Evan Saunders, a senior at the University of Georgia, will graduate in May with a BBA in Real Estate. Next year, he hopes to begin his career where the world's most coveted properties are bought and sold; New York City.
Evan is the second one in his family to receive the Yates Scholarship, the first being his older brother Brendan. Brenden, who graduated in 2024, also attended the University of Georgia. The brothers became aware of the scholarship after working at The Golf Club at Bradshaw Farm in Woodstock.
Evan started working there as a sophomore in high school. After spending time on the cart staff, he eventually transitioned onto the maintenance crew. He recalls spending long hours rolling greens, weed whacking, and cutting down brush. Despite the difficult manual labor, Evan found it easy to appreciate the responsibility of maintaining the golf course. He recognized that although the work he did was behind the scenes it was also essential to providing an excellent experience for the golfers.
“The details that no one really sees that make the course that much better is what I focused on,” he said.
Working at Bradshaw Farm also made a lasting impact on his character. Evan observed his managers exemplify a strong work ethic each and every day. Evan’s latest opportunity of interning in a commercial real estate office allowed him to replicate this example.
Evan was able to spend this past summer learning about commercial real estate in a rotational internship program. The opportunity built on the knowledge and experience he’s been pursuing during his time at the University of Georgia. Over the past few years he has been involved with the Real Estate Society; a program run through the business school at UGA. The club offers students the opportunity to build their network and learn from industry professionals. This, along with his involvement with his fraternity, are opportunities that he attributes to the financial support offered by the Yates Scholarship.
“I’m able to have these experiences, which allow me to grow as an individual and as a young professional,” Evan said.
The scholarship has had a significant positive impact on Evan’s life. In turn, Evan has made it his priority to pass along that positivity. Whether it’s coaching youth lacrosse or raising money for philanthropic causes with his fraternity, Evan has found ways to give his time and energy to the benefit of others.
The Yates Scholarship is offered to GSGA member club employees and their dependents. It provides educational opportunities to its recipients, helping them achieve their academic goals. Evan’s story is an example of how the financial support can create an impact beyond the classroom. Evan emphasized his gratitude for the scholarship and hopes to continue to steward the opportunities that it has afforded him. Evan Saunders is one of many Yates Scholars that are creating a positive impact on their communities.
