I'm writing in response to the degrading comments about the turfgrass science major in Ben Praster's column, "Students responsible for content of Web posts," Feb. 20.

I am disappointed that The Daily Collegian would publish statements bashing any major. I was confused by what the writer was trying to prove by saying that majoring in turfgrass science is embarrassing.

Students in the turfgrass science major take their work very seriously and professionally. College gives students the ability to pick a subject that interests them and a field that they will enjoy working in for the rest of their lives. I am saddened to see some students are more worried about their social status and yearly salaries than being happy with what they are doing.

But, many would be surprised to see that a recent survey said the average salary of a golf course superintendent is $90,000 a year. Turf is one of the fastest growing industries in America and Penn State is at the forefront of it. Penn State has had a turfgrass science program for 80 years and during that time has been a leader in research and in producing turf managers.

I am very proud to be a part of the major and the tradition of excellence that has come before me. Students study turfgrass because they have a passion for it. I only hope that every student at Penn State has this same passion and pride for their major as turfgrass science majors have.