Page 32 - MNLGA Free State Winter 2024_WEB
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FEATURED MEMBER (Continued)
he Maryland horticulture calling. Initially a pre-med student at issues, always eager to share his vast
community is mourning the University of Maryland, his path knowledge. He was instrumental
Tthe sudden loss of Stanton shifted after meeting horticulture in establishing the two-year
Andrew Gill, a revered entomologist, student Ray Bosmans. Captivated by Landscape Technology program
educator, and friend who passed a class on fruit cultivation, Stanton at Montgomery College, where he
away unexpectedly on October 6, changed his major and never looked inspired and mentored hundreds of
2024, at 72. For over five decades, back. students, often taking them beyond
Stanton Gill was the heartbeat of the classroom to provide real-world
He earned his bachelor’s degree in
Maryland’s horticulture industry, experiences. His talks at seminars
horticulture with a minor in plant
uniting communities, advancing pest and contributions to the University of
genetics in 1974 and completed a
management, and fostering a legacy Maryland Extension Weekly Report
master’s degree in entomology in
of learning and friendship. became essential resources for IPM
1980. His deep interest in insects
Born on August 10, 1952, to Austin and plants laid the foundation for a technicians and landscape crews
and Rosalia Gill, Stanton grew up career that would influence countless across the region.
in Silver Spring, Maryland. Although professionals and enthusiasts. As a trusted advisor to the
horticulture roots run deep in his Maryland Nursery, Landscape, and
A cornerstone of the University of
family—his great-grandparents Greenhouse Association, he played
Maryland at the Central Maryland
operated an orchard in Pennsylvania, a crucial role in shaping event
Research and Education Center
and his grandfather grew potatoes agendas and encouraging the
(CMREC), Stanton advised
for liquor —it wasn’t until his college organization to co-sponsor Extension
commercial nurseries and
years that he discovered his true events, reinforcing ties between
greenhouses on pest and plant
the association and industry
32 WINTER 2024 • Free State News
