DRACUT, Mass. – UMass Lowell Athletics hosted its annual Nine and Dine Golf Tournament on May 4 at Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut. The event capped off another successful year of partnership between the athletics department and its more than 70 corporate sponsors, who help support the River Hawks' 400+ student-athletes.
 
"Our support from our corporate partners has allowed us to maintain our goals of striving for excellence, giving our student-athletes a great experience and competing for championships," said Senior Associate Athletic Director for Corporate Partnerships and Development Eric Allen. "Our staff and coaches understand how important these relationships are to our department and we consider all of them an extension of our team. This event gives us all a chance to spend a few hours together in a relaxed setting and get to know one another a little better. The more we can learn about their company and they can learn about our programs and teams, the stronger the partnerships become."
 
The success of the River Hawks' athletic teams at the Division I level has allowed the department to attract local, regional and national corporate partners. The Nine and Dine Tournament was created to allow UMass Lowell corporate sponsors, coaches and staff to get to know one another, giving sponsors the opportunity to learn more about the athletic teams, while sharing more about their companies, as well.
 
"Jeanne D'Arc is always excited to support UMass Lowell and the athletic department," explained President and CEO Mark Cochran. "We feel that they add a lot of value to the community through what they do as individual athletes and what the teams do to inspire greatness among all of us. So we're glad to be on the team and be part of all that."
 
This year's event included over 80 attendees from several area companies for a day of golf and a special luncheon.
 
"Events like today's are super important to have that face-time with the different individuals and leaders within UMass Lowell," added UKG Sales Executive and UMass Lowell alum Steve Alabiso. "We want to continue to give back to the university and see that partnership go both ways, so being able to come out and have a fun day on the golf course is just an awesome opportunity to build that network. You never know who you can help down the road and vice versa."
 
For more information on how you can join the UMass Lowell Athletics Corporate Partner family, contact Jon Healy at Jonathan_Healy@uml.edu or 978-551-2968.