A letter arrived in the mail yesterday that unquestionably altered Alyse Thomas’s life. It was a packet confirming her status as a recipient of the Chick Evans Scholarship, a full-tuition-plus-housing award to the university of her choice. For the senior, it marked the culmination of several summers of hard work.

"When I received the packet in the mail and learned I had been awarded the scholarship, I was beyond ecstatic. I've been working toward this for five years now, and to know I have achieved this goal is a beautiful feeling. I want to thank everyone who made this possible. I am so grateful and blessed to have this opportunity," Thomas remarked.

Students vying for the Chick Evans Scholarship must meet four criteria: academic excellence, a financial need, strong character, and the completion of at least 100 loops - or rounds - as a caddie at a golf club that participates in the Evans program. 

Thomas boasts a 4.5755 cumulative grade-point average and completed 190 loops. She has accrued 70 dual credits during her tenure at Marquette and has been involved in a multitude of extra-curricular activities including National Honor Society, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), Academic Super Bowl, and stints on the varsity golf and tennis teams. Furthermore, Thomas is a veteran volunteer at the local Salvation Army, Sharing Meadows, and First Presbyterian Soup Kitchen.

She doesn't need to look far to grasp the magnitude of this award. Her older brother, Jim, a 2018 recipient of the Evans Scholarship, went on to attend Purdue University where he graduated in 2022. Jim is currently a sales manager at Purdue University's Union Club Hotel.

“It is such an incredible opportunity for Alyse and is truly a life-changing scholarship. As a recent graduate, it has set in how much the Evans Scholarship means. I cannot wait to see her succeed and grow as she attends college.“ Jim said Friday after learning of his younger sister's achievement.

Alyse plans to study accounting and finance at Purdue University.

With Richard McNamee as its unofficial guardian angel, Long Beach Country Club has emerged as a magnet for aspiring Evans Scholars. LBCC has produced 15 over the past seven years, including six from Marquette.

"I've been waiting for the news; though to be honest, there was never a doubt. Alyse built an incredible resume over the last five years," McNamee said.