June 2010 Archives

Below is a list of the students on official internships this summer. If you run into an intern be sure to introduce yourself.



The students name is listed first followed by the location or organization where they are doing the internship and lastly the student's supervisor for the internship. Students must work at the facility but also do some kind of special project during their time at the facility more...

Penn State had over 50 students graduate with a B.S. degree in turfgrass science this year. A full 41 graduates donned the cap and gown and participated in commencement ceremonies. Others were already at their new jobs and were unable to attend commencement. 

Many of the graduates, and their families enjoyed the post ceremony brunch where faculty, students, and their parents had a chance to celebrate.

Even in this down economy, entry level positions for newly graduating turfgrass science students seem available. We've seen a nearly 100% placement rate for graduating seniors who want to work in the turfgrass industry and are willing to relocate.

Certainly, the industry has seen a slowdown in upward mobility recently but everyone is hopeful that this slowdown is temporary and will improve with an improving economy.

The good news is that our recent graduates did not find it too difficult to find gainful employment in the turfgrass industry.

I look forward to greeting the new incoming freshman class this August.

Below is a partial list of recent graduates, their home town, and their place of employment.

Recent Graduates

William C. Barrett from Greentown, PA; has accepted a position at Minisceongo Golf Club, Pomona, NY

 

James Cross from Erie, PA will be attending Rutgers University to pursue an M.S. in turfgrass breeding.

Steve S. Devine from Lake Ariel, PA; has accepted a position at Oak Hill Country Club, Rochester, NY

Nicholas Gialloreto from Coraopilis, PA, has accepted a position with the Philadelphia Eagels

 

Dustin D. Gibb from Dillsburg, PA; has accepted a position at Westshore Country Club in Camp Hill, PA

 

Garrett R. Guinivan, from Forest Hill, MD; Officer's School US Military

 

Tyler J. Guthrie, from Avonmore, PA; has accepted a position at Fox Chapel Golf Club in Pittsburgh, PA.

 

Luther W. Heimbaugh, from Milroy, PA; accepted a position with Davey Tree Service, Fredrick MD

 

Kyle R. Hivner, from Blandon, PA; will be working as a research support technician at our Valentine Turfgrass Research Center at University Park, PA.

 

Nicholas M. Larrimore, from Newark, DE; has accepted the assistant superintendent position at Wilmington Country Club in Wilmington, DE.

 

Jeffrey S. Longenberger, from Bloomsburg, PA; has accepted a position with the Brickman Group out of Maryland.

 

Carlyle M. Merring, from Lake Ariel, PA; has accepted a position at Whistling Straights Golf Club, Sheboygan, WI

 

Michael A.  Naas, from Bethesda, MD; has accepted a position at Manor Country Club, Rockville, MD

 

Devin L. Rickabaugh, from Newville, PA; has accepted a position at Carlisle Country Club in Carlisle, PA. 

 

Charles G. Roman, from Bentleyville, PA; has accepted the Assistant Sports Turf Manager with the State College Spikes at University Park, PA.

 

Kevin A. Sheaffer, from Long Valley, NJ; has accepted a position with Dow Agrisciences

 

Daniel J. Sidle, from Irwin, PA; has accepted a position with the New York Jets.

 

Nathan P. Szymkowiak, from Mars, PA; has accepted a position at Fox Chapel Golf Club in Pittsburgh, PA.

 

Brandon S. Teahl, from Palmyra, PA; has accepted a position at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, PA.

 

Paul J. Torba, from Scranton, PA; has accepted a job at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, CA

 

Nicholas J. Troutman, from Millersburg, PA; has accepted a position at Shorehaven Country Club in Norwalk, CT.

 

Daniel G. Wesolosky, from Sarver, PA; has accepted a position at Fox Chapel Golf Club in Pittsburgh, PA.

 

Brandon W. Wisnosky, from West Pittston, PA accepted a position at Glen Oak Country Club

If you get a chance, say hello to a recent graduate!!!!

Chase Rogan, a first-year graduate student working towards his MS degree in turfgrass nutrition at the PSU Center for Turfgrass Science, has won the Golf Course Superintendent's Association of America (GCSAA) 2010 Student Essay Contest. His first-place essay, titled 'Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program: Making Golf Courses Greener,' earned Chase a $2000 scholarship from the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG).

Heralding from Saegertown PA, Chase is currently working under the direction of Dr. Max Schlossberg examining how fall nitrogen and plant growth regulator applications affect winter stress tolerance and spring green-up of creeping bentgrass / annual bluegrass cohabited putting greens. His career goals include positively influencing the turfgrass industry.