Modeling and simulation community tees off to strengthen STEM pipeline at Lou Frey Memorial Golf Fundraiser

By Cassidy Mills, Staff Writer

April 1, 2026

The fairways of Central Florida once again became a platform for impact as the annual Lou Frey Memorial Golf Fundraiser brought together community leaders, educators and industry partners on March 23 at the Orange Tree Golf Club in support of the future modeling, simulation and training (MS&T) workforce.

Hosted through a partnership between the National Center for Simulation and the Lou Frey Institute at the University of Central Florida (UCF), the event continues to serve as a cornerstone for advancing STEM and civics education across the region.

More than just a day on the course, the tournament fuels meaningful investment in students and educators alike. Proceeds directly support scholarships for students attending UCF, Florida Virtual School and high schools throughout Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties, while also strengthening education and workforce initiatives that span elementary through high school programs.

The Lou Frey Institute promotes civic knowledge and engagement by providing educators and students with innovative programs, research and resources. Its work emphasizes hands-on learning and community involvement, helping young people develop the critical thinking and leadership skills necessary to participate meaningfully in society.

Brian Holmes, member of the Lou Frey Memorial Golf Fundraiser Tournament Committee, said the tournament has been both a career highlight and a lasting legacy of collaboration, bringing together volunteers, sponsors and community leaders to make a meaningful impact on students and educators across Central Florida.

“From the very beginning, it was about creating something meaningful for students, educators and the MS&T community,” Holmes said. “Seeing it grow over the years, with incredible volunteers and dedicated sponsors, has been truly rewarding, and it’s exciting to know we’re helping build a tech-savvy, civics-minded workforce for the future.”

At the collegiate level, these scholarships open doors for incoming freshmen interested in STEM careers and for graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in simulation through UCF’s Institute for Simulation & Training.

Beyond higher education, funds also support the counselors and staff who make STEM summer camps possible — programs that introduce younger students to hands-on learning experiences and career pathways in science and technology.

Through its leadership in the MS&T community, NCS leverages this tournament to do more than raise funds — it strengthens the talent pipeline that will define the future workforce. By connecting resources, expertise and community support, NCS and its partners are helping ensure that more students not only enter STEM fields but thrive within them.

George E. Cheros, president and chief executive officer of NCS, said the tournament reflects a shared commitment across the community to invest in future innovators, emphasizing that sustained support and collaboration are essential to closing the STEM gap and preparing the next generation to lead in MS&T.

“This event is about opening doors — creating opportunities for students to explore meaningful careers and connect with a community that is invested in their success,” Cheros said. “When we come together like this, we’re not just supporting education. We’re building a stronger, more capable workforce for the future.”

Equally important is the role of sponsors and participants who make the event possible each year. Their continued commitment transforms a single day of golf into lasting educational impact, empowering students across Central Florida to pursue careers that will shape industries and drive innovation.