PGA of America Member Joe Tesori’s immense impact at Le Moyne College was honored this year with a $1 million gift from the Selbach family. The permanent endowment is the Joe Tesori ’71 Head Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach position.
This major gift honors the legacy of Tesori, a longtime coach at Le Moyne, and ensures the continued success of Le Moyne’s golf programs for generations to come.
Tesori is an important part of Le Moyne golf 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.
Tesori earned his PGA status in 1977 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.
Tesori returned to Le Moyne in 2007 as the head coach of the men’s golf program and later took over the women’s program, successfully transitioning it from a club to a varsity sport.
Guided by Tesori, the Dolphins won Northeast-10 Conference championships in 2008, 2016 and 2021 and went to the NCAA National Finals from 2015 to 2017.
Tesori has earned several career accolades. He is a member of the Central New York PGA Hall of Fame, the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame, the PGA of America National Hall of Fame and the Le Moyne Gold Wave Hall of Fame. In 2020, he 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 a testament to 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.
“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 in a press release. “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.”