ADVANCING THE PROFESSION

“ The cost of college can be a huge burden for many students . I was fortunate enough to get most of my college paid for through academic scholarships like the SAFE scholarships . This allowed me to be more focused on school and pursuing career goals . It has also instilled the idea of giving back to students in my professional career ( I currently serve Texas SFMA as the scholarship chair ).”

– Kevin Hansen , sports fields manager for ASM Global at NRG Stadium and the Houston Texans practice facility ( 2012-13 and 2013-14 SAFE scholarship classes ).

“ As an industry based in science and under pressure to ‘ do more with less ,’ challenging the status quo is a necessity — not an option . SAFE does this , guiding the future of sports field management by funding cuttingedge research and talent cultivation in order to continue providing communities with safe green spaces .

“ Receiving a SAFE undergraduate scholarship impacted my career in a much bigger way than I knew at the time I received the award . The monetary support provided financial security that allowed me to focus on my education as I paid my own way through college . It also funded travel to the national conference , which offered exposure and networking that continue to influence my success . I had the opportunity to attend the Women In Turf luncheon where , for the first time , I met and connected with other females in the industry . Those interactions were an inspiration that pushed me to pursue a research career , and they remain a source of motivation and camaraderie .”

— Devon Carroll , Ph . D ., chief of staff , Envu ( 2015-16 SAFE scholarship class ).

“ Receiving a SAFE scholarship allowed me to get exposure and helped me network with others in the industry . When I received my award at the banquet , there were so many industry professionals who wanted to talk to and hear my plans for what I would do after graduation . It allowed me to get a verbal job offer as I was networking .

“ SAFE is very important because it helps students continue their education in the sports field career . Every year , new concepts or ideas are being introduced in the industry , and SAFE allows sports field professionals to keep up with that .”

– Keair Edwards , director of operations , The Sports Facilities Company , Gulfport Sportsplex ( 2015-16 SAFE scholarship class ).

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