Image Credit: Edwin Remsberg
On Tuesday, April 19 AGNR alumni from all walks of life filled the Riggs Alumni Center. Folks from the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) DC chapter, including its President Adam Newhart (2002 IAA graduate) were there to be welcomed into the Alumni Association’s Circle of Friends. And, recent IAA graduate Michael Walsh named the IAA’s Outstanding Student for 2013 by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Alumni Chapter.
It was fitting that both Walsh and the PGMS were honored, since Walsh served as the PGMS Student chapter president, which was just one of his accomplishments as an IAA student. He led a research project involving Siberian kale and nematodes, and he excelled academically. Walsh received scholarships from the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association, the Montgomery County Farm Bureau and the Turf Equipment and Supply Company. After graduating in December, Walsh accepted the horticulturalist position at Columbia Country Club.
The Circle of Friends award is presented to “individuals or organizations that have supported and enhanced AGNR initiatives and programs with mentoring or by providing services.” The PGMS–DC Branch clearly fits into that category. The first and only student chapter of PGMS was started at UMD under the leadership and guidance of the PGMS-DC Branch. Students belonging to PGMS are exposed to networking and learning opportunities. Interacting with grounds professionals from the greater Washington area allows students to grow professionally and personally. IAA students benefit greatly from the mentoring and professional opportunities through exposure and scholarships the chapter has provided. We are grateful for the continual growth and partnership between the PGMS-DC Branch, the IAA and AGNR.
Congratulations to this year’s AGNR Alumni Award winners.
