Syracuse, N.Y. – Le Moyne College announced on Tuesday morning a $1 million gift from the Selbach family that will permanently endow the Joe Tesori '71 Head Men's and Women's Golf Coach position. The gift honors the extraordinary legacy of longtime Dolphin Coach Joe Tesori while ensuring the continued success of Le Moyne's golf programs for generations to come.

This marks the third endowed coaching position at Le Moyne College and represents another step forward for Le Moyne Athletics by continuing to strengthen its commitment to NCAA DI excellence. The endowment will attract and retain exceptional coaching talent while supporting the holistic development of student-athletes.

Tesori has served as the head coach of the men's golf team since 2007 and is currently in his second stint as the women's head coach. During his time as coach, the men's program has been a regular participant in regional competitions (11 times as a team and twice with individuals) and achieved national recognition by advancing to the national finals in 2015, 2016 and 2017. In 2008, 2016 and 2021, his teams captured NE10 league titles, with the league bestowing him with Coach of the Year honors each of those years. In 2010, while serving his first stint as head coach of the women's golf team at Le Moyne, he helped to guide the program from a club sport to an intercollegiate varsity program.
 
Additionally, he serves as head PGA Professional at Pompey Golf Club in Jamesville and served as head coach of the Jamesville-DeWitt Girl's Golf Team through the 2022-23 academic year. Prior to Pompey Golf Club, Tesori was head PGA professional at Lafayette Hills Country Club in Syracuse and, before that, spent 27 years at Drumlins Country Club as a club professional and director of golf operations.
 
In 1971, he became the first Dolphin to qualify for the NCAA Championship, competing against such luminaries as former Vice President Dan Quale, NBC golf commentator Mark Rolfing and former PGA Tour player and CBS analyst Gary McCord. He has competed both professionally and as an amateur, receiving his PGA status in 1974 and playing on the PGA Tour in 1980 and 1981. He was CNY PGA senior player of the year in 1999, 2000 and 2001. Tesori has been honored as PGA Professional of the Year in 1995 and 2004 and was CNY PGA Teacher of the Year in 1986. He has been a leader and mentor to 15 men and women who have gone on to earn PGA Member status, including Suzy Whaley, who in 2018 became the first woman president of the PGA of America.
 
Tesori was inducted into the Le Moyne Gold Wave Hall of Fame in 1991, the CNY PGA Section Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. In July 2016, he was named recipient of the Bill Strausbaugh Award by the PGA of America. In 2017, Tesori was one of seven individuals to be enshrined in the PGA of America Hall of Fame. In 2020, he was bestowed the Labron Harris Sr. Award, which is presented to the coach and PGA professional whose support of the game through teaching, coaching and involvement in the community has helped ensure the continued growth of the game and represent the finest qualities the game has to offer. He was the 2023 recipient of the Simon Le Moyne S.J. Award, the College's highest honor.

The $1 million gift is being made by the Selbach family, whose generosity is deeply rooted in gratitude and a commitment to Le Moyne's mission. As a student, Scott Selbach '78 received a scholarship co-sponsored by Le Moyne and the Syracuse District Golf Association, which helped make his education possible. This endowment reflects the deep appreciation the Selbachs have for Le Moyne's mission of providing an academically excellent education rooted in the Jesuit tradition.
 
"Le Moyne laid the foundation for my professional life, and I have never forgotten the impact of the scholarship that made my education possible," said Scott Selbach. "Our family is thrilled to give back to the College in a way that honors Joe Tesori, a true titan of the game and an inspiration to generations of Dolphins. By endowing this position, we hope that future student-athletes receive the same exceptional mentorship, athletic development and Jesuit values that define the Le Moyne experience."
 
"I am grateful for the ongoing generosity of our alumni, who give back in so many ways that benefit Le Moyne," said President Linda LeMura. "This gift is a lasting tribute to Joe Tesori, who exemplifies cura personalis and whose impact on student-athletes goes well beyond the golf course. The generosity of the Selbach family will help sustain the golf program in perpetuity."
 
"An endowed coaching position is a game-changer for our athletic department, especially as we solidify our presence on the national DI stage," said Phil Brown, assistant vice president of intercollegiate athletics and campus recreation. "We are immensely grateful for this gift. Joe Tesori has spent decades setting the standard for what it means to be a coach, educator and leader. Having his name permanently attached to our golf program ensures that his championship pedigree and dedication to student-athlete success will inspire Le Moyne golfers for generations to come."
 
"The Selbachs embody the very best of the Le Moyne spirit, alumni who achieve remarkable professional success and immediately look for ways to lift up the next generation," said Jim Joseph '83, Ed.D. '23, vice president of advancement and innovation. "This $1 million gift is a testament to the enduring strength of our alumni community and the power of philanthropic leadership. This investment secures the future of our golf program, elevates our athletic profile and beautifully honors Joe Tesori's more than 50-year legacy as a student, alumnus and coach on the Heights."

In addition to his golf accolades, Tesori was honored with the Catholic Charities Humanitarian Award in 2010 and the Man of the Year Award from Bishop Grimes Jr./Sr. High School in 1987. He was a high school and college basketball official for more than 40 years and a golf columnist for the Syracuse Post-Standard for 20 years. He has volunteered with Francis House, with the Fayetteville-Manlius Pop Warner Youth Football Association and has served on the Board of Directors of First Tee of Syracuse. Lynne, his wife of 42 years, is retired from the athletic department at Syracuse University, his daughter Jaclyn has been in the local restaurant business for more than 20 years and his son, Joseph is a 2009 Le Moyne graduate and currently serves as an assistant men's and women's golf coach at Le Moyne.