Director’s Corner
In Memory of an Industry Friend Tom Tracy, Ph.D. • VTC Executive Director
When
Dr. Rajandra Waghray passed away on May 2, 2015, our industry lost a dear friend. Many of us have fond memories of Raj and the guidance he provided the turfgrass industry. Throughout his decades of service, he epitomized the phrase “gracious leader.” He was a leader because of what he did. He was gracious because of who he was. During his tenure with the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service in Fairfax County, Raj initiated and managed the Fairfax County Gypsy Moth Control program and established Neighborhood Plant Clinics, the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory and the Agriculture Information Center. Throughout his service, Raj received many awards, including three from the Virginia Turfgrass Council: Lifetime Membership (2004), President’s Award (1999) and the VTC Award (1996). Raj’s graciousness may be illustrated in many ways and by many persons, but allow me to present a personal example. I first met Raj (even now, I have difficulty using his full name since he always insisted we use his nickname) nearly four decades ago when he interviewed me for a position in northern Virginia. Long story short; I did not get the job. But now, consider what happened in the early 2000s when the Virginia Turfgrass Council brought me aboard as executive director. Raj was very active on the board of directors as a technical and education advisor and was instrumental in the VTC’s decision to hire me. After some months into the job, I reminded him of our first meeting. Graciousness flowed through his answer: “Oh, Tom, that job was not good. You are fortunate it was not for you.” Virginia’s turfgrass industry owes a tremendous debt to Dr. Rajandra Waghray. He will be missed. c
Dr. Rajandra Waghray (right) accepts the 2004 VTC Lifetime Membership Award from Robert Barksdale (then, chairman of the VTC’s Nominations & Awards Committee).
8 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal July/August 2015 www.vaturf.org