In this issue of Focus, we invite you to learn about the extraordinary things we are doing around the world — like the 75-year legacy of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, our 2023 Outstanding Alumni recipients, the legacy of Emeritus Dean George Brown, and the return of the 83rd annual Conclave where alumni came “home” to host and secure victory for current Forestry Club students.
Creating a shared vision for a sustainable future
After two productive years of working together as a College, Dean DeLuca is proud to share the College of Forestry 2023-2027 strategic plan. This strategic plan is an ambitious framework for a future rooted in sustainability, creativity and inclusion. The college’s values include vision, critical thinking, reciprocity, student success, sustainability, creativity, trust, inclusivity and care.
Indigenous Natural Resource Office holds open house
The newly opened Indigenous Natural Resource Office at the College of Forestry is a brave cultural space where Indigenous students and scholars can honor their identities and build community. Led by Cristina Eisenberg, the associate dean for inclusive excellence and Maybelle Clark Macdonald Director of Tribal Initiatives in Natural Resources, the office is funded in perpetuity by a generous endowment from the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund. Through the office, the college aims to foster partnerships and Government-to- Government relationships with Tribes that braid together Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western science in support of shared goals.
New department head for Forest Ecosystems and Society
Kevin Bladon, an associate professor of forest ecohydrology and watershed science, has been named the new head of the Forest, Ecosystems and Society department. Bladon has been at Oregon State University since 2014 and most recently was the Associate Department Head in the Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management. Bladon is committed to building cohesive, inclusive, equitable and innovative teams and his leadership approach is rooted in open communication, connection, trust and establishing a psychologically safe environment.
College of Forestry professors are recipients of prestigious global award
Darius Adams, professor emeritus in the College of Forestry Engineering, Resources and Management department, is one of three researchers sharing the 2023 international Marcus Wallenberg Prize for developing a pair of groundbreaking forest economic models. Professor Emeritus Richard Waring was the recipient of this significant honor, considered to be the highest award in the field of forestry, in 2020.
College of Forestry Homecoming Tailgate Celebration
Join us for our tailgate celebration on Saturday, October 14 before heading over to the stadium to support the Beavers as they take on UCLA. RSVP now!
Rootstock
Did you know 1 in 4 OSU students is impacted by food insecurity? Please join the College of Forestry and the OSU Foundation in their campaign this October to raise funds for another year of supporting students and their families with food and hygiene products free of charge. Learn more about Rootstock.
Dr. George W. Brown, III
January 31, 1939 - June 9, 2023
George arrived at Oregon State University in 1964 as a Ph.D. student studying forest hydrology and began his teaching and research career in 1966. In 1973, he was appointed head of the Forest Engineering Department and in 1986 he became associate dean for Research. In total, he was a faculty member or administrator at Oregon State for 32 years, retiring in 1999 as dean of the College of Forestry, a position he held for 10 years.
As dean, George encouraged the kind of systems-based, collaborative and interdisciplinary research the college continues today. He pushed faculty members to work across organizational and institutional boundaries and transformed the college into the leading recipient of grants and contracts among the nation’s forestry schools. After retirement, George stayed connected with the college, and the logging sports arena in the Peavy Arboretum is proudly named after him.
The Brown family suggests memorials may be made to the College of Forestry Dean’s Fund or the George W. Brown Scholarship Endowment through the OSU Foundation. Donations can be made online at fororegonstate.org. Please note “in memory of George W. Brown” on memo line or in the online giving form. The family also suggests memorials may be made to Community Outreach or the Corvallis First United Methodist Church Foundation.
Marilyn Jean Starker
January 8, 1950 - March 9, 2023
From an early age, Marilyn cared for those around her, with a particular gift and interest in caring for children. Her heart for others led her to earn a degree in English education from Oregon State University and later a Master of Education at the University of Oregon with an endorsement in learning disabilities. Throughout her life, she worked and volunteered in multiple roles supporting families and children in Corvallis, later establishing Mari’s Place, a state-certified childcare program as part of Community Outreach’s shelter.
In all the many roles she held — daughter, wife, mother, teacher, director of Mari’s Place, community leader, and board of directors of Starker Forests and Family Council — she devoted herself to service and to caring for others.
As a lifelong partner to Bond Starker and an enthusiastic supporter of the College of Forestry, many in our college community were fortunate to know Marilyn, experience her warmth and witness her dedication to her family and children in and around Corvallis.
