Penn State had over 50 students graduate with a B.S. degree in turfgrass science this year. A full 41 graduates donned the cap and gown and participated in commencement ceremonies. Others were already at their new jobs and were unable to attend commencement.
Many of the graduates, and their families enjoyed the post ceremony brunch where faculty, students, and their parents had a chance to celebrate.
Even in this down economy, entry level positions for newly graduating turfgrass science students seem available. We’ve seen a nearly 100% placement rate for graduating seniors who want to work in the turfgrass industry and are willing to relocate.
Certainly, the industry has seen a slowdown in upward mobility recently but everyone is hopeful that this slowdown is temporary and will improve with an improving economy.
The good news is that our recent graduates did not find it too difficult to find gainful employment in the turfgrass industry.
I look forward to greeting the new incoming freshman class this August.
Below is a partial list of recent graduates, their home town, and their place of employment.
Recent Graduates
William C. Barrett from Greentown, PA; has accepted a position at Minisceongo Golf Club, Pomona, NY
Steve S. Devine from Lake Ariel, PA; has accepted a position at Oak Hill Country Club, Rochester, NY
Dustin D. Gibb from Dillsburg, PA; has accepted a position at Westshore Country Club in Camp Hill, PA
Garrett R. Guinivan, from Forest Hill, MD; Officer’s School US Military
Tyler J. Guthrie, from Avonmore, PA; has accepted a position at Fox Chapel Golf Club in Pittsburgh, PA.
Luther W. Heimbaugh, from Milroy, PA; accepted a position with Davey Tree Service, Fredrick MD
Kyle R. Hivner, from Blandon, PA; will be working as a research support technician at our Valentine Turfgrass Research Center at University Park, PA.
Nicholas M. Larrimore, from Newark, DE; has accepted the assistant superintendent position at Wilmington Country Club in Wilmington, DE.
Jeffrey S. Longenberger, from Bloomsburg, PA; has accepted a position with the Brickman Group out of Maryland.
Carlyle M. Merring, from Lake Ariel, PA; has accepted a position at Whistling Straights Golf Club, Sheboygan, WI
Michael A. Naas, from Bethesda, MD; has accepted a position at Manor Country Club, Rockville, MD
Devin L. Rickabaugh, from Newville, PA; has accepted a position at Carlisle Country Club in Carlisle, PA.
Charles G. Roman, from Bentleyville, PA; has accepted the Assistant Sports Turf Manager with the State College Spikes at University Park, PA.
Kevin A. Sheaffer, from Long Valley, NJ; has accepted a position with Dow Agrisciences
Daniel J. Sidle, from Irwin, PA; has accepted a position with the New York Jets.
Nathan P. Szymkowiak, from Mars, PA; has accepted a position at Fox Chapel Golf Club in Pittsburgh, PA.
Brandon S. Teahl, from Palmyra, PA; has accepted a position at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, PA.
Paul J. Torba, from Scranton, PA; has accepted a job at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, CA
Nicholas J. Troutman, from Millersburg, PA; has accepted a position at Shorehaven Country Club in Norwalk, CT.
Daniel G. Wesolosky, from Sarver, PA; has accepted a position at Fox Chapel Golf Club in Pittsburgh, PA.
Brandon W. Wisnosky, from West Pittston, PA accepted a position at Glen Oak Country Club