The Toro Company is pleased to announce “The Collegiate Experience at Toro University,” a new educational program geared toward college students preparing to enter the turf industry. This unique learning experience builds upon Toro’s highly successful professional education program, called Toro University, and provides future turf professionals an exclusive opportunity to better prepare themselves for a very competitive job environment.
“Toro’s value of caring relationships reaches beyond those currently in the turf industry,” said Judson McNeil, Toro Giving Program and Community Relations. “We are pleased to host these highly-qualified university students and enhance their classroom educational experiences with hands-on product training as well as connecting them to leaders in their industry.”
Twenty-nine students from 16 universities around the United States were selected through a competitive application process to participate in the inaugural event. The 2-day program was held at Toro’s world headquarters in Bloomington, Minnesota, from September 12–14. Students had the opportunity to actively get involved with the application of Toro product, tour one of the company’s manufacturing facilities, and visit Hazeltine National Golf Club. During their stay, the students also visited the Minnesota Twins new baseball stadium, Target Field, and heard from the head groundskeeper, Larry DiVito. In addition, they were able to interact with many leaders in the industry, building their knowledge and skills, and preparing them for their future.
“Through Toro’s Collegiate Experience, I have gained knowledge and experience that has better prepared me as I enter the turf industry profession. The connections and relationships built during the past few days will remain with me throughout my career,” said Lindsey Merritt, Collegiate Experience participant. “I was blown away by the professionalism, effort, and genuine care that Toro and the staff had for all of the students. We truly felt privileged to be here and I am excited to see what new innovations Toro comes up with as technology continues to advance.”