DUBOIS – Penn State DuBois students Emily Thomas and Jennifer Hess are recipients of the 2007-2008 Pennsylvania Wildlife Habitat Unlimited Scholarships. Both plan to contribute to wildlife and habitat conservation in their careers.
Thomas, of Warren, completed an associate’s degree in Wildlife Technology in May while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. She’ll continue her studies, working toward a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. Thomas is a member of the Delta Mu Sigma Honor Society and president of the Penn State DuBois ECO Club. She plans to earn her masters degree and work in Biological Science. Currently, she is employed by the USFS Northeast Research Center in Irvine as a Biological Science Technician.
Hess, from Orangeville, is a freshman at Penn State DuBois. She enjoyed great academic success in high school and chose to attend Penn State DuBois specifically because of the Wildlife Technology Program. She wants to work at an animal sanctuary after earning her degree. Hess would also like to travel the world and volunteer her expertise at such facilities. Eventually, she would like to open a sanctuary in her hometown.
Both Thomas and Hess expressed the importance of the PWHU Scholarship to their educational success. Hess shared that “without this help, I would have a hard time paying for college. Now I have more money for housing and other expenses.” She also indicated that “this scholarship will allow me to focus more on my school work, since I won’t have to worry as much about money.”
For nearly a decade, Pennsylvania Wildlife Habitat Unlimited has supported Penn State DuBois students through generous annual scholarship donations. The DuBois-based organization works in a variety of ways to improve and create wildlife habitats. In addition to its scholarship program and environmental stewardship, PWHU sponsors events such as Youth Pheasant Hunts, which involve youngsters in outdoor activities and spark an interest in nature and conservation at an early age.
For more information on PWHU, visit their Web site.