Hubbard Scholarships Awarded At Utah State University

Three students are recipients of the Hubbard Family Scholarships at Utah State University. Recipients of the 2007-08 scholarships are Benjamin Abbott, a junior majoring in watershed sciences, from Orem, Utah; Jake Powell, a landscape architecture and environmental planning major originally from American Fork; and Boyde Reschke, a junior landscape architecture and environmental planning major, originally from Taylorsville, Utah, but now a resident of Nibley, Utah.

The scholarship was created in memory of Grant Hubbard Redford and Gwennie Hubbard Reford by Ralph Hubbard Redford and Lora Bryning Redford to support students who show the promise of becoming the next May Swenson or Rick Bass. That is, the scholarship goes to students who are outstanding juniors and seniors at USU who demonstrate deep, abiding interest in the environment together with creative writing talent. The scholarship is administered by the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at Utah State, but is open to all upper division students at the university.

 

The students were selected as Hubbard scholarship recipients for their interest and ability in creative writing, including the areas of poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction. Candidates submit portfolios for review by a scholarship selection committee prior to the award. This year’s recipients will each receive a $3,000 scholarship to be used next academic year.

 

“The generosity of the Hubbard family has enabled us to award three scholarships this year,” said selection committee chair Christine Hult. “There were many fine applicants, and it was gratifying to be able to offer scholarship support to these very deserving students.”

 

Scholarship recipient Benjamin Abbott said the Rocky Mountains are where he discovered his love and addiction for the natural world.

 

“Hours and afternoons spent stalking wild turkeys, getting sunburned and tickling aspen skin in the foothills around my Utah Valley home imbued me with an appreciation and wonder for the massive and tiny splendors of nature,” Abbott said.

 

Since 2003, Abbott has lived outdoors, rather than rent an apartment, a logical decision for an environmentalist and writer who wanted to truly “get an education.”

 

“Through a thousand nights camping out and the formal and flexible education offered at Utah State, I feel that I better understand our deep dependence on the natural world,” Abbott said. “I have seen how personal activism — through volunteer work, literature and music — can influence public opinion and even governmental policy involving matters of conservation and restoration.”

 

As a high school student Abbott was involved in theater, cross country, debate, creative writing, mountain biking and bluegrass music. As a student at USU he is considering adding a second major — English — and a minor in French.

 

Abbott will work this summer as a research technician studying aquatic ecosystems at the Toolik Research Station north of the Brooks Range in Alaska. Prior to his work he plans a bike tour from Mexico to Logan, and next year he plans a trans-hemisphere bike ride from the magnetic North Pole to Patagonia to raise money for micro-finance loans in Peru.

 

Scholarship recipient Jake Powell said growing up near the mouth of American Fork canyon provided the opportunity for a childhood full of interaction with the outdoors.

 

“Family outings, involvement with the Boy Scouts of America and outdoor activities with friends exposed me to nature’s complex beauty,” Powell said. “Observing nature fostered a yearning in me not only to understand it, but to somehow protect it for future generations.”

 

With his interest and desire to work with nature, a degree in landscape architecture and environmental planning from USU became a logical choice.

 

“I was drawn to this department because the profession will give me an active role in deciding the future of land, not just studying it,” he said.

 

A particular interest in the restoration of western streams and riparian corridors led Powell to a minor in watershed sciences. He has participated as a field technician in studies dealing with restored portions of the Provo River. His career goals are to be involved with stream restoration and riparian corridor design and protection.

 

“I am excited about future opportunities to take an active role in designing an environment that will be sustainable, functional and beautiful for generations to come,” Powell said.

 

The third scholarship recipient, Boyd M. Reschke, is also a landscape architecture and environmental planning major and returns to school following a 25-year career as a plumber. He is 51 years old, has been married to Linda Kendall Reschke for 29 years and is the father of six children.

 

“At the age of 48, I realized I did not want to depend on the physically demanding occupation of plumbing, and none of my children had a desire to acquire the business,” Reschke said. “I made the decision to change occupations, and my passion for landscaping, gardening and the environment led me to my current major.”

 

Reschke completed most of his general education requirements at Salt Lake Community College and moved from his home of 27 years to Cache Valley. In fall 2005, he entered the LAEP program at USU.

 

“Receiving this education allows me to follow my passion, which I find to be a very important, motivating and enduring factor,” he said. “As landscape architects, we are taught to design with the natural form of the land and always to be mindful of the environment. Since my childhood, I have had a deep love for nature, and I am now learning why it is important and how to help preserve our natural resources.”

 

Reschke said his decision to return to college and change careers has been a beneficial one, and he acknowledges the support of his wife, Linda.

 

“I love the program I am pursuing, and I have developed a deep respect and affection for Utah State University,” he said. “My dedication to protecting the Earth’s ecosystems is much more than ancillary; it is a life long dedication.”

 

For information on the Hubbard Scholarships, contact USU’s College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at (435) 797-1195.

 

 

Contact: College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (435) 797-1195