H B Musser Turfgrass Fellowship

The H B Musser Turfgrass Fellowship, also known as the Musser International Turfgrass Foundation, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and fostering excellence in the field of turfgrass science and related disciplines.

History

The foundation was established shortly after the death of Professor H. Burton Musser in 1969. Musser was a prominent figure in turfgrass management research and education at Penn State University, where he led the program for three decades. The foundation's inception was spearheaded by Dr. Joseph M. Duich, Warren A. Bidwell, Eberhard R. Steiniger, Albert W. Wilson II, and Dr. Fred V. Grau. Dr. Grau served as its first president for twenty years before being succeeded by D. Frank Dobie in 1989[1].

Mission

The core objective of the H B Musser Turfgrass Fellowship is to recognize and honor outstanding doctoral students in turfgrass science and related fields worldwide. The foundation aims to nurture future leaders in the industry by providing financial support and awards to those demonstrating academic excellence and contributions to turfgrass research[1][2].

Activities and Funding

The foundation supports its activities primarily through donations from various sources, including individuals, corporations, golf tournaments, and turfgrass associations. These funds contribute to a principal endowment, ensuring that awards and operational expenses are covered by interest and dividends rather than depleting the principal, thus maintaining the foundation's financial sustainability[1].

In recent years, the foundation has distributed significant grants to support its mission. For instance, in 2023, it contributed $40,000 in grants towards promoting education in turfgrass science[3].

Governance

The foundation operates with a board of directors consisting of 24 members, who represent diverse aspects of the turfgrass industry. All directors serve without compensation, ensuring that resources are primarily allocated towards supporting students and advancing the field of turfgrass science[1][4].

Supported Institutions

Over the years, the H B Musser Turfgrass Fellowship has awarded grants to doctoral students from numerous universities across the United States, including Arizona, Auburn, Cornell, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina State, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Michigan State, Rutgers, Tennessee, and Texas A&M[1].