The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America named Branden Tanko of Stevens Point, Wis., the recipient of the second annual Joseph S. Garske Collegiate Grant.
The $2,500 grant, funded by Par Aide and administered through The Environmental Institute for Golf, was established in 2003 in honor of Par Aide company founder Joseph S. Garske. The program provides annual awards to assist children of GCSAA members in funding their education at accredited colleges or trade schools. The grant is renewable for a second year with proof of enrollment and a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
“We believe it’s important to recognize golf course superintendents for their tireless dedication to the game of golf,” says Steve Garske, Par Aide president. “It’s great to be able to give something back to superintendents and their children.”
Tanko will attend Minnesota State University-Mankato next fall to study aviation. His father, Gary S. Tanko, CGCS at Sentryworld Golf Course in Stevens Point, Wis., is an 18-year GCSAA member.
“A bachelor’s degree in professional flight from Mankato University will maximize my chances for success in any and all fields of aviation,” Tanko says. “I view my accomplishments and experiences thus far as the tip of the iceberg to what I can achieve, and I feel a degree in professional flight will get me one step closer to realizing my full potential.”
Last year’s winner, Katelyn Ritter, will begin her second year at Penn State University this fall, where she is studying to become an architectural engineer. Her father, Thomas J. Ritter, CGCS at Hampshire Greens Golf Course in Silver Springs, Md., is a 16-year GCSAA member.
“We appreciate the continued support of Par Aide,” says GCSAA president Timothy T. O’Neill, CGCS. “It represents a strong commitment to the profession, the industry and the game.”
Student awarded Garske Grant
The GCSAA named Branden Tanko of Stevens Point, Wis., the recipient of the second annual $2,500 grant, funded by Par Aide.