University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville Athletics thrilled to announce Mike Whan as Keynote Speaker for “Our Turn To Play” Scholarship Dinner
03.14.2022 | Athletics News
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The "Our Turn to Play" Scholarship Dinner, in its 17th year of existence, has become a signature UNC Asheville event that allows the UNC Asheville community to gather and celebrate the achievements of women in both athletics and life, and to raise scholarship funds which directly support our UNC Asheville female student-athletes. Annually, UNC Asheville invites an individual known for their work, advocacy, and achievements in the women's sports world to be the keynote speaker. This year, we are ecstatic to announce former commissioner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and current CEO of the United States Golf Association (USGA) Mike Whan, as our keynote speaker.
Originally slated to speak at the event in 2020 before it was canceled due to the global pandemic, Whan has been at the forefront of the growth in coverage, funding, and support around women's sports, specifically women's golf.
As the longest-tenured LPGA commissioner, Whan was a driving factor in the growth and rebuilding of one of the longest-running and most successful women's sports organizations in the world. Focusing on making the game more accessible for girls, Whan not only increased LPGA purses to over $60 million, but television coverage hours peaked above 400 hours for the first time ever (Sports Business Journal). He also created the "See Why It's Different Out Here" marketing campaign, which highlighted the unique personalities of the LPGA players.
Currently, Whan leads the USGA team and their initiative to advance the game of golf by organizing global championships, broadening accessibility, and driving sustainability. Even in his new role, Whan continues to prioritize the women's game as he aims to introduce a women's USA Development Team (USA Today), which he believes will be a huge opportunity to further develop young female golfers and give them the chance to compete at an elite level internationally.
With the 2022 dinner occurring in accordance with the 50th anniversary of Title IX, you will not want to miss Whan and this special event! For more information about purchasing tickets, sponsorships, or making a donation for the "Our Turn To Play" event, visit https://uncabulldogs.com/sports/2020/2/26/OTTP.aspx or contact Betsy Blose at bblose@unca.edu.
Originally slated to speak at the event in 2020 before it was canceled due to the global pandemic, Whan has been at the forefront of the growth in coverage, funding, and support around women's sports, specifically women's golf.
As the longest-tenured LPGA commissioner, Whan was a driving factor in the growth and rebuilding of one of the longest-running and most successful women's sports organizations in the world. Focusing on making the game more accessible for girls, Whan not only increased LPGA purses to over $60 million, but television coverage hours peaked above 400 hours for the first time ever (Sports Business Journal). He also created the "See Why It's Different Out Here" marketing campaign, which highlighted the unique personalities of the LPGA players.
Currently, Whan leads the USGA team and their initiative to advance the game of golf by organizing global championships, broadening accessibility, and driving sustainability. Even in his new role, Whan continues to prioritize the women's game as he aims to introduce a women's USA Development Team (USA Today), which he believes will be a huge opportunity to further develop young female golfers and give them the chance to compete at an elite level internationally.
With the 2022 dinner occurring in accordance with the 50th anniversary of Title IX, you will not want to miss Whan and this special event! For more information about purchasing tickets, sponsorships, or making a donation for the "Our Turn To Play" event, visit https://uncabulldogs.com/sports/2020/2/26/OTTP.aspx or contact Betsy Blose at bblose@unca.edu.
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