Focus

Focus: Spring 2024

Here in the College of Forestry, we have a diverse faculty representing all continents. These faculty bring a wealth of different experiences into the classroom and help broaden the perspective and outlook of our students with whom they engage. We are exceptionally fortunate to have the International Programs office here in the College of Forestry. The office provides study abroad and exchange opportunities to our students, faculty and staff, opening eyes to what is possible through science and collaboration and giving us the priceless gift of a global lens.

In this edition of the Focus, you will learn about just some of these incredible individuals and the research and partnerships they are pursuing to accelerate our impact on a global scale.

Spring 2024 Focus Stories

IUFRO 2024: College of Forestry on an international stage

Stories of Global Impact

The Great Shake

Research Updates

ROOTS IN EVERY CONTINENT

The college’s network spans the globe
The College of Forestry established its International Programs Office in 2013 and remains the only college at Oregon State to have its own dedicated program. The office helps break down barriers to the global exploration of ecosystems and landscapes by providing legal and logistical support to students and faculty. This hands-on support makes it easier for researchers to approach their work with a global lens and opens the doors to international collaboration that weaves together multiple perspectives to create a better future for all.

1) The Salmon Coast: Forest and Resource Management for Sustainability in Canada

2) Mountains to the Sea: Ecosystems of Chile

3) Land of the Long White Cloud: Ecosystems of New Zealand

4) Oil Palms & Orangutans: Forest Conservation in Malaysian Borneo

5) Tradition & Innovation in the Wood Construction Industry: A Journey in the Italian Alps

International Programs Office

College News and Notes

College of Forestry Craft & Art Fair
In December 2023, the college held its second annual College of Forestry Craft & Art Fair. For two days, Peavy Forest Science Center was filled with shoppers perusing ceramics, fiber arts, woodworking, glass, jewelry, and more, from over 60 local artisans, double the vendors of the previous year. New this year was a holiday tree auction, with trees donated by Starker Forests and decorations by various OSU units. All proceeds from the fair benefit Rootstock, the College of Forestry food pantry. Thanks to a successful show, we were able to raise over $12,000 to support food insecure students.

Rootstock
A crowdfunding campaign for Rootstock was held during the month of October and raised over $13,000. Established in January 2022, Rootstock served 675 students in the 2022-2023 academic year (a 50% increase from the previous year). Thank you to all who donated! Contributions to Rootstock are always welcomed. Contact Jessica Fitzmorris to learn more.

Undergraduate Enrollment
Oregon State University’s fall 2023 enrollment reached a record for the 27th consecutive year, topping 36,000, with growth spread across its Corvallis and Bend campuses and its online education unit. Enrollment in the College of Forestry for fall 2023 was 1,313, and we are proud to have welcomed our largest on-campus freshman class ever!

Mark Swanson
Mark Swanson joined the college as Associate Professor of Family Forestry and Starker Chair in the Forest Engineering, Resources and Management department. Mark most recently was at the School of the Environment at Washington State University.

Elliott State Research Forest
Conversations regarding the Elliott State Research Forest continue. Although President Murthy paused conversations with the Board of Trustees and asked to discuss concerns raised by Tribal partners with the Department of State Lands, there is some uncertainty about what the university’s role may be in the future of the forest. Many faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to explore turning the Elliott into a world-class research forest, fulfilling all key deliverables requested of them. The plan delivered in December is one the college is extremely proud of, regardless of the final outcome of the research forest.

Retirees
The college would like to recognize the following retirees and express gratitude for their service: Carol Carlson, Steve Fitzgerald, John Sessions and Dave Shaw. Thank you for everything you have done for the college and university. We wish you the very best in retirement.

Support life-changing experiential learning through the College of Forestry's International Programs!
Our tight-knit college hosts the longest established International Programs office at the university, sharing our talent out and attracting talent in. Over the past five years, more than 200 undergraduate and 50 graduate and post-baccalaureate students have traveled abroad through our popular programs.

These unrivaled experiences and relationships allow students and faculty from our small but mighty college to experience unprecedented success in securing competitive grants that allow them to represent the College of Forestry on a global scale. As travel and tuition continue to increase in cost, please consider donating to the College of Forestry International Fund on Dam Proud Day (April 24) to help keep our programs the best in the world.

Dam Proud Day
Once a year, Beavers from around the globe come together for Dam Proud Day, an annual 24-hour online fundraising event dedicated to building a better, stronger, more influential Oregon State University. This year’s Dam Proud Day will be on April 24, 2024. Donations received during this event directly support funds like our International Programs Fund.

Dean's Dinner
May 29, 2024
Join us as we recognize our scholarship recipients, outstanding alumni and donors on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the CH2M Hill Alumni Center on the Oregon State University Corvallis campus.

Commencement
June 15, 2024
The 2024 commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 15, at Reser Stadium in Corvallis. Gates open at 9 a.m.

In Memoriam

Remembering Darius Adams
July 5, 1944 - December 7, 2023

Professor Emeritus Darius Adams died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Dec. 7, 2023. As a top forest economist, he helped establish OSU as a world-leading institution for forest economics study. His tenure at OSU, from 1974 to 1984 and then from 1992 until his retirement in 2009, was marked by significant contributions to forestry and forest economics. Before retiring, he served as the interim department head in Forest Resources and FERM from 2007-2009.

In 2023, Darius was awarded the Wallenberg Prize alongside Joseph Buongiorno and Richard W. Haynes. This honor, the highest award in forestry, is a testament to his impact and underscores his legacy. In remembering Darius, we recall a life well-lived, dedicated to advancing forest economics and nurturing future generations of scientists and thinkers.

 

 

 

The Oregon State College of Forestry mourns the loss of these alumni, friends of the college and former faculty. We wish peace and comfort to their family and friends.

Furthermore, we recognize that many people within the college community have lost loved ones this past year. We offer sincere condolences to all who are grieving during this time.

Angeline Cromack
Friend of the college
Nov. 28, 1940 - Nov. 13, 2023

Robert Griffiths
Forest Soils Microbiologist, Forest Science Department
June 30, 1938 - Sept. 20, 2023

Robert Krahmer
Emeritus professor
Dec. 28, 1932 - Oct. 17, 2023

Martha (Marty) Roberts
Alumni, retired staff
May 22, 1954 - Nov. 11, 2023

Norman Marsh
Instructor
Aug. 20, 1929 - July 15, 2023
As a former visiting forestry instructor at the college, hundreds of foresters benefitted from Norm’s teaching and enthusiasm for timber cruising during the 55 years he taught the field portion of the Variable Plot Short Course with the late Professor John Bell. A memorial fund has been created in honor of Norm.

Past Issues

Fall 2023

Spring 2023

Spring 2022

Fall 2021

Spring 2021

Fall 2020

Spring 2020