Campus landscapers get national award
Nov. 21, 2003
KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University's Landscape Services team was recently honored with a national award for its work from the Professional Grounds Management Society.
Tim Holysz, manager of Landscape Services, accepted a 2003 Green Star Honor Award on behalf of his team in St. Louis at the organization's Professional Grounds Management School Nov. 5-8. WMU was recognized for the quality, challenge and level of maintenance of its grounds. The awards are designed to bring national recognition to grounds maintained with a high degree of excellence.
Norm Risk, supervisor of grounds, led the team that assembled the submission materials, which included 15 color slides and 10 photos of the campus grounds, along with detailed descriptions of the site. Paul MacNellis, director of Landscape Services, initiated the submission process before being called to active military duty last spring.
"The Green Star Award is a significant achievement for landscape services and WMU," says John Goes, director of Physical Plant. "The team began gathering historical data, project documentation and photos well over a year ago. Their submission was impressive, and we're very proud of our top-notch team."
PGMS recognized 16 grounds programs nationwide with its 2003 awards.
Media contact: Jessica English, 269 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu