TURF ALUMNI NEWS

The Purdue Turf Program and the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation will host a reception for alumni, friends, and MRTF members at the GCSAA Conference and Show in Dallas, TX. If you will be attending the GCSAA Conference then plan on stopping by the Hyatt Regency on Thursday, February 15, 2001. The Reception is from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.

For the third consecutive year, the Purdue Student Chapter of the GCSAA will have a booth at the GCSAA Conference and Show. Developing the booth and attending the GCSAA Conference and Show is the major project of the Student Chapter. If you are in Dallas drop by the booth and visit with the students. The booth will be located in the University/College Pavilion section.

Think of PURDUE with turf management opportunities. The Turf Program continues to enjoy a strong undergraduate enrollment. This is primarily due to people like yourself keeping us informed of available positions. If you know of an opening please send an announcement to our office so it can be posted for the students; they are interested in employment opportunities in all areas of the country.

Jo Horn, 76, Died Sunday October 22, 2000 in her residence. She had been the secretary for the Turf Program for 23 years. Jo started her career working for Dr. Bill Daniel.

Clark Throssell recently accepted the position of Director of Research for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and moved to Lawrence KS in early January. Clark will be heading the GCSAA’s efforts in improving funding of turfgrass research as well as coordinating the competitive research grant program. We appreciate all that Clark has done for Purdue over the last 15 years. This is a tremendous opportunity for Clark and we wish him the best in his new endeavors.

We are very pleased to announce the hiring of Bret Rush (BS 82) as Associate Director of Development with the Agronomy Department and the Turfgrass Science Program. Bret has tremendous experience in the turf industry, most recently as sales representative with Novartis and earlier as sales representative with The Andersons. Bret will spend half of his time developing funding for the Agronomy Department as a whole and the other half of his time developing funding for the Turfgrass Science Program. We welcome Bret and look forward to using his great talents in helping to build the Turfgrass Science Program and the Department of Agronomy. Bret can be reached at 765-494-8039.

Dr. William McFee is stepping down from being Department Head of Agronomy after 10 years. He will be devoting part of his time to soils teaching and counseling.

Dr. Craig Beyrouty has assumed the position of Department Head of Agronomy starting January 16, 2001. Dr. Beyrouty is coming to us from the University of Arkansas were he was a professor in the Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences Department.

With Clark’s move to the GCSAA, we have been approved to rehire a new faculty to replace him. A Ph.D. degree is required for this position which will have primarily teaching responsibilities but also some research and extension duties. The position is currently being advertised and selection of candidates will begin on March 1. If you have questions about the position or possibly suggestions for potential applicants, please call Zac Reicher at 765-494-9737.

Darrick Robbins (MS 95) and his wife Kristi have a son. Mason Joshua Robbins was born October 19.

Pat Mc Evoy (BS 96) has accepted a position as a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service in Newark, NJ.

Kris Singer (BS96) in now living in Liberty IN and working with Green Prairie Sod Farms.

The Midwest Regional Turf Foundation (MRTF) sponsored the 4th MRTF Golf Day at Coyote Crossing Golf Course in October. The goal of Golf Day is to promote turfgrass research, raise awareness of the Turf Program and have an enjoyable day of golf. Over 120 golfers dodged the rain and had a great day on the brand new Coyote Crossing Golf Course. Superintendent Jon Martin and assistant Andy McCammon (BS 99) had the course in great shape. Co-owners Randy (BS 76) and Christine Bellinger and head professional Jeff Matthew worked hard to insure a smooth running event. The Turf program is indebted to Randy and Christine for their generosity as all proceeds were directed back to the MRTF to support research and education. Next year’s golf day will be held in early October.

The 2001 Midwest Turf Expo was held Jan 9 and 10 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Almost 1400 turf professionals attended workshops and educational sessions in a new two-day format designed to reduce overnight expenses for the attendees. The tradeshow consisted of over 90 companies exhibiting in 180 booths displaying turf equipment and products. The Turf Expo is sponsored by the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation (MRTF) whose mission is to support turfgrass research and education at Purdue University. At the Expo, the MRTF presented a check to the Department of Agronomy in the amount of $186,000 for annual support of the Turfgrass Program. Dudley Smith, of Silver Lake Golf Club, was given the 2001 Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor given by the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation. The award is presented to an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty for the turf industry of Indiana. Next year's Turf Expo will be held January 14-16 in Indianapolis. Please call Beverly Bratton at 765-494-8039 for more information.

Zac Reicher	Turf Science	765-494-9737
Rick Latin	Turf Pathology	765-494-4639
Tim Gibb	Turf Entomology	765-494-4570
Mike Dana	Ornamental Grasses	765-494-5923
Bret Rush	Director of Development	765-494-8039
Bev Bratton	Secretary	765-494-8039
Don Fassnacht	Daniel Turf Center Manager	765-496-6566
Glenn Hardebeck	Research Agronomist	765-494-8087
Dan Weisenberger	Research Agronomist	765-494-8087
Eric Kohler	Graduate Research Assistant	765-494-8039
Kim Ralston	Graduate Research Assistant	765-494-8039
Turf Office FAX number		765-496-6335

Last updated 1/30/01