Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s Scholars Competition distributes 14 awards totaling $30,000
Lawrence, Kan. (Aug. 26, 2014) – Gerry Navarre, a 54-year-old Michigan State University student pursuing a second career in turf management, has earned the top prize of $6,000 among 14 awards in the 2014 Scholars Competition offered through the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
Christopher Marra, 21, of Cecil, Pa., who is attending Pennsylvania State University, received the second place award of $5,000. Twelve others received awards ranging from $2,500 to $500.
The $30,000 program is primarily funded by the Robert Trent Jones Endowment and administered by GCSAA’s philanthropic organization, the Environmental Institute for Golf. It was developed to recognize outstanding students planning careers in golf course management.
Navarre, the Mendenhall Award winner, is from Dexter, Mich., and spent 25 years in financial consulting and mortgage services before reconsidering his career choice. The award is named for the late Chet Mendenhall, who was a charter member of GCSAA, a past president (1948) and recipient of the association’s Distinguished Service Award (1986).
“It’s a big deal to me,” said Navarre. “It’s going to take a load of financial stress off since I have a 20-year-old in college as well. I was surprised to receive the award because I am an older student.
“I worked on a golf course for seven years during high school and college, and I loved it. It would have been a tremendous career path the first time around, but it’s not too late to start. I didn’t want to stay sitting at my desk and wish I had tried to do something I knew I would love.”
Marra received the MacCurrach Award, named in honor of the late Allan MacCurrach, who became the PGA Tour’s first staff agronomist in 1974 and was the GCSAA Distinguished Service Award winner in 1997. The PGA Tour funds this award.
Navarre and Marra will receive all-expenses-paid trips to the 2015 Golf Industry Show, Feb. 23-28, in San Antonio.
Other award-winners are:
Teddy Norman of Concord, Mass., University Massachusetts-Amherst, $2,500
John Petrovsky of Jackson, N.J., Pennsylvania State University, $2,500
Morgan Robins of Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada, Pennsylvania State University, $2,000
Richard Plemel of Cottage Grove, Minn., Rutgers University, $2,000
Sean Kelly of Hampton Bays, N.Y., Pennsylvania State University, $2,000
Travis Russell of Duncanville, Texas, University of Arkansas, $2,000
Michael Wright of Conshohocken, Pa., Michigan State University, $1,500
Andres Johansson of Los Angeles, Calif., Michigan State University, $1,500
Justin Hickman of Sylacauga, Ala., Mississippi State University, $1,000
Matthew Herrmann of Brooklyn, N.Y., Pennsylvania State University, $1,000
Benjamin Cibotti III of Wayland, Mass., Pennsylvania State University, $500
Robert Bond of Southampton, N.Y., Pennsylvania State University, $500
Winners were selected by the GCSAA Scholars Competition task group. Criteria included academic achievement, potential to become a leading industry professional, employment history, extracurricular activities and recommendations from a current academic adviser and a superintendent with whom the student has worked.
Applicants must be enrolled in a recognized undergraduate program in a major field related to golf/turf management and be a GCSAA member. Undergraduate applicants must have successfully completed at least 24 credit hours or the equivalent of one year of full-time study in an appropriate major.
For more information on the program, visit the Education section of www.gcsaa.org.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Find GCSAA on Facebook, follow GCSAA on Twitter and visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org. The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA, and has as its mission to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit www.eifg.org.
Contact:
Craig Smith, Director, Communications and Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 4431 or 785-691-9197 (cell)
csmith@gcsaa.org
