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Scholarships

Florida Turfgrass Association and Research Foundation Inc.

Guidelines for Scholarship Awards

Definition
Funds shall be awarded annually to students who meet the criteria set forth.

Candidate Qualification Criteria

  1. Student must be actively enrolled in one of the institutions offering a bona fide degree program (Graduate, B.S., or A.S.) in the Turf Management field(s).  Student shall be into or entering into their final academic year.
  2. Academic record.
  3. Leadership capabilities and extra-curricular activities.  Potential for leadership in Florida Turfgrass Industry.
  4. Attitude.
  5. Financial need.
  6. At least two Letters of Recommendation (REQUIRED).

Candidate Selection Procedure

  1. The Scholarship Committee will send scholarship application forms to advisory members at each qualified institution.
  2. The institutions shall return completed applications to the FTGA by the date specified.
  3. Scholarship selections shall be made by the FTGA Scholarship Committee.
  4. FTGA reserves the right not to award scholarship(s) if none of the applicants meet the Candidate Qualification Criteria.

Presentation and Awards
The presentation will be made during the FTGA Awards Luncheon at the Annual Conference and Show September 18, 2008.  Recipients should be present.

 

Scholarships Available

University of Florida
Col. Frank Ward Memorial Scholarship (Minimum $1,500)

In 1962, the first "Colonel Frank Ward Turfgrass Scholarship" was presented at the 10th Annual Turfgrass Management Conference.  The award was presented by Colonel Ward, himself, to a University of Florida student, Harry G. Meyers, who was beginning his Master of Science study in Ornamental Horticulture.  Colonel Ward, a retired army colonel, was president of the Association for two terms of office, from 1956-1958.  From 1959-1960 he also served the Association as Executive Secretary.  During this time he edited the first newsletter.  In 1960, the "Wreath of Grass" award was instituted by him, and he later became a recipient of the award in 1963.  Through Colonel Ward's effort the Association became a viable part of the turfgrass industry in Florida.

Max J. McQuade Memorial Scholarship (Minimum $1,000)
The award was adopted in memory of Max J. McQuade.  His dedication to the turfgrass industry and his desire to excel was an inspiration to all who knew him.  Max came to Augusta National Golf Club in August 1997, as a student intern during his junior year at the University of Florida.  Upon graduation Max was hired for a full time turf grad position and quickly became an integral part of the crew and staff.  Max worked with an attention to detail and a "can-do" attitude that is so important to the industry.
*Scholarship for a University of Florida student involved in IFAS multi-disciplinary turfgrass program

Lake City Community College
Hans Schmeisser Memorial Scholarship (Minimum $1,500)
The award was established for a Lake City Community College student in 1981 in memory of Hans Schmeisser, who passed away in October 1980.  The first recipient of this award was Robert M. Blowers, a senior golf course operations student.  Schmeisser, born and educated in Germany, came to the U.S. in the 1920's to develop the landscaping at Everglades City.  While there, he designed and built his first course, one of the first golfing facilities in Florida.  He was instrumental in establishing the first Association of Golf Course Superintendents in Florida and was one of the nation's leading golf course superintendents and designers.  He was involved in the design and building or reconstruction of more than 30 golf courses, most of them in Florida.  Schmeisser was active in GCSAA affairs, served as president of the South Florida GCSA, and taught turfgrass management at Palm Beach Junior College.  He was awarded posthumously the GCSAA Distinguished Service Award.

James L. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship (Minimum $1,500)
This award was established for a Lake City Community College student in 1983 in memory of James L. Blackledge, who passed away in June 1983.  The first recipient of this award was Robert S. Volpe, a third year student in the School of Golf Course Operations.  Born in Kansas in 1905, Jimmy Blackledge came to Florida in 1929 for his professional job.  His career in the turf field, mostly in Florida, included landscaping, golf course superintendent, industry sales, private business, agronomist, consultant, advisor, and industry leader.  He helped organize the Florida Turf Association (later changed to Florida Turfgrass Association).  He was the first recipient of the Association's highest award of recognition, the "Wreath of Grass."  Jimmy served two terms as president of the FTGA in 1965-1967; and in 1982 was awarded an Honorary Life Membership by the FTGA.  He was a pillar of the FTGA and the Florida Turf industry.
*For student majoring in Golf Course Operations.

Any Florida College
General Scholarships (Up to $1,000 each)
FTGA reserves the right to award up to two General Scholarships to a student studying turfgrass at any Florida college or community college.