The MRTF Distinguished Service Award

The MRTF Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor given by the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation. It is awarded to individuals who have given of them selves through the years for the betterment of the Turfgrass Industry. The giving by these individuals has been in many different forms. Some have used their leadership abilities to serve on the MRTF Board of Directors and steer the Foundation through the changes needed to meet the future. Others have donated their time to work with students and help train them to be future Turf Industry leaders.

Following are past recipients of the Distinguished Service Award:

  • Joe Cravens, 1990
  • Marvin Phillips, 1991
  • Don Fassnacht, 1993
  • William H. Daniel, 1994
  • Tom Zimmerman, 1995
  • Don Scott, 1996
  • Clark Throssell, 1996
  • Bob Shaw, 1997
  • James Kenney, 1998
  • Steve Frazier, 1999
  • Jon Fuller, 2000
  • Dudley Smith, 2001
  • Dan Gamble, 2002
  • Gwen Daniel, 2003
  • Stan Morris, 2004
  • John Morris, 2005
  • John Turner, 2006
  • Allen Wehr, 2007
  • Randy Bellinger, 2008
  • Randy Brehmer, 2009
  • Zac Reicher, 2010

The MRTF Award of Achievement

The MRTF Award of Achievement, established in 2005, was created to honor those who unselfishly have given to the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation, the Turf Industry and Purdue University.

MRTF Award of Achievement Recipients

2005

  • Ray Freeborg
  • Bill Lyons
  • Gene Johanningsmeier

2006

  • Stan Frederiksen
  • Vic Lechtenberg
  • Wayne Otto

2007

  • Bob Avenius
  • Pete Dye
  • Bill McFee

2008

  • Mike Brady
  • Steve Christie
  • Fred Whitford

2009

  • Bob Brame
  • Bev Bratton
  • Paul Grogan