PRINCESS ANNE — The Executive Women’s Golf Association announces the opening of its inaugural collegiate chapter at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) on April 30, 2015.

“This is a milestone as we welcome UMES as the first collegiate chapter of the EWGA,” says CEO Pam Swensen. “We anticipate this to be the first of many collegiate chapters to come. EWGA excels at creating opportunities for women to use golf personally and professionally. We are delighted to provide our collegiate members with leadership tools to be successful both on and off the course.”

The chapter launch is part of UMES’s ‘Pink on the Green’ initiative to get more women playing golf. On April 30, 2015, UMES will host an all campus event from 11AM - 2PM at its driving range to promote the game of golf to students, faculty and staff. At noon, a ceremony with EWGA representatives and university dignitaries will culminate with the signing of the first collegiate Chapter Affiliation Agreement.

An early evening gathering for women in the community is also planned. Anyone interested in learning more about the game of golf is invited to the university driving range from 5-7 PM, April 30. Golf professionals and EWGA leaders from the EWGA Eastern Shore, Maryland Chapter will be present to talk about the many benefits of golf and upcoming learning and playing opportunities around the area.

“UMES is honored to partner with EWGA in this pioneering effort to form a collegiate chapter on our campus,” university President Juliette B. Bell said. “This is an innovative approach to diversifying the golf industry, which has been our motivation since our golf management program accepted its first students in 2008.”

Also joining in this growth of the game celebration will be Renee Powell, an Ohio Golf Hall of Famer and former LPGA Tour player. Powell, a 2010 honorary degree recipient from UMES, was awarded EWGA’s 2002 Leadership Award recognizing her outstanding contributions to women’s golf. Named the First Lady of Golf by the PGA in 2003, her history-making continues, as she becomes one of the first female members of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.

For more information about the EWGA and membership, visit www.ewga.com . For information on starting an EWGA Collegiate Chapter, please contact chapters@myewga.com