GCSAA Hands out Annual Legacy Awards


Some of Kurt Van Auken's favorite childhood memories were spent on the golf course with his father, David, golf course superintendent at Antiago (Wis.) Bass Lake Country Club.

"I just knew how fun it was to be out in nature with him, and I always remember him having his Golf Course Superintendents Association of America membership card," the younger Van Auken said.

The family's long association with GCSAA (David Van Auken has been a member for 25 years) has paid off, as Kurt was named one of the recipients of GCSAA's Legacy Awards. Administered through its philanthropic organization, the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), and funded by Syngenta, the Legacy Awards provide scholarships to the children and grandchildren of GCSAA members who have been active for five or more consecutive years. Legacy Award recipients receive $1,500 scholarships.

Kurt, 26, is currently a student at Western Technical College in La Crosse, Wis., and is studying to be a physical therapist assistant. He is also a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse with a degree in exercise and sports science.

"We understand that the cost of higher education can be a challenge," Rhett Evans, GCSAA chief executive officer said. "So with the support of the EIFG and Syngenta, we are proud to provide opportunities for our members and their children to further their educations and their futures."

Earlier this year, David Van Auken, 57, benefited from another GCSAA/EIFG program, the Melrose Leadership Academy, which supports the professional development of GCSAA member superintendents by providing individuals the opportunity to attend the annual Golf Industry Show.

"The stars really aligned for us this year," David Van Auken said. "I have received tremendous value from GCSAA over the years, but this is just icing on the cake. It just goes to show the tremendous support superintendents and their families receive from GCSAA. In this case, it's easing the financial burden for Kurt for his education."

In all, 20 Legacy Awards were given to GCSAA members' offspring.

"The Legacy Awards have always been a way for Syngenta to give back to golf course superintendents, the backbone of the golf industry," said Stephanie Schwenke, golf marketing manager for Syngenta. "These scholarships provide opportunity for future leaders to gain the education and experiences that will contribute to their future. At Syngenta, we view leadership, whether individual or organizational, as a valuable asset throughout one's life and career. Personally, I appreciate hearing from each of these recipients as they share their individual stories and values on the impact of this scholarship."

The Legacy Award capped off a particularly rewarding week for the Van Auken family. Kurt found out he had received the scholarship just two days after his wedding on June 28.

Other award-winners are:

Taylor Archibald, majoring in biology at Michigan Technological University and child of Steven Archibald, GCSAA member superintendent at Thornberry Creek Country Club in Green Bay, Wis.

AnnMarie Backstrom, majoring in environmental studies at the College of Saint Benedict and child of Jeffery C. Backstrom, GCSAA Class A superintendent at Cannon Golf Club in Cannon Falls, Minn.

Courtney Doxtader, from Utica, N.Y., majoring in dental hygiene at State University of New York at Canton and grandchild of the late GCSAA member Gene Taylor

Lily Ellis, majoring in English at the University at Buffalo and child of GCSAA Class A member Howard C. Ellis, certified golf course superintendent at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown, N.Y.

Ryan Fackler, majoring in intrapersonal and organizational communication studies at Azusa Pacific University and child of GCSAA Class A member Steve N. Fackler, certified golf course superintendent at Serrano Country Club in El Dorado Hills, Calif.

Kelsey Gabel, of Chicago, obtaining a master's degree in nutrition at the University of Illinois at Chicago and child of Charles C. Dipman, retired GCSAA Class A member.

Caitlin Greninger, majoring in pre-law and criminal justice at the University of Wyoming and child of GCSAA Class A member Michael A. Greninger, certified golf course superintendent at Titleist Performance Institute in Oceanside, Calif.

Amanda Gross, majoring in civil engineering at Northeastern University and stepchild of Douglas C. George, GCSAA Class A superintendent at Waccabuc (N.Y.) Country Club

Maggie Henderson, majoring in accounting at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and child of William J. Henderson III, GCSAA Class A superintendent at Johnson City (Tenn.) Country Club.

O'Chun Jones, majoring in environmental and natural resources at Clemson University and child of Shaun Donahue, GCSAA Class A superintendent at Tidewater Golf Club and Plantation in North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Molly Brown Langner, majoring in nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and child of Mark Langner, GCSAA Class A superintendent at FarmLinks in Sylacauga, Ala.

Alyssa Merkel, majoring in psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and child of GCSAA Class A member Steven A. Merkel, certified golf course superintendent at Landscapes Golf Group in Lincoln, Neb.

Grant Wood Nair, majoring in engineering at Ohio State University and child of Scott W. Nair, GCSAA member superintendent at Kukio Golf Club in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Benjamin Naudet, majoring in architecture at the University of Kansas and child of Paul Naudet, GCSAA member superintendent at the Club at Port Cima in Lake Ozark, Mo.

Tyler Powell, majoring in business administration at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and child of GCSAA Class A member Brian Powell, certified golf course superintendent at Old Chatham Golf Club in Durham, N.C.

Jake Schaller, majoring in business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and child of GCSAA Class A member Scott H. Schaller, certified golf course superintendent at North Shore Golf Club in Menasha, Wis.

Colby Tarsitano, majoring in photography/photojournalism at New York University and child of GCSAA Class A member Gerald A. Tarsitano II, certified golf course superintendent at The Hideaway Golf Club in La Quinta, Calif.

Kara C. Wojick of Wilton, Conn., majoring in English and secondary English education at the University of Connecticut and child of retired GCSAA Class A member Gregory J. Wojick

The above report is courtesy of the GCSAA. For more information, visit www.gcsaa.org.