For he’s a jolly good Fellow
OSU’s Mike O’Keeffe collects honorary fellowship from Myerscough College for his tireless work placing students on the university’s careeer changing programmes
MYERSCOUGH College were delighted to make Sportsturf expert, Mike O’Keeffe, an Honorary College Fellow at their Further Education Awards Ceremony on Friday 15th July.
Mike was awarded the fellowship in recognition of his achievements in forging International links between Myerscough College and The Ohio State University.
A dual citizen of America and Ireland, Mike grew up on a small dairy farm in Southern Ireland. He won a scholarship to attend a Horticulture College in Dublin which was the springboard to his world travels. He now manages a programme for The Ohio State University, recruiting Agriculture, Horticulture, and Turfgrass students from over thirty two countries every year for training in the United States.
Mike was instrumental in helping set up the ‘Study Abroad’ programme which Myerscough College coordinates,
Signing off!
One of the industry’s most endearing characters, Carol Dutton, is retiring to warmer climes. Here she offers her thanks to all those industry folk she has had the pleasure to work with over the years
“AFTER more years in this business than I care to count, I’ve decided to retire. Let’s face it, I’m knocking on. The eyesight’s going, the hearing’s going and the waistline left years ago. As I’ve said before, when it gets to the stage where you actually LIKE your passport photo, simply because it’s younger than you are, then it’s definitely time to quit.
I’d like to thank my clients, past and recent, not only for their business but also for their infinite patience. Over the years, you’ve valiantly explained a host of different turf related topics ranging from the difference and merits of granular, liquid, conventional and compound fertilisers, the dangers and reasons behind black layer, the mechanics of compressed air decompaction, the design behind the latest line marking machines, the latest techniques of sports field drainage and the growth habits of rhizomatous tall fescue. You were dealing with an unscientific and non-mechanical mind, and any knowledge I’ve accumulated is down to you.
I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to a greenkeeper or groundsman without learning something new or coming away with renewed respect for their expertise, dedication and the daily pressures they face.
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If I’ve managed to get any of you into print, I’m happy. Thank you for telling me your stories.
Ladies and gentlemen of the press you’ve been good to me. You’ve helped and advised me, and how many times have you responded, whether on a deadline or not, to “could you just change this”, “ignore that” or, the recurring “is this picture okay to print?”
I’ll stay in touch. You’ll all get info on the Menorca place just as soon as I’ve got rid of the lime green paint left by the previous owner. But, for now, I’ll leave you, linkedin, tweeting with your ipods and ipads and all those other technological mysteries which I couldn’t grasp to save my life, and head for the sun. I just want to say one huge thank you to anyone I’ve worked with, spoken to or interviewed over the years. You’ve made the last ???? years an adventure and a joy.”
The Pitchcare team would like to thank Carol for her invaluable input into the magazine, both through the exclusive articles she provided and the countless press releases from her clients. We will miss her cheery persona in the press rooms, and wish her a happy retirement.
bringing not only students but Master Gardeners into Britain every year from the States to gain experience in British horticulture and explore our wonderful public gardens and parks.
Additionally, Mike has introduced other universities to Myerscough, encouraging them to send students to Myerscough, most notably Auburn University and, as a result, that exchange has grown over the years. Mike also encourages tutor exchange between Myerscough and Ohio State University.
Ann Turner, Myerscough College’s Chief Executive and Principal, said: “It is a pleasure to make Mike O’Keeffe an Honorary College Fellow. His outstanding achievements in the Sportsturf industry are an inspiration to all our students, and he has proven to be a great friend to Myerscough College over the years.”
Course Enquiries on 01995 642211 or email:
enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk Website:
www.myerscough.ac.uk
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