

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.
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.