“Everything we learned in class--the management class, basic turfgrass science, cultural and agronomic practices--it all goes right to the office, really,” said Institute of Applied Agriculture alumnus Michael Bostian when asked about his IAA experience. “Those classes laid the foundation for my career.”
Bostian, a 2003 graduate of the IAA's Golf Course Management concentration, is now the superintendent at Waverly Woods Golf Club, 18-hole course located in Marriottsville, Maryland. Bostian says he applies everything he has learned at the IAA each day he works. Bostian became interested in pursuing a career in the green industry during the time he studied at UMD. “I had a friend who was a turf student,” he said. “I saw how successful he already was in his career field, so I chose to pursue it also.”
Bostian chuckled fondly when remembering the good times he had with his friends at the Turf Bowl in 2003. “The camaraderie of the guys in school is great! We keep in touch and are in the same industry. It’s wonderful to see Dr. Mathias after all these years. He’s a true professional who has done an outstanding job keeping up with students on internships.”
Having been in the field for so many years now, Bostian is adamant about stressing the importance of putting in a good day’s work. He is also extremely focused on keeping in touch with his customers. Bostian is so dedicated to customer service that he even runs a blog on the golf club’s website in order to maintain constant communication with those outside of the facility.
“It’s so important that while you’re attaining an education, you work at the same time,” he said. It’s easy to apply lessons from the classroom at your job. And since the IAA really focuses on hands-on applications, it’s easy to do that!”
Bostian continues to learn and is working toward becoming a GCSAA certified golf course superintendent.
As we celebrate our 50th year, the IAA will shine a weekly spotlight on one of our distinguished alumni. Remember to save the date for our 50th Anniversary Gala on May 14th at the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.
