Langley Turf Management Students Donate $5,000

If the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, someone from the turfgrass diploma program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is probably caring for it.

Fourteen students in KPU’s turf management program rubbed shoulders with leading experts in turf technology and industry professionals from across the country at the Canadian International Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show in Vancouver.

In addition to donating $5,000 to the Western Canada Turfgrass Association's Research Fund (WCTA), students organized the pre-conference golf tournament for delegates, served as event hosts, conducted registrations and assisted with meetings. The donation to the WCTA was raised through golf tournaments, raffles, poinsettia sales and social events.

“I was very impressed with the professional manner in which the entire class conducted itself,” said Dean Piller, president of the B.C. Golf Superintendents Association.

KPU student Mark Stoklosa admits he was nervous at the start of the event, but said it gave him helpful insight into his future profession. “After meeting members, attending seminars and meetings, I have a better understanding of the different aspects in the turf industry,” he says.

Western Canada Turfgrass Association president Keith Lyall lauded the KPU students for making the conference run so smoothly, also noting their donation was double the contribution made by any previous group.

Second-year turf students completing a class project during the conference. They presented their Turf Care Center design projects to the Sagebrush Golf Club superintendent and assistant, as well as the president of the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association and various industry representatives.Graduates of KPU’s turf management program typically work as managers at golf courses and athletic fields. They are able to install and maintain irrigation and drainage systems, implement integrated pest management programs and employ the finance, communication and supervision business techniques necessary for a successful turf operation.

Students are involved in the ongoing development of the turf management field lab at KPU. Many graduates seek employment in the golf industry, but opportunities exist in a broad range of related businesses or public sector jobs. For more information about the program, visit: kpu.ca/hort/turf.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 145 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.