Tuesday, February 11, 2025 –

The MRTF’s Distinguished Service Award Reception (held during the Indiana Green Expo) is always a great time for our members, students, our DSA winner, and their families to come together to celebrate the many accomplishments achieved by everyone in the room. This year, a check for $196,925 was presented to Linda Prokopy, the Horticulture & Landscape Architecture Department Head of Purdue University. It is a large part of the MRTF’s mission to provide funds to Purdue for students and researchers in the Turf Program. In addition, five scholarships were awarded to students and it was a proud moment for them and their families in attendance.

Many others were honored during the reception, including Broadmoor Country Club for their generosity in hosting our annual Golf Day Fundraiser. Past president, Blain Poole, and retiring board member, Brian Bornino, were also given plaques and gifts as a ‘thank you’ for their dedication and service to the board. Blain remains a board member and our new president, Devin Moyers, was brought up on stage to announce Jim Held as this year’s Distinguished Service Award winner. Jim was joined by his wife, Christine, and son, Cameron to accept his award and celebrate his positive impact on the turf industry over the years.