The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS)

Kevin Austin, director of building and residential service, UChicago: Steve Frank, Landscape Services Supervisor, UChicago: and Joe Jackson, previous PGMS president.

The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) recognized the University of Chicago (UChicago) with a Grand Award for exceptional grounds maintenance in the Society's 2011 Green Star Awards competition. UChicago maintains the natural beauty of its campus with sustainable practices that seek to minimize use of pesticides, fertilizer, fossil fuels, and supplied water.

''This is a great honor to receive,'' said Steven Frank, UChicago landscape services supervisor. ''It not only recognizes [staff] efforts, but also UChicago's commitment toward enriching their students', staff and visitors' lives through green spaces.''