Matthew Kaltenbach, a College of Forestry senior studying forestry with an option in forest management, and Koel Mael, a recent graduate in natural resources, received the Oregon State University Outstanding Student Award from the Oregon Society of American Foresters at the organization's annual conference in Coos Bay on May 7, 2026.
The award is presented annually to Oregon State forestry students who are members of the Society of American Foresters, regularly participate in Oregon State SAF activities, serve in leadership roles, represent the Oregon State SAF Student Chapter at state or national SAF gatherings, and demonstrate academic achievement, citizenship and excellence in extracurricular and professional activities.
Kaltenbach has been involved with the Society of American Foresters for several years and served as Oregon State SAF vice chair in 2025. In that role, he planned club meetings and events, helped manage the Christmas tree farm and served as one of the primary points of contact for prospective members.
He said he is most proud of organizing the SAF résumé workshop, which brought industry professionals to campus to review students' résumés and provide career advice. Kaltenbach said students told him the workshop helped them prepare for the career fair, and several professionals shared that it helped them identify promising students for internship opportunities.
Mael participated in SAF for several years and served as merchandising officer in 2025. In that role, he managed inventory, ordered merchandise and developed new products and designs. He was an active member who regularly attended meetings, conferences and volunteer events.
Mael said his greatest contribution to SAF was being an engaged student member who consistently participated, networked with professionals and sought opportunities to learn more about forestry. He attended numerous conferences, including the 2025 joint Oregon Society of American Foresters and Wildlife Society conference in Salem and the 2025 SAF Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. Following graduation, Mael joined Weyerhaeuser as a forest engineering specialist.
Congratulations to both of these students on behalf of the College of Forestry!
OSAF and its 15 local chapters represent all segments of the forestry profession within the state. The society includes public and private practitioners, researchers, administrators, educators and forestry students.
Its mission is to advance the science, education, technology, and practice of forestry; to enhance the competency of its members; to establish professional excellence; and to use the knowledge, skills and conservation ethics of the profession to ensure the continued health and use of forest ecosystems and the present and future availability of forest resources to benefit society.