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About
The John Shippen Memorial Golf Foundation
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Welcome to the John Shippen Memorial Golf Foundation, a tribute to the enduring legacy of John Matthew Shippen, Jr., the first African American and American-born golf professional to play in a U.S. Golf Association (USGA) Open in 1896. Founded under the visionary leadership of Thurman Simmons, Sr., and Co-Chair Ruby Simmons, our foundation has dedicated decades to preserving Shippen's remarkable contributions to the world of golf and empowering the next generation of African American golfers.
Board Members
Thurman Simmons, Sr., serves as the Chair of the foundation, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to our mission. Alongside him, Ruby Simmons as Co-Chair/Scholarship plays a pivotal role in guiding our initiatives and ensuring Shippen's legacy remains vibrant and impactful. Together, they have received accolades such as the Scotch Plains Township "Couple Volunteer of the Year – 2015” and a Joint Legislative Resolution from the State of New Jersey, showcasing their dedication and commitment to our cause.
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Karen Denise Simmons: Karen brings her expertise and passion for community engagement, enriching our outreach efforts and partnerships.
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Thurman P. Simmons Jr.: Thurman Jr. carries forward the family legacy, contributing his insights and energy to our foundation's growth and impact.
Key Members:
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Steve Steinbergher (Treasurer): With a keen eye for financial stewardship, Steve ensures our resources are managed effectively to support our mission.
Honorary Members:
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Rose Harper Elder (CEO, The Glass Ceiling): As an honorary member, Rose's leadership and vision inspire us to break barriers and reach new heights.
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Irene Schmidt (former Mayor of Scotch Plains, NJ): Irene's dedication to our community and advocacy for our cause are invaluable assets to our foundation.
The John Shippen Memorial Golf Foundation, established in 1996 as a 501c non-profit organization, is dedicated to honoring and preserving John Matthew Shippen's impactful legacy in golf. As the first African American golf professional to compete in the US Open and a longstanding figure at The Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, Shippen's contributions inspire us to promote diversity and excellence in the golf industry.
Our mission centers on two key initiatives. Firstly, we aim to support young African American golfers in their journey towards a professional golf career, providing opportunities for participation in PGA/USGA tournaments. Secondly, we offer scholarships to graduating seniors who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and a passion for golf, empowering them to pursue higher education and golf at the collegiate level.
Our Mission
We envision a future where African American participation in golf flourishes, fueled by our foundation's efforts to increase interest among minority youth. We aim to expand our scholarship program, provide monetary grants, support the John Shippen Youth Golf Academy (JSYGA), and facilitate participation in PGA/USGA tournaments. Through these initiatives, we aspire to promote diversity, equality, and excellence in the game of golf.
Our Vision
At the John Shippen Memorial Golf Foundation, we uphold the values of historical preservation, education, and community engagement. We value the historical significance of John Matthew Shippen and strive to educate others about his contributions to the game of golf. Additionally, we promote civility, decency, and equality through golf, fostering a love for the sport among African American youth and nurturing its traditions and characteristics.
Join us in celebrating the legacy of John Matthew Shippen and supporting the future of African American golfers. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the world of golf and inspire generations to come.
Our Values
