Illinois Turfgrass Endowment

The Illinois Turfgrass Endowment (ITE) was created in 1999 to establish a fund that would dedicate its resources to perpetuating turfgrass research, education and scholarship in the state. Still growing, the Illinois Turfgrass Endowment has evolved into the fundraising arm of the Illinois Turfgrass Foundation(ITF). The ITF continues to support turfgrass science, research and education on an annual basis through its own endeavors of hosting and sponsoring special events throughout the state. However the commitment the ITF makes to the turfgrass community is not enough to ensure the longevity and vitality of turfgrass science, education Aden research in Illinois.

The ITE has created a giving plan named the Founder's Club. Formerly known as the Sunset Ridge Plan, the Founder's Club has evolved into a program that individuals, companies, golf clubs and courses generously support each year. The focus is simple: Underwrite on-going and future turf research and education in Illinois. A contribution to the ITE Founder's Club encourages the advancement of the turfgrass science, programming and professionals.

To date over 90 individuals, companies, clubs & courses have donated to the ITE.

Individual Founder's Club Members:

Kerry Anderson
Mike Bavier
David Behrman
Bob Bethel
Brian Bossert
Rick Bowden
Bruce Branham
Edward G. Braunsky
Tom Burrows
Timothy Byrne
Thomas Byrne, Jr.
Paul Carlson
She-Kong Chong
Arthur G. Clesen
Jim Coens
Don Cross
Andy Dauksas
Tim Davis
Ken Diesburg
Dan Dinelli
Tom Fermanian
Edward Fischer
Jeffery Frentz
Walter Fuchs
Kurt Galisdorfer
Donald Gardner
Darin Habenicht
Dale Habenicht
Phillip H. Hall
Michael Hart
James Holtschult
Carl Hopphan
Hans Hopphan
Roger Johnson
Randy Kane
James Keith
Mark Z. Kowaliczko
Robert Kronn Jr.
Richard Lamkey
Edward Lee
Peter V. Leuzinger
Jeff Leuzinger
G. Peter Lieponis
Robert Lively
Robert Lohmann
Harry Lovero
Dan Marco
Ted Mochel
Dave Nadler
John Nelson
Fred Opperman
Richard Pump
Joel Purpur
Dan Quast
Caroline Repenning
Michael Sauls
Dave Schlagetter
James J. Shone
Don Spier
Verlyn Strellner
Phil Taylor
John M. Turner
Jim Van Ravensweay
Paul H. Vermeulen
Tom Voigt
Randy Wahler
David Ward
Scott Werner
Lynn Wesson
Henry Wilkinson
Robert Williams
Jeff Wilson
Brian Winkel