Twenty high school and college students, all sons, daughters or grandchildren of Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) members, have been named 2004 Legacy Award winners.
The Legacy Awards, funded by Syngenta Professional Products and administered by The Environmental Institute for Golf, are available to GCSAA members’ children and grandchildren who are enrolled full time at an accredited institution of higher learning, or who have been accepted at such an institution for the next academic year.
Since the inception of the Legacy Award Program in 1991, 170 winners have been recognized with awards totaling more than $250,000. An independent committee of six educators and/or college administrators selected the 2004 winners based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community involvement, leadership, outside employment and an original essay. This year, 131 applications (74 college and 57 high school) were received, up 27 percent from last year. Eight $1,500 scholarships went to graduating high school seniors while 12 went to students currently enrolled in college.
The following individuals were named as 2004 Legacy Award winners:
2004 entering freshmen award winners
Elizabeth Buchen, daughter of retired member Terry Buchen, CGCS, MG, will attend the Georgia Institute of Technology. She plans to major in aerospace engineering/engineering.
Erica Hensley, daughter of Bryan Hensley, superintendent at River Pines Golf in Alpharetta, Ga., will attend the University of Southern California. She plans to major in political science.
John Hoag, son of Paul Hoag, Golf Systems, Inc. in Comstock Park, Mich., will attend Gordon College. He plans to major in communications.
Kelly McKenzie, daughter of Keith McKenzie, CGCS at Sapona Country Club in Lexington, N.C., will attend the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. She plans to pursue a career as an epidemiology statistician.
Katelyn Ritter, daughter of Thomas J. Ritter, CGCS at Hampshire Greens Golf Course in Silver Spring, Md., will attend Pennsylvania State University. She plans to major in architectural engineering.
Elizabeth Weber, daughter of Dennis Weber, CGCS at Wynlakes Country Club in Montgomery, Ala., will attend the University of Alabama. She plans to major in international relations/political science.
Johanna Whitmer, daughter of Tony L. Whitmer, CGCS at Cross Winds Golf Course in Bowling Green, Ky., will attend Converse College. She plans to major in interior design/business.
Stephen Wilk, son of Timothy Wilk, superintendent at Scotch Valley Country Club in Hollidaysburg, Pa., will attend Allegheny College. He plans to major in mathematics with a minor in acturial science.
2004 college award winners
Justin Bennett, son of Gary D. Bennett, CGCS at Stonebridge Golf Club in Rome, Ga.,attends Henderson State University. He is majoring in history with a minor in political science.
Brian Creencia, son of Jessie Creencia, CGCS, attends the University of California-San Diego. He is majoring in engineering science.
Alina Evans, daughter of Hawley Evans, superintendent at North Star Golf Club in Fairbanks, Alaska, attends the University of Minnesota. She is majoring in veterinary science.
Kelly Evans, daughter of M. T. Evans, CGCS at Brookings Country Club in Brookings, S.D., attends South Dakota State University. She is majoring in microbiology. Kelly also won the Legacy Award in 2002.
Anna Gamble, daughter of Dane Gamble, superintendent at Bridger Creek Golf Club in Bozeman, Mont., attends St. Olaf College. She is majoring in Hispanic studies with a minor in media and management.
Robin List, daughter of Thomas K. List, CGCS at Ocean City Golf Club in Berlin, Md., attends Denver University. She is a graduate student majoring in social work. Robin also won the Legacy Award in 1999.
Katherine Lott, daughter of Howard Lott, CGCS at Bridgeport Country Club in Bridgeport, W.Va., attends West Virginia University. She is majoring in animal and veterinary science.
Tracy Montross, daughter of Walter Montross, CGCS, MG at Westwood Country Club in Vienna, Va., attends Appalachian State University. She is majoring in communications with a concentration in electronic media/broadcasting and political science with a concentration in campaigns, media and politics.
Dea Mulder, daughter of Daniel Mulder, superintendent at Landsmeer Golf Club in Orange City, Iowa, attends Mount Marty College. She is majoring in nursing.
Benjamin Nielsen, son of Alan L. Nielsen, CGCS at Royal Oaks Country Club in Vancouver, Wash., attends California Polytechnic State University. He is majoring in civil engineering. Benjamin also won the Legacy Award in 2000.
Jared Oldham, son of Randy L. Oldham, superintendent at Logan (Utah) Golf and Country Club, attends Utah State University. He is majoring in management/horticulture.
Tracy Shaw, daughter of James J. Shaw, superintendent at Chenqua Country Club in Hartland, Wis., attends Carroll College. She is majoring in Spanish with a minor in secondary education. She graduated from St. Norbert College with a degree in communications with a Spanish minor.
"Syngenta Professional Products values the hard work and dedication of the golf course superintendent and the GCSAA," said Joe DiPaola, Ph.D., Golf Market Manager. "The Legacy Awards are one way that Syngenta can honor superintendents and their families with scholarship support for their higher education aspirations."
"It's outstanding for these students to be recognized for their achievements, but the motive behind the Legacy Awards program is to do something for golf course superintendents," said GCSAA President Mark J. Woodward, CGCS. " We are fortunate to have the support of Syngenta to provide the opportunity to give back to GCSAA members and help their children and grandchildren."