College of Forestry Spring Awards
https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/fernhopper/photo-of-the-week/
Welcome to the College of Forestry Spring Awards page!
Each year, we celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of our students, faculty, and staff through a series of prestigious awards. These awards recognize excellence in various areas, including leadership, mentoring, academic achievement, and creative expression.
We invite you to participate in this tradition by nominating deserving individuals who have made a significant impact within our community. Your nominations help us honor those who exemplify the spirit of the College of Forestry and inspire others to strive for greatness.
Explore the award categories and submit your nominations today. Let's come together to celebrate the outstanding members of our College of Forestry family!
Nominations for the 2024-25 Spring Awards are due by April 30, 2025.
Robert Aufderheide Award
The Robert Aufderheide Award was established by the Forestry Club in 1950 to honor Robert Aufderheide, a distinguished member of the class of 1935 who studied Technical Forestry and was a member of Xi Sigma Pi. Aufderheide served as a supervisor at Willamette National Forest from 1954 until his passing in 1959. Forest Road 19, also known as Robert Aufderheide Memorial Drive or Aufderheide Road, is named in his memory.
This prestigious award recognizes an exceptional instructor or professor within the College of Forestry for their outstanding contributions to teaching. Nominated by students, the recipient's name will be inscribed on a plaque displayed prominently within the College of Forestry. They will also receive a commemorative plaque presented by a member of the Xi Sigma Pi Honor Society at the spring term Dean's Awards & Outstanding Alumni dinner.
There are no restrictions on the number of times an individual professor may be selected for this honor.
Nominations due by 11:59 PM, April 30, 2025
Submit nominations here
Julie Kliewer Mentor Award
The Xi Sigma Pi/Julie Kliewer Excellence in Mentoring Award was established in 1995 to honor Dr. Julie E. Kliewer, the first licensed logging/civil engineer in Oregon. Dr. Kliewer's mentorship profoundly impacted many students.
Each year, this prestigious award recognizes a faculty or staff member within the College of Forestry who demonstrates exceptional mentoring. Nominated by Students, the recipient will receive a commemorative plaque at the spring term Dean's Award & Outstanding Alumni dinner, presented by a member of the Xi Sigma Pi Honor Society.
There are no restrictions on the number of times an individual may be selected for this honor.
Nominations due by 11:59 PM, April 30, 2025
Submit nominations here
Kelly Axe Award
Established in 1939, the Kelly Axe Award is presented annually by the Forestry Club to a graduating senior who excels in assisting teachers, contributing to club projects, and supporting fellow students. This award, chosen by classmates, honors an outstanding senior.
Historically, the recipient's name was inscribed on a wall plaque donated by the Kelly Axe Company. Nominations are made by students of the College of Forestry. A completed nomination form is requred for full consideration.
Nominations due by 11:59 PM, April 30, 2025
Submit nominations here
Paul and Neva Dunn Senior Award
This award was established in 1965 and is presented annually to a senior in the College of Forestry's academic year graduating class (summer through spring terms). This award honors Paul M. Dunn, who served as dean of the College of Forestry from 1942 to 1955 and purchased 6,200 acres for teaching and research, later named the Paul M. Dunn Research Forest.
The recipient (a graduating Senior) is selected based on high scholastic achievement and potential professional ability, evaluated through involvement in College, University, or community activities, and related work experiences. Nominations can be made by students, faculty, or staff of the College of Forestry. A completed nomination form and one letter of support addressing the student's academic excellence and potential professional ability are required.
The winner of this award will receive a cash prize.
Nominations due by 11:59 PM, April 30, 2025
Submit nominations here
Harold Bowerman Leadership Award
Established in 1986, the Harold Bowerman Leadership Award is presented annually to a senior in the College of Forestry's academic year graduating class (summer through spring terms). This award honors Harold "Hal" R. Bowerman (class of 1931), a Technical Forestry student and Xi Sigma Pi member.
The award recognized a graduating Senior who best exemplifies the Fernhopper spirit through demonstrated leadership, outstanding contributions, and enthusiastic participation in student club activities and College programs. Nominees must be graduating seniors enrolled in a College of Forestry major. Nominations can be made by students, faculty, or staff of the College of Forestry. A completed nomination form and one letter of support addressing the student's leadership experience, Fernhopper spirit, and club participation are required for full consideration.
The winner of this award will receive a cash prize.
Nominations due by 11:59 PM, April 30, 2025
Submit nominations here
Pack Essay Award
The Pack Essay Award honors Charles Lathrop Pack, established in 1991 to inspire College of Forestry students to write impactful essays on forestry.
Who was Charles Lathrop Pack?
- Renowned forestry and conservation advocate
- Passionate gardener and stamp collector
- Businessman in lumber, railroads, construction, banking and real estate
- Co-founder of the Cleveland Trust Company
- Appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt to the Conservation Commission in 1907
- President of several influential organizations
- Founder of the American Tree Association in 1922
- Endower of the Charles Lathrop Pack Forestry Foundation in 1930
- Creator of demonstration forests across forestry schools nationwide
His legacy continues through this award, encouraging students to express their passion for forestry and natural resources.
Contest Details:
- Open to all CoF undergrad and Post-bacc students
- Essays must address a forestry or natural resources topic of local, national or global significance
- Essays must be single-spaced and 11 point font
- Essays judged on originality, clarity, expression, subject mastery, grammar, and organization
The winning essay is honored at the spring term Dean’s Award & Outstanding Alumni Dinner.
The winner of this award will receive a cash prize.
Essays should be submitted no later than 12:00 pm on April 30, 2025.
Essay Submission Form
Photo of the Year Award
The Photo of the Year Award, established in 2009 by Dr. Ed Jensen, Professor and Associate Dean in the College of Forestry, celebrates outstanding photographic work by students. Candidates for this award are selected from the Photo of the Week winners throughout the academic year. The final selection is made by the College’s FERN Center and Student Services Office staff.
The winner receives a Beaver Store Gift Card, a framed print of their photo, and their photo will be displayed in the FERN Center for the upcoming academic year.
Contact Brooke Harrington or the Student Services Office if you have questions!