has had on her education is invaluable.
“The difference this scholarship made in my life as a student was that I felt like I mattered—that I wasn’t just a number or statistic. There were people, outside of my family, who cared whether I was able to get the education I desired,” said Valencia.
Another such recipient, Mason Howard ’25, met up with Kathy to tell her in person how thankful he was for the opportunities available to him now. “Without Mrs. Kathy’s help, I wouldn’t be here at my dream university,” he said. “She has given me a chance to pursue my dreams and has lifted a burden off mine and my parents’ shoulders.”
“In thinking of the important actions I have taken in my life, the creation of this scholarship has been one of the most meaningful. I would encourage anyone who would like to create a lasting legacy for oneself or a loved one to consider connecting with the University of Georgia Foundation to learn about the resources they have to offer. I don’t believe you will be disappointed.” – Kathy Hoard
“This scholarship is truly one of the best things to happen to me—not just at UGA, but in my entire life. There are plenty of benefits that come with this scholarship, and I am forever grateful for all of them, but none of them will ever live up to everything that Mrs. Kathy means to me as a role model and mentor.” – Mason Howard
