New Western Golf Association Partnership to Support Professional Development for Caddies

(RELEASE) — The Western Golf Association’s (WGA) acclaimed Evans Scholars Foundation (ESF) has established a formal partnership with Plante Moran, one of the largest public accounting and business advisory firms in the nation, as part of the continued efforts to support Evans Scholars through the Career Services Program.

Both companies are working together to provide personalized career counsel and a continuum of support to Evans Scholars along their journey from caddie, to college, to career.

The partnership that was formalized in January of 2022 includes the opportunity for Evans Scholars to engage with Plante Moran leaders through virtual and in-person workshops as well as career training, networking sessions and mentoring.

“We are thrilled to be strengthening our relationship with Plante Moran to help our Evans Scholars and young Alumni across the country,” said John Kaczkowski, WGA/ESF President and CEO. “As we build our Career Services Program and offer our Scholars more professional resources, Plante Moran is joining with us to ensure our students are fully prepared to enter the workforce.”

The relationship between Plante Moran and the Evans Scholars Foundation has grown over the years with Plante Moran providing career opportunities for Evans Scholars after they have graduated from college. Among the current Plante Moran leaders are Evans Scholars Alumni Jason Drake (MSU ’00), group managing partner, and Ted Morgan (MSU ’99), management consulting partner.

“Plante Moran and the Evans Scholars Foundation have a long history of making a positive impact on the lives of young people with a mutual commitment to providing opportunities for professional development,” said Jason Drake. “As Ted and I learned in the caddie yard and through the Scholarship House, the power of the Evans Scholars community is second to none.”

When the WGA/ESF’s long-range plan was unveiled in 2020, one of the eight ambitious goals set for 2030 is preparing 100% of Evans Scholars graduates for the next leg of their journey. The dedication of leaders from WGA/ESF and Plante Moran ensures that the pursuit of this goal can be realized.

“The life-long skills that are developed through caddying - combined with the focus of Plante Moran to nurture and grow leaders from all backgrounds - make this partnership a perfect fit,” said Ted Morgan. “Communication, work ethic, collaboration and problem-solving are all essential to the success of both the Evans Scholars Program and Plante Moran.”