WARRENSBURG — The University of Central Missouri Mules Golf Team received a major upgrade last week with the delivery of their new team transportation.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van was donated by Randi and Kelly Harbert, 1985 and 1986 graduates respectively. This gift is just the latest in decades of giving to the University of Central Missouri for the Harberts.
The couple has supported their alma mater through volunteerism on the UCM Alumni Foundation Board, a named professorship endowment in UCM's marketing department, and now this gift to the Mules Golf program.
Kelly Harbert, who graduated with a BSBA in accounting from Central Missouri, noted "We are so grateful for the education we received at UCM and for this opportunity to give back."
The generosity of the Harberts is of particular note to Mules Golf head coach Tim Poe.
"UCM is so blessed to have alumni like Kelly & Rand who continue to give back throughout the university,” Poe said. “This is a monumental gift to Mules Golf, not only for getting our team comfortably up and down the road to tournaments, but the incredible impact it will have on future recruiting and exposure to UCM. For me, personally, this gift is extra special: Rand was a teammate of mine during our college careers here at UCM. His belief in our program means the world to me."
The connection as teammates stands out to Rand Harbert, as well.
"Being a former member of the Mules Golf team with Coach Poe as one of my teammates makes this gift especially meaningful."
The Sprinter Van, wrapped with the Mules' logo for all to see, includes equipment storage in the rear, leather seats throughout, and many other amenities.
The new van has already caught the attention of the Mules golfers:
"The generosity from Rand and Kelly shows a lot about our program," Mules sophomore and reigning Missouri Amateur Champion said. "The connection to Central Missouri goes on long after graduation. It's amazing to have such support from a former player. We are so blessed to be able to have donations like this and it will help the program tremendously in the future."
"To have such a luxurious travel van is a huge blessing," junior All-American Matt Hoemann said. "To have the equipment to bring all of the gear we need in style really means everything to the team. It allows us to achieve our full potential and be comfortable everywhere."
