On September 24-25, 2010, Forestry Alumni of the classes 1975 to 1979 had the chance to rekindle their long friendships. The classmates caught up with each other Friday evening at a dinner held at Embassy Suites in Raleigh. Joe Cox, alum of that period and one of the reunion organizers, said that everyone had a great time that evening, sharing stories of Forestry Summer Camp and recounting episodes with Doc Steensen and Larry Jervis.
The next day couldn’t have been more beautiful as the alumni continued the reunion out to Camp Slocum on Hill Forest, site of the each year’s Summer Camp. “Everyone got a kick out of seeing the camp,” said Joe, “most of the buildings that were there when we were in camp are still there.” In one of the new classrooms, named in honor of Associate Professor Emeritus Larry Jervis, alumni and their guests were treated to a slide show of photos from back in their days of school. Despite the drastic differences in hair styles, everyone was easy to recognize from their photos.
Department Head Barry Goldfarb provided an update of what is going on in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources and answered questions for the group. Joe, who is now the College of Natural Resources Forest Manager, led a tour though special management areas of Hill Forest, which was particularly enjoyable under the crystal fall sky.
Back at camp, current NC State Forestry Club members joined the alumni for a delicious North Carolina barbeque lunch and timber sports practice. Fresh off his STIHL Timbersports Collegiate Championship win, recent Forest Management graduate Logan Scarborough also joined the group for a demonstration of underhand chop. Not to be outdone, several alumni rolled up their sleeves, put on chaps, and grabbed either side of the crosscut saw. If the Classes of 1975-79 are any indication, then current students can look forward to a future of strong backs and even stronger friendships.
For more information, contact Joe Cox, joe_cox@ncsu.edu, 919-515-7576, or Jennifer Viets Catalano with Development and College Relations at cnr_development@ncsu.edu, 919-513-7734.
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