Feature

Charity Golf Tournament Raises $21,000 For Thomas L. Watschke Award of Excellence

Penn State Turfgrass hosted the inaugural Thomas L. Watschke Award of Excellence Golf Tournament in partnership with The Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council on October 13. A total of $21,773.28 was raised to support this award in memory of Thomas L. Watschke, Professor Emeritus at Penn State.

Sixty-five golfers participated in 18 holes of scramble golf at the Penn State Blue Course. Tournament participants enjoyed a variety of competitions in addition to 18 holes of scramble golf tournament play. Activities included longest drive, closest to the pin and opportunity to win advantages.

A huge thank you goes out to the sponsors and individuals who helped make the Charity Golf Tournament an exciting and successful fundraising event.

“We are grateful for our sponsors of all levels who made this event possible and whose generous contributions helped the tournament make even more than we expected. It is an honor to provide the funds to this award of excellence in memory of Dr. Watschke,” said John Kaminski, Professor, Penn State.

The Thomas L. Watschke Award of Excellence was started in Tom’s memory by his family. His wife, Christa Watschke, was at the event to present the first award recipient, Andrew J. Wile.

Award recipient Andrew Wile with Christa Watschke

“Upon completing his education, Tom contemplated a career in industry vs. higher education. Ultimately, he decided on higher education to share his passion for the study of Turfgrass and its management with others. Throughout his career, he discovered the greatest reward was the relationships he established with his students, many that lasted a lifetime! Post-retirement, Tom expressed interest in giving back to Penn State, the turf industry and most importantly, the students. Raising money for this endowment/ award allows us to award students for their academic efforts in the Turfgrass field in memory of Tom,” said Christa Watschke when presenting the award.

PTC Sponsors with the Watschkes

Andrew J. Wile is a senior Turfgrass student who will be graduating in December 2021. The Thomas L. Watschke Award of Excellence will be given to a 4th year student each fall.

For more information, please contact turf@psu.edu