Little Rock, Arkansas – A long-running tradition that blends sport, service, and education is once again taking center stage in Arkansas, as a local organization hosts its annual scholarship golf tournament aimed at supporting future engineers and strengthening ties with the military community.
The event is organized by the Society of American Military Engineers, a nonprofit group that has deep historical roots and a mission that continues to evolve. This year’s tournament brings together nine teams competing at Greystone Country Club, where friendly competition meets a larger purpose—raising funds for student scholarships and educational programs.
Gene Gephardt, president of the organization, says the group’s foundation goes back more than a century and was originally created to support service members returning from war.
“This organization was started in World War One to help soldiers find jobs when they got out of the military, and it has evolved. Now we help merge the military engineers with contractors while raising money for scholarships,” Gephardt said.
Today, that mission has expanded beyond employment support. The organization now focuses heavily on education, particularly for students pursuing careers in engineering. With the cost of college continuing to rise, Gephardt says financial support has become a critical part of their work.
The funds raised during the golf tournament are expected to support at least two scholarships this year. For many students, those scholarships can make the difference between pursuing higher education or delaying their academic goals. In addition to financial aid, the organization also helps connect students with engineering-focused summer camps, giving them early exposure to the field.
These programs are designed to build interest and experience before students even reach college. According to Gephardt, many of these opportunities are intentionally linked with ROTC groups, helping students understand both the academic and military sides of engineering careers.
“Alot of times those opportunities are merged with ROTC groups just so they all know about SAME when they go into college. Were also working on getting SAME into UA Little Rock’s system. In Fayetteville, Little Rock, Fort Smith and Pine Bluff,” Gephardt said.
The organization’s outreach efforts continue to expand across Arkansas, with a growing presence in multiple cities and universities. Leaders say the goal is to make engineering pathways more visible and accessible, especially for students who may not otherwise be aware of the opportunities available through military and civilian partnerships.
Events like the golf tournament serve a dual purpose. While they bring together community members, contractors, and military engineers for a day of networking and competition, they also directly support long-term educational goals. The casual setting of the tournament contrasts with its serious impact, turning a day on the golf course into funding for future careers.
Participants at Greystone Country Club are not just competing for scores, but also contributing to a broader mission that connects past traditions with future needs. The atmosphere is described as both social and purposeful, reflecting the organization’s blend of history and forward-looking goals.
As the tournament continues to grow each year, organizers hope it will not only raise more scholarship funds but also inspire more students to consider engineering paths tied to service and innovation. For now, the focus remains on the teams on the course and the students who will ultimately benefit from their efforts.
