Yorkville Executive Awarded Aurora University Honorary Doctorate Degree

AURORA, Ill. - In recognition of his dedication and commitment to using golf as a source of light for society, his contribution to the greater good, and his development of the character of thousands of young people , Yorkville executive Brenton (Brent) Wadsworth was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree by Aurora University at 115th annual commencement exercises on May 4 at Aurora.

Brenton (Brett) Wadsworth of Yorkville, second from left, was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree by Aurora University May 4. From left are Ted Parge, AU vice president for advancement, who read Wadsworth's citation; Wadsworth; Andrew Manion, AU provost; and Rebecca L. Sherrick, AU president. AU held 115th annual commencement ceremonies on the campus quadrangle for about 1,250 students.

AU President Rebecca L. Sherrick conferred Wadsworth’s degree. His citation was read by Ted Parge, AU vice president for advancement.

Parge said, “ For millions of people, springtime means the commencement once again of golf season and the turning of their attention to their favorite course.

“What many do not realize is that the golf course to which they turn their attention was very likely designed and constructed by founder of Wadsworth Golf Construction Company of Plainfield, and cofounder of Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation, Brenton Wadsworth.

“Enjoying a long and distinguished career as a golf course designer and builder, Mr. Wadsworth also has worked to provide opportunities for children of all economic walks of life and regardless of physical barriers or limitations. “

His success as an entrepreneur and philanthropist is rooted in his unwavering integrity, commitment to the greater good, and firm belief that golf, though a game, provides tremendous and unique opportunities to impact the lives of young people by teaching discipline and building character,” Parge said.

Raised in Joliet, Wadsworth is a 1952 graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in landscape architecture. After completing his degree, he served in the United States Air Force.

In 1958, he started his own golf course construction firm, a company that pioneered the field of golf course construction. At that time, no companies specialized in the building of golf courses.

After 50 years, the company continues to be an industry leader. It is the largest firm of its type in the United States, with offices in Illinois, Florida, Arizona, California, and Pennsylvania. Since its inception the firm has built more than 700 courses in 44 states, including local favorites Cantigny in Wheaton, Orchard Valley in Aurora, and Stonebridge in Aurora.

Wadsworth Golf Construction Company courses have been sites for Professional Golfers’ Association tournament events and, in 1990, eight of Golf Digest’s top 15 courses had been built by Wadsworth.

In 1980, Wadsworth and his wife, Jean, established the Wadsworth Social Responsibility program, which led to their creation of the Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation in 1997 .The Foundation was established to improve society through the moral, ethical, and cultural codes of golf.

The foundation has supported projects that b enefit the public and make golf accessible to persons with economic disadvantage and physical handicap as well as projects that help prevent the perpetration of crime or injury upon others. In addition, the foundation supports projects that encourage youth participation in positive activities and that contribute to the development of skills and respectful conduct in sports, appreciation of the arts, and refinement of manners, taste, and thought also have been supported.

Through the foundation, the Wadsworths have funded the George Williams College of Aurora University at Williams Bay, Wis., program that links deserving Aurora middle school students with the Leadership through Golf program.

Wadsworth is a member of the national board of The First Tee, an organization dedicated to impacting the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.

The Wadsworths also support cultural organizations such as the Chicago Symphony and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, community programs in the Joliet and Aurora areas including local educational foundations, and higher educational institutions including AU, the College of Saint Francis and the University of Illinois.

With an unassuming style, a strong work ethic, and an unyielding commitment to quality, Wadsworth was inducted into the Illinois PGA Golf Hall of Fame in 1991. In 1993, he became the first golf course designer to receive the American Society of Golf Course Architects prestigious Donald Ross Award, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of golf and who have inspired others by their example.

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