MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Forestry and wood science students at West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design will now have greater access to research and entrepreneurial opportunities thanks to a gift from Pardee Resource Company.
The company generously gifted a $100,000 endowment to be used for student research, as well as a one-year $10,000 scholarship for students in need.
“With a state that is heavily forested, you need educated people who can take care of that resource and manage that resource so that it is here for centuries to come,” Stephen Harp, senior vice president for Pardee Resources Company, said.
Pardee Resource Company invests in natural resource properties, such as timber, natural gas, coal, alternative energy and agriculture, throughout the United States.
“Quite a few of our employees are alumni the Davis College, and this gift is a way for us to give back,” Harp said.
The $100,000 endowment will support experiential learning for undergraduate and graduate students in the forest resources management and wood science and technology programs. It will fund student research and entrepreneurial activities related to the advancement of the wood products industry. Students will have greater access to research, technology, materials, participation in business plan competitions and impact challenges, and more.
With this endowment, Harp’s vision and hope is that a student will invent a novel product that can be made using wood.
"We've been producing lumber for hundreds of years, but with students’ research maybe we can find new and creative ways to use this resource,” Harp stated.
Along with the endowment, one or two undergraduate students majoring in forest resource management or wood science and technology will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship to decrease the financial burden tied to higher education expenses.
"Hopefully, this scholarship will give someone who may want to study forestry or wood sciences the opportunity to fulfill that dream,” Harp said.
Both gifts from Pardee Resources Company were made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities.
If you’re interested in giving to the Davis College, contact Director of Development Andrew Barnes at Andrew.Barnes@mail.wvu.edu.
To learn more about the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, visit davis.wvu.edu. Keep up with the latest updates and news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by following @WVUDavis.
-WVU-
ls/11/02/22
CONTACT: Leah Smith
Public Relations Specialist
Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
304.290.8680; lnestor2@mail.wvu.edu
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