outreach and engagement proved vital for so many over the years. My heart goes out to Joe’s wife MaryAnn and the entire Vargas family during this difficult time.”
Tis is a photo of some of those honoring Dr. Vargas during the MTF Turf Conference Tribute.
fortunate enough to attend will confirm it was an evening to remember. Te individuals who spoke were a perfect mix of what Joe meant to the industry and as a friend. Each speaker filled the room with humor, historical insight, and true caring for someone who brought so much to our industry. And of course, all who knew Joe saw his second persona rocking the crowd—“Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has entered the building!” He loved putting on his costume and performing his “Elvis” show. Witnessing Dr. Vargas take in all the gracious and kind words was itself inspirational. He thoroughly enjoyed hearing from all there and they were equally delighted to please him. He will be missed, and his time was too short …but those who had the opportunity to say thank you that evening were blessed to have done so.
Diane Mischel, TPI President and MSU graduate, said, “Dr. Vargas dedicated his life to turf research and his legacy will continue far into the future due to the numerous grad students that studied under his tutelage and the endowment just established by MTF to ensure his position at MSU will always be funded. I attended his "retirement" banquet this past January at the MTF conference and it was inspiring to hear his views as well as listen to each of his students get up and talk in historical order.”
“To put it simply, Joe was one of a kind,” said Brian Horgan, PhD, MSU Professor and Chairperson, Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences. “Tere are just not enough words to describe the incredible influence he had on all that were lucky to know and work with him. His teaching, research, and extension work benefited partners across the state of Michigan and around the world. He will be remembered for his energy, his exceptional scholarship, his vibrant sense of humor, humility, and friendship.”
“Joe’s remarkable life embodied the true spirit of a Spartan,” said MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dean, Kelly Millenbah, PhD “Te CANR community joins with all those who knew and loved Joe to celebrate his many accomplishments and honor his extraordinary legacy. His pioneering work made an impact across the globe, particularly in the golf industry, where his
TPI Turf News July/August 2024
“Joe was always willing to help those in need,” said Nancy Dykema, a PSM research assistant who was mentored by Vargas as a student and served as his long-time assistant. “Whether it was a golf course superintendent, a student, colleague, or friend, his mentorship and support were second to none. He was passionate about teaching and loved working with students. For those he supported, it was a comfort to have him as a staunch advocate.”
An Enduring Legacy Te Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF), a non- profit organization that supports turfgrass research and education, knew Dr. Vargas’s legacy would be intact forever, but never anticipated it to come so soon. Five years ago, the MTF began the process of providing a Leadership gift to MSU in the name of Dr. Vargas. During the time required to gain support, Joe traveled with us to bring the process to fruition because he knew the importance of it and how it would ensure the success and continuation of the MSU Turf Program. We cannot thank him enough for his inspiration and the opportunities the Endowment will provide for the future of the MSU Turf Program.
In 2022, MTF donated $1 million to launch a campaign at MSU to endow the Joe Vargas Chair in Turfgrass Pathology. Honoring Vargas’ lifetime of groundbreaking achievements, the endowment further enhances the capacity of the MSU turfgrass management program to produce cutting-edge research that positively impacts practitioners, from our backyards to world-class golf courses.
Funding for the endowed Joe Vargas Chair in Turfgrass Pathology will ensure that a strong and robust program is possible in perpetuity and will honor Vargas’s enduring legacy as a scholar and researcher whose exemplary work benefitted so many in Michigan and around the world. More information about the Joe Vargas Endowed Chair in Turfgrass Pathology can be found at the link that follows.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/turfgrass/joe-vargas-endowed- chair-in-turfgrass-pathology
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that memorial contributions be made to the Dr. Joe Vargas Chair in Turfgrass Pathology at Michigan State University at the link above, or by check payable to “Michigan State University” including Joe Vargas Chair in Turfgrass Pathology or A108101 on the memo line of your check. Gifts by mail should be sent to: CANR Advancement Office, Michigan State University, 446 West Circle Drive, Room 319, East Lansing, MI 48824.
Suz Trusty is co-editor of Turf News. Special thanks go to Diane Mischel, Alex Dardas, The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF), the MSU College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (CANR), and the
Vargas family for providing the content and photos for this tribute 15
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