In honor of the Wolgast® Golf Classic occurring June 18, 2025, I thought it would be interesting to search back in the archives for how it all began and the history between the two organizations.
The relationship between Junior Achievement (JA) and Wolgast Corporation goes back before Wolgast became the Title Sponsor to their golf outing 28 years ago. In 1975, Wolgast had built their original office in Saginaw where they remained until they merged with other local chapters and moved to Midland in 2010.
In 1997, Wolgast had just started their Construction Management Division the prior year and it was growing in the school market. They were considering new ways to connect with education clientele someone smart (they’ve long since forgotten who) suggested that Wolgast partner with the local Junior Achievement Chapter’s golf outing event. Their free enterprise focus, the common relationship with schools, and being a local, worthy organization to support was a perfect fit for the new CM Division. So, Wolgast joined forces with what is now known as Junior Achievement of North Central Michigan (JA) and became the Title Sponsor of the event! Wolgast is currently helping to prepare for the 28th outing.
It has become a significant fundraiser for the local JA Chapter having raised over $960,000 since the first outing. These funds enable JA to provide free programs to local students, focusing on financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship. So far this year, organizers are expecting more golfers than last year and have 24 committed Hole Sponsors with more still available. More importantly, the coveted inflatable dinosaur feature will be back for one lucky golfer to win a prize.
Furthermore, Wolgast’s commitment extends beyond the golf course with Educational Enhancement efforts for students. Jerry Stefano, former Wolgast VP Construction Management, spearheaded the partnership with JA and volunteered in the classroom under their program. Several of Wolgast’s Project Managers have also volunteered in the classroom over the years. Jeff Bates, current VP Construction Management, has been a Board Member for 7 years and Clinton Clark, Director Construction Management is joining to take Jeff’s place following his retirement. Donna Ratzlaff, Project Administrator, has been on the golf planning committee for 17 years.
Kristy LeVasseur, President/CEO of Junior Achievement of North Central Michigan shared the following with us when asked her for a few details, “With nearly $1,000,000 raised over the last 28 years, the partnership between Junior Achievement (JA) of North Central Michigan and Wolgast Corporation has significantly impacted our region. The employees at Wolgast have shown a deep commitment to ensuring the youth of our community have an opportunity to succeed by learning about financial literacy, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship. The funds raised from this annual golf outing have supported 62 programs across several counties in and around the Great Lakes Bay Region. Since the beginning of our partnership, the proceeds from Wolgast’s efforts have supported almost 1,800 programs that range from learning about personal finance and employee soft skills to helping high school students create and operate a business.”
Wolgast’s partnership with JA tries to exemplify a comprehensive approach to corporate social responsibility. By combining financial support through events like the Golf Classic with hands-on educational involvement, Wolgast aims to play a pivotal role in shaping futures of young individuals in Michigan. This collaboration not only benefits the students, but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among all participants.
Registration is open, so for more information, please visit JA’s website to view their events. The Wolgast Golf Classic takes place on June 18, 2025, at Apple Mountain Golf Course with a 10:00 AM shotgun start.