by Rebecca Hightower
Seated, left to right: Cathy Mintz, and David and Ashli Dyas
In memory of Mr. Matthew Benjamin Dyas, the University of West Georgia Athletic Foundation has announced the establishment of the Matt Dyas Memorial Scholarship Fund.
In recognition of their son’s passion and commitment to the success of the UWG Golf program, parents Cathy Mintz and Ashli and David Dyas established the scholarship, which will be awarded annually to a recruited or current member of the UWG intercollegiate Men’s Golf team.
Matt Dyas attended UWG from 2010-2011. During Matt’s short time at UWG, he made a tremendous impact on the Men’s Golf team and was known for his positive attitude and gentle spirit. He loved being a part of the golf program at UWG and enjoyed helping others.
Unfortunately, Matt was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident in October of 2011. Prior to his accident, he had just won his first individual collegiate golf tournament as a member of the UWG Men’s Golf team. Matt developed his passion for the game of golf as a member of the Harrison High School Golf team and worked for several years at the Brookstone Country Club in Acworth, Georgia.
“Matt had a strong Christian faith and attended several College Golf Fellowship meetings hosted by PGA tour professionals, giving young college men and women an opportunity to strengthen their faith,” explained Matt’s father, David Dyas. “He loved helping people and traveled on mission trips, including two to Russia, to help children in need of spiritual growth.”
Matt’s family, friends, and community have continued his legacy of generous giving through the annual Matt Dyas Memorial Invitational held at Brookstone Country Club in Acworth. The golf tournament provides scholarships for two graduating Harrison High School seniors each year, as well as helping fund multiple mission trips, humanitarian aid, and funding a yearly dinner for all participants at the Matt Dyas Invitational Collegiate Tournament hosted by UWG.
Matt’s former college roommate, Trevor Barrett, attended the scholarship signing and added, “In the short time that I knew Matt, he played a key part in my life by helping me stay on track and teaching me that I can do anything. A lot of friendships were made because of Matt. He brought us all together.”
If you would like to contribute to this ongoing scholarship in memory of Matt, please specify in the drop-down box "Please direct my donation to the Matt Dyas Memorial Scholarship fund” in the Give Now box found at giving.westga.edu. For more information about the Annual Matt Dyas Memorial Invitational please visit www.facebook.com/mattdyasfund.
Do you have a comment or opinion about this story's topic? Perspective Online wants to hear from you. Submit a letter to the editor at perspect@westga.edu today.
