Scholarship Recipients
In the spring of each year, the University of Minnesota Department of Forestry Resources awards scholarships based on the criteria of the funds Memorandums of Agreement. Two students receive an award from the Brooks Scholarship and one student is awarded the Weidenfeller Scholarship.
2024 Brooks Award
Name: JARED GRAHAM
Major/Minor/Area of study: Forestry with a focus in parks and protected areas
Expected graduation date/year: FALL 2025
What inspired or motivated you to pursue your major/minor/area of study? My inspiration for my major was how being outside and connecting with nature made me feel. The calmness, connectedness, and the in the moment feeling made me pursue forestry.
What is your dream job after graduation? My dream job after graduation would be a conservation scientist or a park ranger at a national park.
2024 Brooks Award
Name: ISAIAH GUITERREZ
Major/Minor/Area of study: Major in Forestry with minors in Military Science, and Geographic Information Systems
Expected graduation date/year: MAY 2025
What inspired or motivated you to pursue your major/minor/area of study? I returned from a deployment with the Army, I was working a construction job I didn't enjoy. I wanted something that I would want to do for the rest of my life and could support me and my family. I am also the first one in my family to go to college this was a big motivator for me to go and finish my degree. I found Forestry and loved it! It allowed me to be outside and have something that I enjoy doing.
What is your dream job after graduation? Conservation Officer, or Forester for the MN DNR
2024 Weidenfeller Award
Name: JESS HERBRAND
Major/Minor/Area of study: : Forest and Natural Resource Management with a focus in Parks and Protected Area Management with a minor in environmental sciences, policy and management
Expected graduation date/year: FALL 2025
What inspired or motivated you to pursue your major/minor/area of study? I grew up recreating in the outdoors with my family a lot as a child and was lucky enough to experience first hand how incredible Earth is from a young age. I feel a deep sense of gratitude for all that nature has given me throughout my life and want to dedicate my life to protecting and conserving it so that future generations can have the chance for similar experiences!
What is your dream job after graduation? My dream job after graduation is working to restore forest and prairie lands, with a focus on climate resiliency. I would also love to work with local communities, especially near cities, to improve communities' access and connection to nature.
