$1 Million Gift Will Endow the Joe Tesori ’71 Head Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach

A $1 million gift from the Selbach family 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 holds an enduring place in Le Moyne history. As a student-athlete, he became the first Dolphin to qualify for the NCAA Championship in 1971, competing in a field that included legendary golf analysts Mark Rolfing and Gary McCord. He earned his PGA status in 1974 and competed professionally on the PGA Tour from 1980 to 1981. Tesori was also a much sought after teaching professional who contributed to the success of many golf enthusiasts.

In 2007 he returned to his alma mater as head coach of the men’s golf program and later assumed leadership of the women’s program, successfully transitioning it from a club to a varsity sport. Under his leadership, the Dolphins captured Northeast-10 Conference championships in 2008, 2016 and 2021 and advanced to the NCAA National Finals from 2015 to 2017. A member of the PGA of America National Hall of Fame and the Le Moyne Gold Wave Hall of Fame, in 2020 received the Labron Harris Sr. Award, presented annually to the college coach whose teaching, coaching and community involvement represents the finest qualities of the game. 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 Selback ’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.”