REMEMBERING DR. JOSEPH VARGAS Compiled by Suz Trusty
His extensive scientific contributions include developing the first prediction model for turfgrass disease, advancing new disease management protocols, and pioneering fungicide applications. Vargas’ outreach efforts were both expansive and international. He shared his knowledge during more than 1,000 presentations in such diverse places as Australia, Argentina, Ireland, Malaysia, Spain, Japan, and South Africa.
Joseph (Joe) Vargas, PhD, a distinguished plant pathology and turfgrass management professor in the Michigan State University Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, passed away on April 18. He was 82.
An internationally renowned researcher and scholar, during his 56-year career with MSU, Dr. Vargas improved the quality of turfgrass on six continents and inspired generations of leaders in the field of turfgrass management.
A Prolific Scholar and Industry Partner Vargas was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, on March 11, 1942. During his youth, he worked on his grandparents’ farm, as well as at Fall River Country Club, which inspired his initial interest in turfgrass. He attended the University of Rhode Island, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1963. Tere he met MaryAnn Duffy, his future wife and life partner for 61 years. He went on to receive his master’s degree from Oklahoma State University, and his PhD from the University of Minnesota in 1968.
Vargas joined the faculty at MSU in 1968, where he was involved in teaching, research, and extension. He quickly established himself as a leader in turfgrass pathology, advancing innovative solutions addressing complex challenges and supporting industry partners. During his career, he published more than 200 articles on turfgrass diseases and related subjects. He also published the most widely used turfgrass disease book, “Management of Turfgrass Diseases,” and co-authored two other books.
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Te practical applications of his many academic achievements earned him widespread recognition and industry acclaim. Vargas received the Golf Course Superintendents Association
of America (GCSAA) Distinguished Service Award in 1997 and the United States Golf Association (USGA) Green Section Award in 2007. In 2016, he was inducted into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame. He also received the CANR Distinguished Faculty Award in 2019, and the Michigan Golf Course Owners Distinguished Service Award in 2021, among numerous other recognitions.
MTF Tribute—The Emotional and
Continuing Impact Te loss of Dr. Vargas has had an emotional impact on the Turfgrass Industry. Tose fortunate to have studied under him and worked with his guidance, and the multitude who have him to thank for their careers, are certainly at a loss. His leadership and loyalty at Michigan State University were unmatched and will always be remembered as a significant part of MSU's legacy. Te Michigan State Turf Program was fortunate to have him as a fixture and the anchor of the MSU Turf Team throughout his decades of service. It is always difficult to express the loss of someone so impactful and any attempt to do so will always seem lacking …words never fill the vacancy of someone of his stature.
On January 10, 2024, a reception was held during the MTF Turf Conference in honor of Dr. Vargas. Dr. Kevin Frank and Dr. Phil Dwyer did the heavy lifting coordinating the speakers, guests, and close friends and family who all wanted to wish Joe a well-deserved thank you. Tose
TPI Turf News July/August 2024
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