New York Professional Earns Merit Award

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The New York State Turfgrass Association (NYSTA) recently presented the Citation of Merit award to Joann Gruttadaurio, a senior extension associate in the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University.

Gruttadaurio was selected for the association’s most prestigious honor based on the following criteria: dedication to turfgrass research and education; involvement in and support of association activities; interest in promoting careers in the turfgrass industry; community involvement; and admiration and respect of peers and colleagues.

Gruttadaurio has been with Cornell University since 1974. She has a bachelor’s degree in agronomy and a master’s in extension education from Cornell University. She is an instructor and serves as the director for Cornell Cooperative Extension’s education programs for professional turfgrass managers.

Gruttadaurio has been actively involved in the association throughout her career. Her education programs for professional turfgrass managers include the Cornell Turfgrass Management Short Course, which provides intensive training on best management practices for the establishment and maintenance of turf; as well as advance turf short courses and the Turfgrass Field Diagnostic Course.  She has also been a moderator and presenter at many of the educational conferences NYSTA organizes each year.