Annual lawn mower clinic allows ASM club to support scholarship and travel

by Carah Hart, posted May 3, 2010

When spring is in the air on the MU campus, you know the sounds of lawn mower engines being tuned up can't be far behind. The MU Agricultural Systems Management Club held its annual Lawn Mower Clinic March 11 through 16 and again April 22 through 27, in the courtyard of the Agricultural Engineering Building. The clinic is a fundraiser that benefits the ASM Club and the Joel DeRosear scholarship fund. This scholarship is given in remembrance of ASM student, Joel DeRosear, who lost the battle with cancer in 2007.

Club members give each lawn mower a steam clean, replace spark plugs, sharpen and balance blades, clean the air filter and change the oil for a fee of $30. There are only two conditions: no riding lawn mowers or weed eaters and the lawn mowers must be in working condition.

Hunter Nash, member of ASM club, organized the 2010 clinic. He said the fundraiser had a great turnout, with about 180 lawn mowers and a total profit of about $5,000.

“We are glad we can provide a service for them that goes to a good cause,” Nash said. He added that there was an increase in member participation this year.

The ASM Club donates some of its profits to the community and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources to assist with ASM study abroad programs and other sponsorships.

Leon Schumacher, ASM Club adviser, worked at the clinic as well. Schumacher makes sure club members use correct safety precautions and even does a few filter cleanings.

Schumacher said that the fundraiser is a great activity that helps students to gain budgeting and leadership skills: overall, a really good experience.

“Students see the importance of raising money for a good cause and they work hard to make sure everything is done right,” Schumacher said.

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