ITF Awards

The Illinois Turfgrass Foundation is proud to honor those who have made a commitment to the principles of the Illinois Turfgrass Foundation through the bestowing of the Distinguished Service Award (DSA). Since 1979 individuals and families of turf professionals have been honored with the DSA. These recipients have been dedicated promoters of the turfgrass industry, innovators of new ideas and cultural practices, possessed a high degree of knowledge of turfgrass science and exhibited honesty and self discipline in their personal and professional lives.

Past Recipients of the DSA:

• Ben Warren - 1979

• Leon Short - 1980

• Jim Brandt - 1981 

• Bob Johnson - 1982 

• Jackie Dean Butler - 1983

• Dr. Malcolm C. Shurtleff - 1984

• Dr. Roscoe Randell - 1985

• Dr. Herbert L. Portz - 1986 

• Thomas E. VandeWalle - 1987 

• Dr. Al J. Turgeon -1988 

• Frank Stynchula - 1989

• Mike Vogt, CGCS - 1990 

• Carl Hopphan - 1991 

• Peter VanderCook - 1992 

• Robert W. Graunke, CGCS - 1993 

• Dudley Smith, CGCS - 1994 

• John Turner - 1995 

• Peter V. Leuzinger, CGCS - 1996 

• Robert M. Williams - 1997 

• Oscar Miles, CGCS - 1998 

• Dr. Thomas Fermanian - 1999 

• Habenicht Family - 2000 

• Brent Wadsworth - 2001 

• Dr. Thomas Voigt - 2002 

• The Jemsek Family - 2003 

• David V. Ward - 2004 

• Donald S. Ferreri - 2005 

• Randall T. Kane - 2006 

• Walter W. Fuchs – 2007