UBC Forestry wishes to congratulate Dimitrios Markou, Katarzyna Przystupa, Alan Verona, and Robin Hastings on being the 2023/24 recipients of the Binkley Family Graduate Scholarship!
MGEM – Dimitrios Markou
MGEM is delighted to announce Dimitrios Markou as this year’s Binkley Family Graduate Scholarship MGEM recipient. Dimitrios has consistently shown academic excellence and engagement in this years MGEM cohort. In addition to his exemplary grade point average, Dimitrios is a student who is quick to ask questions and help facilitate classroom discussions. He is an active member of this year’s social committee and has helped organize events that have brought the cohort together. Overall, Dimitrios represents what it means to be both a Binkley Scholar and top MGEM student.
MIF – Katarzyna Przystupa
MIF is delighted to announce Katarzyna Przystupa as this year’s Binkley Family Graduate Scholarship MIF recipient. Katarzyna has demonstrated strong academic performance, as well as engagement within class discussions. Katarzyna has also played an informal yet important leadership role in bridging the gap between domestic and international students in class. She has made an effort to learn a few phrases in Mandarin, and get to know the customs of other classmates, while teaching others about her own (Polish) culture and traditions. Having taught environmental sciences at the high school level for six years prior to joining the MIF program, Katarzyna brings an important perspective into the class, and we value her contributions.
MSFM – Alan Verona
MSFM is delighted to announce Alan Verona as this year’s Binkley Family Graduate Scholarship MSFM recipient. Alan’s academic excellence and leadership are demonstrated by the quality of his work, dedication to the well-being of his classmates and active engagement in all program activities. Alan can always be relied upon to support discussion and inquiry that enriches course material and encourages peer participation. He exemplifies the qualities of a Binkley Award Winner.
MUFL – Robin Hastings
MUFL is delighted to announce Robin Hastings as this year’s Binkley Family Graduate Scholarship MUFL recipient. Robin demonstrates outstanding work in the classroom. He brings his extensive cross-sectoral experience as an arborist to his academic work, enriching discussions and challenging and supporting his colleagues to think critically. Robin’s passion for urban forestry has helped to build networks and enhance education in urban forestry locally and internationally, most prominently in his role as the Continuing Education Director for the PNW ISA Chapter.
Binkley Family Graduate Scholarship
This scholarship is made available through an endowment established by Dr. Clark S. Binkley, and is awarded to one outstanding graduate student in each of the Faculty of Forestry’s professional master’s programs (MGEM, MSFM, MIF, and MUFL). A scholarship is awarded to one student in each program with high academic standing (minimum 85% overall average at the end of Fall Term) and also demonstrating exceptional engagement and leadership within their cohort.