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MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

A Century of Forest Resources Education at Penn State by Henry D. Gerhold

Hello Friends,

Compressing our School's 100-year history into an interesting and functional text was no easy task. When this proposal was suggested to Professor Henry “Hank” Gerhold about three years ago, he gave it careful thought, and soon responded with a proposed outline for his unique offering.

Hank was well aware of the previous text organized by Henry Clepper in 1957, which served as our 50th anniversary book and an important record of our past. Of interest, Hank attended the 50th and is the longest tenured faculty member within our School. Gerhold's book does not repeat Clepper's text, but uses it and allied documents in developing our history and the story of the people who played key roles within this past.

The new book will be published by Penn State Press in early 2007 and is offered to our Alumni and Friends at a prepublication cost of $30, plus $5 for shipping (see Centennial Items for Sale and Response Form).

Gerhold's book is an original piece of research that compiles an effective summary of the people and professional events that led to the establishment of our School. He traces the transitions of leaders, academic standards, and political settings that have shaped our current curricula. He compiled brief biographies on more than 70 people who served within the School, influenced its transition, or had been identified as prominent alumni within their respective fields. There are well-documented sections on our faculty and staff and on the growth of responsibilities evident within our teaching, research, and outreach programs. Hank has brought forward the various contributions of past leaders, faculty, and staff who worked toward this educational cause. People like John Ferguson, H. Norton Cope, H. Arthur Meyer, Pete Fletcher, Yates Borden, Kathryn Johnson, and Bob Shipman are identified and acknowledged.

But perhaps one of the more interesting sections of this book underscores the role of our alumni and their contributions to professional endeavors. After all, as Hank quickly points out, the reputation of any educational institution is largely measured by the merits of its graduates. And so it is with us. Each and every one of these persons was researched by Hank through personal interviews or, in the case of those who have passed on, through interviews of associates, friends, and family members. No easy task, but each of these fine people is presented in an accurate and colorful manner.

I'm certain that you will enjoy reading through this descriptive history of our School. After all, much of this is about you.

Penn State | College of Agricultural Sciences | School of Forest Resources