AUSTIN One of the most popular and talented golfers on the grueling Professional Golf Association (PGA) circuit, Ben Crenshaw, will receive St. Edward's Universitys 2000 Mission Award at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, in the Mabee Ballroom of the Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center on campus. The Mission Award will be presented to Crenshaw by Dr. George E. Martin, president of St. Edward's University, and former University of Texas football coach Darrell Royal.

Although Crenshaw has accumulated many golfing accolades, it is his character, not his golf swing, for which he is being honored (see attached profile). The Mission Award is presented annually to individuals who personify the university mission in their lives and work. At the core of St. Edward's Mission is the fundamental belief that a single individual can make a significant contribution to society. Earned by individuals whose commitment to leadership, educational excellence, ethics and moral responsibility inspire positive changes in our world, the Mission Award is sponsored by the Business Development Council, a group of business leaders who serve as donors and advisors to the university. Crenshaw joins a distinguished list of past Mission Award honorees including Sue and Frank McBee (1999), Roger Staubach (1998), Tom Luce (1997), former First Lady Barbara Bush (1996), former Texas Comptroller John Sharpe (1995) and retired Congressman J.J. Jake Pickle (1994).

St. Edwards University, founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross, is an independent, Catholic, liberal arts university of 3,700 students in Austin, Texas.

Profile: Ben Crenshaw

Gentle Ben, as Ben Crenshaw has been nicknamed by the press, has had a profound influence on not only his fellow players and fans, but also those in need. Through his leadership in the golf world and the quiet kindness expressed through his celebrity, Crenshaw has proven himself as much a pro in life as he has on the course. One of the most popular and talented golfers on the Professional Golf Association circuit, the St. Edward's University 2000 Mission Award recipient is without question one of the top players of our time.

Born in Austin in 1952, Crenshaw found his love for golf by age six when his father, attorney Charles Edward Crenshaw IV, introduced him to the sport at the Austin Country Club. It would have been difficult for anyone to foresee that the youngster would go on to join the PGA Tour and eventually head the U.S. Ryder Cup Team.

While Crenshaw has enjoyed victories professionally, he also has displayed a commitment to helping others. Annually since 1997, Crenshaw has joined forces with former University of Texas football coach Darrell Royal and singer-song writer Willie Nelson to host the Annual Ben Willie Darrell East Austin Youth Classic. The tournament has raised more than $3 million for East Austin youth programs. Crenshaw is a supporter of the Seton Fund, West Austin Youth Association and the Junior Helping Home. Despite a demanding schedule, he is active with St. Andrews Episcopal School and hosts a golf tournament that raises money for the schools endowment and scholarships. An endowed scholarship to the school has been established in his name.

Crenshaw amassed 19 PGA Tour victories during his professional career, and in 1991, he received the Bob Jones Award, the highest honor the United States Golf Association bestows in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship in golf. He is a four-time member of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team and two-time winner of the Masters Tournament.

In 1999, Crenshaw served as captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team. As the world watched, Crenshaws skills as a motivator and sportsman became as important as the eventual victory of the U.S. team one of the most stunning comebacks in Ryder Cup history.

A dedicated family man, Crenshaw lives in Austin with his wife, Julie, and his three daughters. Recently, he has spent time away from the PGA Tour developing his golf course architecture business.