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Professor’s Endowment
Dr. Paul Rieke is a dedicated MSU faculty member who made major contributions to turfgrass science through research, education, and outreach and shared his knowledge and expertise through the guidance of many graduate students. The Paul Rieke Turfgrass Endowed Graduate Assistantship was established by the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation with generous contributions from Dr. Rieke, friends, family and colleagues at Paul’s retirement.
As part of Turfgrass 2010, the Rieke Endowment will help fund the communication and outreach efforts within the turfgrass industry, the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, and the MSU Turf Team. This “Building Relationships Initiative” is being spearheaded by MTF past board member Tom Mason to fill a void within the turf industry for the coordinated and seamless dissemination of information.
Currently this endowment of $105,000 only funds 25% of the total amount needed for a graduate student. The Turfgrass 2010 fundraising goal will double the amount of this endowment to provide additional resources for communication and outreach efforts.
Funds Overview & Guidelines
What are the objectives of this fund?This fund was originally begun to support a graduate student at MSU in turfgrass science from the interest earned on the principal.
How is this account funded?
Donations were solicited when Dr. Paul Rieke retired with a goal of $100,000. While this goal has been met, an amount closer to $300 - $400,000 is actually what will be required to meet the obligations of this fund.
Is a donation tax deductable?
The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation accepts gifts and pledges via cash, check or credit card for the Annual Fund or any of the three endowed funds. The MTF can also accept planned or immediate gifts from estates, insurance, real estate, stocks, bonds and other negotiable securities for any fund. The MTF can also work with donors through the MSU Foundation to set up a variety of trusts. The MTF is a 501c3 non-profit foundation.
How much is needed in this fund?
The long-term goal of this fund is to earn enough interest to fund a graduate student at MSU. As this amount will continue to grow, so too must the principal through continual fund raising.
What should be done with the interest earned from this account?
Each year, up to 5.0% of the value of the fund, not to exceed the available interest, shall be spent to support a graduate student at MSU in turfgrass science.
How can I lend support to continue this program?
Become a Professor's Endowment supporter today.
For more information on the Professor’s Endowment contact Gordon LaFontaine at 517-392-5003.
MSU Turfgrass Gradute Assistantship
Graduate students are a key component of a successful turfgrass science program. Graduate students in the MSU Turf Program are critical for conducting research that ultimately leads to scientific research publications and further investigations that may stimulate extramural grant funding. In addition to the research responsibilities of a graduate student, the students also participate in our extension and teaching programs by giving presentations at field days and conferences and assisting in teaching introductory turfgrass science courses.