Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Jason Oliver Memorial Scholarship established

Once in a lifetime you come across an individual who exceeds all expectations, and you know this person will be doing special things with his or her life. Unfortunately, Jason Oliver's life ended much too soon. In Jason's short time on this earth he touched many lives, and through their generous support, the Jason Oliver Memorial Scholarship was established. 
This endowed fund is held at the Oregon State University Foundation and will create an opportunity to promote the education of future turfgrass managers while honoring the memory of another.

Recipients will be undergraduate and graduate students who carry a GPA of 3.25 or above and are studying in OSU’s turf management program within the department of horticulture in the college of agricultural sciences.

Jason Oliver had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and education. He met every learning opportunity with excitement and passion. Jason wanted to be the very best in everything he pursued. His ability to rise to challenges and excel in the classroom and on the golf course (be it playing golf or working on the course) was extraordinary for a person of his age. With hard work, a positive attitude and his persistent nature, Jason put himself through college on scholarships alone. His efforts paid off as he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 3.83 GPA.

During his employment at Stanford, Jason continued his dedication to the golf industry by serving on the Assistant Superintendent Committee of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, as well as serving as the Assistant Superintendent Director for the Northern California Chapter of the GCSAA Board of Directors.

Jason was well on his way to reaching his dream of becoming a Certified Golf Course Superintendent. He also wanted to become the youngest president in the history of GCSAA.  He is greatly missed by family and friends, but his hard work and passion can live on in perpetuity through this scholarship.
JASON’S AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Academic
Employment
§  College of Ag Deans List: 2003-2007
§  Graduation honors: Magna Cum Laude
§  USGA Green Section Intern
§  Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship
§  GCSAA Allan MacCurrach Scholarship
§  Trans Mississippi Turfgrass Scholarship
§  Royal Oaks Country Club Vancouver, Wash.
§  Pronghorn Golf Club Bend, Ore.
§  Cornerstone Golf Club Montrose, Colo.
§  The Olympic Club San Francisco, Calif.
§  Stanford University Golf Course Palo Alto, Calif.
If you wish to contribute, please make your check payable to “OSU Foundation” with Jason Oliver Memorial Scholarship on the memo line. Address: 850 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR 97333

For more information, contact OSU Foundation Development Officer Jack Holpuch at jack.holpuch@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-9636.