Denison University’s grounds crew won national recognition for their work in sustainably maintaining and beautifying the college’s campus. The Professional Grounds Management Society bestowed its Grand Award and the inaugural Environmental Green Star Award upon Kevin Mercer, Denison’s grounds and landscape manager, at a conference on October 18, 2019, held in Louisville, Ky.
The Green Star Awards program brings national recognition to grounds maintained with a high degree of excellence, complimenting other national landscape award programs that recognize outstanding landscape design and construction.
Mercer credited his team for their work saying, “Having a small crew with big demands is always a challenge, but with this team, anything is possible — and trust me I have been around. This crew is the best of the best.”
He outlined a program that offers a proactive approach for maintaining the college’s environmental stewardship, as well as maintaining the function of the campus landscape’s aesthetics.
“I always try focus on the little details of the grounds and equipment before anything big can escalate,” says Mercer. “I was taught never to take anything for granted and appreciate everyone that has help you along the way. I love this business.”
“Kevin and his crew give a truly valuable service to Denison,” says David English, Denison’s vice president of finance and management. “We provide a real home for our students during most of their four years in college. It’s important to us that the buildings and grounds are both attractive and well-maintained. Evidence of this good work is that Denison makes regular appearances on ‘Most Beautiful Campus’ lists. That wouldn’t be possible without the dedication, creativity, and hard work this team puts in every day. I am grateful to Kevin and the entire grounds crew for their hard work, which is recognized in this award.”