Virginia Tech has named Jason Swenson, a resident of Blacksburg, Va., as the Outstanding Graduating Senior for the College of Natural Resources.

“Mr. Swenson received this award because of his services to the university, as well as his many accomplishments throughout his academic career,” said Dr. Michael Kelly, dean of the College of Natural Resources.

Swenson is expected to receive his bachelor’s degree in wildlife science from the College of Natural Resources in May of this year. During his time at Virginia Tech, he has been awarded Dean’s List for every semester, as well as participated in many research projects from around the globe.

During the summer of 2003, Swenson traveled to South Africa where he studied the use of Etorphine and A3080 in white rhinoceros. Swenson has also participated in research projects on the Runbondo Island and the Mahale Mountains in Tanzania. His work has been recognized in the PBS National Geographic Wild Chronicles and published in the Wildlife Paparazzi.

The Outstanding Senior Awards are presented at the Student Honors Day Banquet each spring. These awards are co-sponsored by the Virginia Tech Alumni Association and the senior class.

The purpose of the award is recognition of outstanding student performance in each college of the university. Students are selected on the basis of their quality credit average (3.4 or higher) and outstanding performance in several or all of the following areas: academic achievement, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and contributions of service to the university and/or community.

The College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech consistently ranks among the top five programs of its kind in the nation. Faculty members stress both the technical and human elements of natural resources and instill in students a sense of stewardship and land-use ethics. Areas of studies include environmental resource management, fisheries and wildlife sciences, forestry, geospatial and environmental analysis, natural resource recreation, urban forestry, wood science and forest products, geography, and international development.

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