Sport management alumnus wins prestigious PGA award

Liberty alumnus Ron Leporati has been honored by the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of America as one of its 10 prestigious National Award winners for 2014.

“The passion, talent and skill of this year’s national awards class reflects what all PGA Professionals strive to deliver on a daily basis in their respective facilities nationwide,” PGA President Ted Bishop said. “Our award recipients are PGA Professionals who make a difference in people’s lives. We are proud that they are now the toast of our industry.”

Leporati was selected from among the PGA’s more than 27,000 members as Merchandiser of the Year in Resort Facilities for his work as director of golf at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa in Bedford, Pa. In his role, Leporati leads the golf and merchandising operations for the No. 1-ranked public and resort golf course in Pennsylvania, which has since been twice recognized by J.D. Power as a top “upper upscale” hotel chain.

“In truth, it has been a bit overwhelming, but I am committed to staying grounded, humble and faithful to God, as I know this is the greatest professional opportunity I will ever have to honor Him,” Leporati said.

Leporati graduated Liberty in 1997 with his B.S. in sport management and a minor in business. He said that the skills he learned while studying at Liberty — things like interpersonal skills, budgeting, forecasting, developing contingency plans, and networking — have been a constant help along his career path. With a golf shop staff of just eight, Leporati increased retail sales by nearly 30 percent from 2007 to the present.

“The sport management program at Liberty University prepared me by applying common sports matters to everyday studies,” Leporti said. “The marketing and business requirements at Liberty prepared me for the financial strategies I have adopted professionally.”

But for Leporati, having his business accomplishments recognized isn’t nearly as important as leveraging his newfound platform to the glory of God — a value he says was instilled upon him while at Liberty.

“The greatest impact Liberty had on me in the classroom was with how each session began. Each class began with prayer. Total reverence to God and humility to self is the culture I was able to take with me from my college experience. My career has seen the lowest of lows and the highest of highs. My relationship with Christ is what defines me. I am accepted by Him in spite of my flaws. I never let myself be defined by what I failed at or what I accomplished. I always viewed by life and my career simply as God extending me the grace to earn a living doing what I love to do in a challenging industry filled with lost souls.”

The PGA will officially issue Leporati and the other winners their awards on Nov. 20 at the 98th PGA Annual Meeting in Indianapolis.