The LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources was honored to confer 27 degrees at the Commencement ceremony held on May 12, 2008. Degree candidates included nine Bachelor of Science degrees in Natural Resource Ecology & Management, nine Bachelor of Science degrees in Forestry, one Master’s of Science degree in Fisheries, four Master’s of Science degrees in Forestry, three Master’s of Science degrees in Wildlife, and one Doctor of Philosophy degree in Forestry.

        I have always been proud of our graduates, but as Director because I know all the students in the School, I am inclined to think about our students in a different light.  Each of our students contributed in their own way to the uniqueness and productivity of the School, and their presence here effected us in many different ways. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each the families of our graduates for sharing their young people with us. For many students, the relationships among students and professors will continue throughout their lives. The bonds that result from shared memories are a true sign of healthy and productive relationships. The relationships grow even stronger when students become people we work with, our peers, and our colleagues.  While the field of renewable natural resources is relatively young and the number of graduates may be small, the relationships and interactions can be great. It is always rewarding to see our alums as natural resource professionals a few years after graduation, and to think about their growth while in the program and since graduation. 

        As I think of the current group of graduates, I am very proud of their accomplishments and am anxious for them as they begin the next stage in their careers. I congratulate them and wish them the best of luck in all of their future endeavors. And to those that had the opportunity to actually take classes from me, remember that those fish dissections, bone exams, and detailed discussions of seemingly obscure fish functions were just my way of preparing you for your next level of challenges!

        I encourage each graduate to continue their association with the School by staying in touch with me and the other professors. Our interest in you does not stop with your graduation, so let us know where you are and what your are doing. Again, best wishes to each of you! We hope to see you soon.

D. Allen Rutherford

 Several graduates from the School of Renewable Natural Resources took time for a quick photo before the ceremonies: (from left to right) Cole Bryant, Andrew Haas, David Rahm, Brian Sebastian, Brad Smith, Marcus Wilkes, James Wilson, Greg Badon, Jeff Broussard, Rangika Perera, Polwattage Perera, Odoom Domson, Mike Williams, Robyn Sellers, John Meche and Kristy King. Below is a complete list of the Spring RNR Graduates.

May 2008 Graduates

Bachelor of Science – Forestry

 Daniel Cole Bryant

Benjamin R. Bullock

Andrew George Haase, Jr.

Amy Joelle Magro

David P. Rahm

Brian Paul Sebastian

Bradford Loclon Smith

Marcus Wayne Wilkes, Jr.

James Bartholomew Wilson

Bachelor of Science – Natural Resource Ecology & Management

Gregory Louis Badon

Jeffrey Daniel Broussard

Blain Annette Cerame

Jason William Hughes

Kristy Leanne King

John Joseph Meche

Robyn Leah Sellers

Michael Blair Williams

Bachelor of Science – Wildlife & Fisheries

Michael Nicholas Campbell

Master of Science – Forestry

April Bryant-Mason

Odoom-I Domson

Polwattage Kushil Pri Perera

Rangika Thilaksri Perera

Master of Science – Fisheries

Kevin Patrick Melody

 Master of Science – Wildlife

 Annelie Clare Crook

Patti J. Newell

Laura M. Palasz

 Doctor of Philosophy – Forestry

 Diana Nasirumbi Obanda

Masters in Agriculture

 Also graduating with a Masters in Agriculture, was Steven Wright, who studies were in forestry & entomology.