(AUBURN, Wash) – Natural Resources Instructor Dick Hopkins (pictured at right) was honored October 21st at the Society of American Forester’s National Convention in Ft. Worth Texas. He was presented with the Carl Alwin Schenck Memorial Award which recognizes “demonstrated and outstanding performance in the field of forestry education”.

Dick has been a full-time faculty member of the Technology Division of Natural Resources Department at Green River for the past 11 years. A caring and enthusiastic teacher, Hopkins is renowned for his tireless efforts to update and expand the Green River forestry curriculum and for dedicating himself to the success of his students. Thanks to his contacts at timber companies and natural resources organizations, he is able to provide his students with first-hand experience of forestry as it is practiced in the “real world”.

Dick surprised the audience by donning his “riggers gear” to complete his acceptance speech. He thanked his students, student Chapter Chair Willie Lundberg, retired forestry instructor Pat Cummins, and Executive Vice-President of Green River Community College, April Jensen for the nomination. His inspiration he says came from his parents. “My father was a timber cruiser and lumberman who inspired me. My mother shared her love of the woods by taking my brother, sister, and me for walks in the forests and stimulated my interest in forestry. I delight in taking my students into the woods and teaching as my mother once did.”

Green River Community College students received an award the following day. The college chapter tied for third place as SAF outstanding student chapter, with Clemson University. First place was awarded to Virginia Tech University, while second place was awarded to Mississippi State University. Accepting the award on behalf of their fellow natural resource students were: Willie Lundberg-Chapter Chair, Jessyka Lemieux, Pete Ninteman, and Pam Phillips.