Alumni

Thomas Watschke, Penn State professor of turfgrass science, has been with Penn State for more than 34 years, teaching in the turfgrass management program in the crop and soil sciences department. He serves as the coordinator for students in the undergraduate turfgrass major and was the only academic adviser for students in the turfgrass science major from its inception in 1992 until 2001, advising more than 300 students during that time.

"In addition to his outstanding record as a teacher and researcher, Dr. Watschke distinguished himself in his role as adviser," says Alfred Turgeon, professor of turfgrass management. "Despite the fact that the major had as many as 250 students in the late 1990s, he managed to ensure that all students were adequately advised and that they successfully completed their degree requirements--including internships on golf courses and other turfgrass facilities--prior to graduation. I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Tom."

"Dr. Watschke's teaching remains as a highlight of my Penn State experience and I can think of nobody more deserving of this honor," says Christopher Brown, chief operating officer and director of franchise development for Teed & Brown Lawn Care.

"His supreme knowledge, professionalism, and dedication were instilled into us as students as he demanded the highest of standards and expectations from us," says Eric Snelsire, superintendent of Lighthouse Sound Golf Course.

He is director of Penn State's Center for Turfgrass Science and is internationally recognized for his research accomplishments in weed science, plant growth regulation, and turfgrass systems water quality. Watschke has been awarded fellow status by the Crop Science Society of America and the American Society of Agronomy and has received distinguished-service recognition from the Golf Course Superintendents of America, Turfgrass Producers International, and the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council.

He has been selected as an outstanding teacher by Gamma Sigma Delta honorary agricultural fraternity and as Outstanding Mentor for Adult Learners by Alpha Sigma Lambda adult student honor society. He has a bachelor's degree in horticulture from Iowa State University and master's and doctoral degrees in agronomy from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.