SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/82015
STMA in action SAFE Scholarships Offer Free Money WITH THE NUMBER OF FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS ON THE RISE (for 2010-11, quarter 1, saw a 17.5% increase over the same period in 2009-10, about 1.2 million students applying), students in turfgrass management have the opportunity to apply for and receive free scholarship dollars. STMA's charity, The Foundation for Safer Athletic Fields for Everyone (SAFE), awards at a minimum each year $12,500 in pure scholarship dollars to qualifying student members of STMA. These awards, unlike financial aid, do not need to be paid back. Scholarships start at $1,000 and each winner receives a complimentary conference registration and three nights lodging at the conference. As part of the program, SAFE awards three named scholarships: the Dr. James Watson Graduate Scholarship, the Dr. James Watson Undergraduate Scholarship, and the Dr. Fred Grau Scholarship. The Watson Scholarships, named in honor of long-time green industry researcher and consultant Dr. James Watson, are funded by the Toro Giving Program, and are presented to the top graduate and undergraduate scholarship recipients. The top recipi- ent from a two-year program receives the Dr. Fred Grau scholarship, which is named in honor of the first turfgrass extension specialist in the United States. There is not a separate application for these named scholarships; they are awarded to the top graduate and undergraduate applicants. The scholarship application packet must be received at the SAFE/STMA Headquarters by Oct. 15, with all materials included in one packet. Fax and emails components will not be accepted. The process is being redeveloped into an on-line process for 2013. In addition to scholarships, SAFE also awards two grants: one for practi- tioners and one for interns. The Terry Mellor Continuing Education Grant is funded by Turface Ath- letics, and is awarded to a sports turf manager who is a member of an STMA local affiliated chapter. The chapter member must be nominated by a national STMA member. The grant funds that persons travel and on-site costs associated with the STMA national conference. In addition, STMA pro- vides a complimentary conference registration. This grant is named in honor of Terry Mellor, brother of long time professional groundskeeper David R. Mellor, to recognize the brothers' commitment to professional de- velopment through continuing education. The Gary Vanden Berg Grant is awarded in late fall each year for an in- ternship completed during the spring or summer of that year. This grant honors Gary Vanden Berg, CSFM, for his contributions to the industry in promoting internships. Gary was the Director of Grounds for the Milwaukee Brewers until his death in October 10 last year. His commitment to creating an excellent learning experience for interns was legendary throughout the MLB and the entire sports turf industry. The grant is intended to offset the costs a student may have incurred while interning including, but not lim- ited to, transportation, lodging, and food, or as a subsidy to wages. In addi- tion to receiving the grant, the winner will also receive a full conference registration and three nights lodging at the next STMA National Conference and Exhibition. The deadline to submit for the grants or scholarships is October 15. For a copy of the application and required materials to apply for a grant or scholarship, go to STMA.org, and click on Scholarship Program under the Professionalism tab. The SAFE Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) charity that funds scholarship, re- search and education. It focuses on educational outreach and its mission is "To enrich communities through championing safe, sustainable sports and recreation fields for all athletes." ■ 40 SportsTurf | September 2012 New Timing for Several Conference Events AT ITS JULY BOARD MEETING, the STMA Board approved the recommendations of the Conference Education Com- mittee, chaired by Jeff Fowler; the Commercial Exhibi- tion/Membership Committees, co-chaired by Rene Asprion and James Graff; and the Seminar on Wheels Committee, chaired by Jeff Salmond, CSFM. The education program is very robust, offering 60 edu- cational sessions that form 11 tracks: Industry Develop- ment, Water, Synthetics, Agronomic, Pest Control, Baseball, Research, Construction, Professional Development, Facility Management and Sustainability. CEUs from peer organiza- tions and Florida Pesticide Credits will be available. The conference and exhibition has much to offer and incorporates many of the suggestions from members in our post-conference survey. Here are the main timing and program changes: TUESDAY (JAN. 15) • The SAFE Golf Tournament at LPGA International (was typically on Wed.) • Full Day Seminar on Wheels to Jacksonville Jaguars & Suns, and Daytona International Speedway) (typically one full day was held on Tues. and one on Wed.) • ½ Day Seminar on Wheels - NEW - Jackie Robinson Ballpark & Daytona International Speedway (both tours will meet up and tour the Speedway) • STMA Academy - NEW WEDNESDAY (JAN. 16) • Conference officially begins with a full day of educa- tional opportunities • First Timers Reception - will be a dessert reception fol- lowing lunch • Keynote Address - will be just prior to the Welcome Reception & Casino Night (typically was Thursday a.m.) Fea- tures Ian Hill, internationally known speaker who inspires change THURSDAY (JAN. 17) • Exhibition starts at 1:30 p.m. (typically started at 4:15 pm) floor • Committee meetings will be held on the trade show • No change to the Annual Meeting & Lunch FRIDAY (JAN. 18) • Trade show opens at 10 and closes at 1 (typically started at 10:45 and closed at 2:45) • Trade show floor will have Lunch, Innovative Sessions, Race Car Driver Autographs & Sports and Race Simulators • Closing Session - NEW 1:15 pm - Features Dr. Michael Mann, climatologist - winner of the Nobel Peace Prize • STMA Academy - NEW • No change to the STMA Awards Reception and Ban- quet ■ www.sportsturfonline.com