Harper proudly hosted its First Annual Golf Tournament benefiting the David Wise Scholarship at The Walker Course at Clemson University. The event brought together Harper employees, trade and industry partners, and our scholarship winners for a day of friendly competition, networking, and a shared commitment to supporting the next generation of construction professionals.
The David Wise Scholarship is a Harper General Contractors–sponsored program created to honor the legacy of David Wise while investing in the next generation of construction professionals. It recognizes exceptional Harper interns and co‑ops who embody leadership, integrity, strong character, and a genuine passion for the construction industry. Established with a clear purpose, the scholarship celebrates David Wise’s values and lasting impact at Harper, encourages student development and leadership growth, and supports individuals who reflect the company’s culture, ethics, and commitment to excellence. Ultimately, it serves to strengthen Harper’s long‑term talent pipeline in construction and related fields.
VP Executive Bryan Royal shared, “The first annual Harper Golf Tournament was a great day of golf and fellowship, but more importantly, it allowed us to fund four scholarships for students pursuing careers in construction. Investing in these students is our way of pouring back into the industry and supporting the future of construction.”
Following the day out on the course, participants gathered at Clemson’s Owen Pavilion for a raffle and to recognize four outstanding recipients of the scholarship. Chandler McEntyre, Clemson University; Na’Shelle Evans, North Carolina A&T State University; Ryan Ellis, Clemson University; and Gray Zimmerman, Wofford College were all honored for their achievements.
Ryan Ellis shared, “Receiving this scholarship would significantly reduce the financial burden of my college education on my family and I, allowing me to focus more on my academic and professional development. The values upheld by the David Wise Scholarship closely reflect one of Harper’s core principles, ‘We Build Trust,’ which I strive to maintain through collaborative teamwork, respect for my colleagues, and a commitment to continuous learning. These values guide both my academic pursuits and my long-term professional goals within the engineering and construction industry.”
This tournament and scholarship would not be possible without the generosity of our participants, sponsors, and volunteers. Thank you to everyone who joined us to support this event. We look forward to continuing this tradition and growing the impact of the David Wise Scholarship for years to come.
