Winter 2012

In observance of the United Nations’ International year of Forests — a celebration of people’s actions to sustainably manage the world’s forests — the college hosted a public screening of “Green Fire.”

The college mourns the recent passing of Marianne Stern, wife of longtime college faculty member E. George Stern, who passed away in 2001.

Virginians can now show their support for community trees by purchasing a new “Virginia Loves Trees” specialty license plate.

College Development Director Bob Mollenhauer and Professor Robert Bush were invited to join members of Gov. McDonnell’s cabinet on a visit to a packaging facility in Staunton.

The college was once again well represented during Sustainability Week activities on campus.

Nine students from the college are participating in the inaugural Honors Residential College (HRC), a new type of living environment where students can engage with peers, faculty, staff, and community members within a residence hall.

Geography and meteorology student Dan Goff, the chief meteorologist at Virginia Tech’s WUVT-FM radio station, has quite a fan following.

Extension Agent Adam Downing, Michael LaChance of Virginia Cooperative Extension, and Michael Santucci of the Virginia Department of Forestry recently earned national acclaim for their work to help preserve family forests.

Eric Hallerman discusses the use of genetically modified animals in food production, a hotly debated issue, in a commentary recently published by the Council on Agricultural Science and Technology, a nongovernment organization that informs elected officials and the public on emerging issues in agriculture.

Professor Bruce Hull was named the Engaged Scholar for July by the university’s Outreach Council for his involvement in projects aimed at promoting sustainable land use and his role as advisor to a number of organizations.

Laszlo Horvath, who joined the faculty in 2010 as an assistant professor of practice, has been named director of Virginia Tech’s Center for Unit Load Design.

Bob Smith, associate dean of engagement, has been appointed by the secretary of agriculture to the Forestry Research Advisory Council, representing the interest area of forestry schools and state agricultural experiment stations.

David Groeschl has been named state forester by Idaho Department of Lands Director Tom Schultz.

Charlie Wade (’07 B.S. and ’10 M.S. in forestry) and Scott McKee (’09 B.S. and ’11 M.S. in forestry) started Collegiate Nurseries in 2009, offering a way for students, fans, and alumni to take a piece of campus home with them.