Graduating students, their families and faculty and staff in the School of Environment and Natural Resources gathered to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2016.
A reception honoring those graduating from the School of Environment and Natural Resources was held Friday, May 6, 2016 in the Kottman Hall lobby. Light refreshments were served with remarks from The Ohio State University Alumni Association’s Craig Little and the president of the School of Environment and Natural Resources Alumni Society (SENRAS), Matt Perry (Class of 2010).
Associate Professor Eric Toman, who serves as the Graduate Studies Committee chair for Environment and Natural Resources, shared information on the school’s graduate program and the impact our graduate students have on the program, as well as their contributions upon completion of their degrees. Toman recognized by name the 11 graduate students expected to complete their graduate studies spring 2016.
A presentation of awards with remarks from Professor and Director Jeff Sharp and Academic Program Manager Renee Johnston concluded the evening festivities.
Director Sharp complimented the graduating class on their many academic accomplishments and for their leadership in the school, across the university and in the community. He also thanked the families of the graduating class for their support over the years and recognized the support of the school’s academic team in helping the graduating students along their journey.
Students in attendance and graduating with honors designations (Honors Research Distinction, Latin Honors, and research distinction) were recognized as part of the awards presentation and received the honors braid to wear over their gown at commencement.
Director Sharp recognizing students in the Class of 2016 graduating with honors designations. A total of 41 students in the School of Environment and Natural Resources graduated with one or more of these honors.
A special part of the evening was the unveiling of a new award to recognize strong leadership and academic performance among graduating seniors. Nominations for these awards were solicited from faculty and staff in the School of Environment and Natural Resources and 5 students were selected based on their record of leadership, community service and achievement in academics and/or undergraduate research. Recipients of the Environment and Natural Resources Distinguished Senior Awards for 2016 include:
- Tiffany Atkinson, Environmental Science major
- Alissa Finke, Environmental Science major
- Rachel Metzler, Environment, Economy, Development and Sustainability (EEDS) major
- Ethan Rhodus, Natural Resource Management major
- Ben Rubinoff, Environmental Science major
Recipients of the 2016 Environment and Natural Resources Distinguished Senior Awards.
Congratulations to all of the graduates.