MC Law Students and alumni gather together in memory of student Patrick Hurtado to raise money to provide support for his family.
The Mississippi College Law Student Bar Association (LSBA) hosted a 4-man scramble golf tournament on Friday, March 22nd, at Whisper Lake Country Club in Madison, Mississippi. The tournament, which saw enthusiastic participation through raffle tickets, merchandise sales, 68 golfer registrations, sponsorships, and heartfelt donations, culminated in a remarkable achievement — raising almost $9,000 in profits! This substantial sum was not just a financial milestone but a testament to the collective spirit and generosity of the MC Law family. The event, although brimming with excitement, was rooted in a somber reality that weighed heavy on the hearts of all present.
The core of the golf tournament was the memory of Patrick Hurtado. Patrick was a vibrant second-year law student who tragically passed away on January 28th, 2024. Patrick was known for his infectious laughter, profound knowledge of a myriad of subjects, and boundless love he extended to those around him. His loss was felt by all in our closely-knit Mississippi College School of Law Family. Holding true to its values, MC Law strongly believes in rallying around its students and local community during difficult times. For this reason, we knew we had to act to shed light on Patrick's legacy and support his family during this unimaginable time of grievance. We are very thankful to provide Patrick's family with the proceeds from the tournament and have no doubt that Patrick was able to attend the tournament in spirit.
The tournament wasn't just about swinging clubs, chasing birdies, and having fun; it was a testament to the unwavering support and compassion within the MC Law family. Dr. Blake Thompson, President of Mississippi College, Dean John Anderson, Dean of Mississippi College School of Law, and Cole Lothorp, LSBA Vice President, orchestrated a touching moment by presenting Patrick's wife and daughter with a flag signed by all 68 golfers.
The success of the tournament was not solely attributed to financial contributions but also to the collective efforts of various student organizations within Mississippi College School of Law. Multiple student organizations on campus donated raffle items and golfer amenities and volunteered in crucial areas. For instance, Ducks Unlimited provided environmental-themed raffle items, the Hispanic Law Society organized a cultural booth, Phi Alpha Delta managed the golfer registration, the Health Law Society offered first aid services, the Women's Student Bar Association hosted a networking event, and the Military Justice Society coordinated the flag presentation. We were very touched by all of these student organizations who were able to assist the Law Student Bar Association in hosting this record-breaking event. The tournament was also entirely student-led, organized, and conducted in every aspect. This includes fund raising, obtaining raffle prizes and sponsorships, ordering merchandise, and more, all performed executed by the student body of Mississippi College School of Law.
The tournament was a 4-man scramble, which also included the longest drive competition, sponsored by Butler Snow, and a closest to the pin competition, sponsored by Wilkinson Law Firm. Seventeen teams from across Southern and Central Mississippi, comprising students, alumni, faculty, and enthusiastic members of the public, participated in a day of friendly competition and camaraderie, underscoring the inclusive nature of the event. Following the intense tournament play and the heartwarming awards ceremony, a highly anticipated raffle ensued, with over $3,000 in potential winnings up for grabs, including gift cards, golf equipment, and other valuable items. The joyous atmosphere was palpable as multiple students, alumni, and faculty members walked away with well-deserved prizes, adding an extra layer of celebration to the event's success.
Congratulations to the MC Law students and alumni who won the tournament: Brice Wilkinson (2L), Matthew Matherne (2L), Spence Howell (2L), and Keeton Belk (alumni). Notable individual achievements also include Brice Wilkinson's victory in the longest drive competition and Spence Howell's triumph in the closest to the pin competition.
As the event drew to a close, the LSBA extended heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, particularly the alumni-owned businesses whose unwavering support and generosity were instrumental in realizing this remarkable outcome. Such moments serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of unity, compassion, and resilience that defines the MC Law community, turning a day of golf into a meaningful journey of remembrance, support, and collective achievement. Events such as these could not be possible without the support of our MC Law student body and local community.
Lastly, LSBA extends heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors, many of whom are alumni-owned businesses, alumni employers, and student employers. Their unwavering support and generosity were instrumental in achieving such a remarkable outcome. We are deeply grateful for their contributions, which not only made this event possible but also helped us honor the memory of Patrick Hurtado. It is moments like these that truly reflect the spirit of unity, compassion, and resilience within the MC Law community.
- Wilkinson Law Firm, P.C.
- Iron Horse Grill
- Community Bank
- Southern Beverage Co.
- Milwaukee Tools
- Butler Snow, PLLC
- Bordis Danos Pierce
- Hearn Law Firm
- Tabor Law Firm
- Camp Law Firm
- P. Shawn Harris P.A.
- Alabama Insurance Agency
- Capitol Resources
- Business Communications, Inc.
- Malouf & Malouf Law Firm
- McHard, McHard, Anderson & Associates, PLLC
- Thompson Addison, PLLC
- Edward Jones
On behalf of Mississippi College School of Law, the Law Student Bar Association, and the Hurtado Family, thank you to everyone who came out and supported our community during this difficult time. Events such as these are a testament that our close-knit legal community is forever growing, embracing our peers and supporting those in need during difficult times. We hope to continue the tournament for years to come and continue building on what we started on March 22nd, 2024.
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