Mr. W. Gerry Burch is turning 100 in August 2023. In celebration of his distinguished career and lifelong commitment to forestry, we invite you to make a donation to the Gerry Burch Forestry Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes outstanding undergraduate students on track to become future forestry leaders and innovators, much like Gerry, whose contributions to the profession as a Registered Professional Forester and generous volunteerism with the Faculty have left a lasting mark.
About Gerry
Gerry is Canada’s oldest and most highly regarded forester. Born in Cranbrook, BC, in 1923, Gerry attended UBC Forestry in the 1940s, where he was an active student leader. Graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in Forest Engineering, in 1948, Gerry went on to receive his Registered Professional Forester designation and pioneer significant improvements in sustainable forestry practices, especially during his 41-year service with BC Forest Products Ltd. as a Chief Forester.
A dedicated philanthropist, Gerry has maintained strong ties to the UBC Faculty of Forestry — establishing scholarships, leading fundraising efforts and sharing his wealth of knowledge. In 1994, Gerry helped found the Faculty Alumni Fundraising Committee, and acted as its Vice-Chair. Gerry also Co-Chaired the Growing for the Future Campaign that supported the Forest Sciences Centre, where the Faculty of Forestry is housed today.
In recognition of Gerry’s longstanding dedication and tireless efforts in support of the forests and people of British Columbia, the Gerry Burch Working Forest located on the southern slope of Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island now bears his name. Gerry has been, and continues to be, a leader in all things related to BC’s forests — our province’s most treasured resource.
Join us in celebrating Gerry’s century of life and dedication to forestry by contributing to the Gerry Burch Forestry Scholarship. Your support will help show our collective appreciation of Gerry’s remarkable career and volunteerism while also empowering UBC undergraduate students to realize their dream to become the next generation of forestry leaders like Gerry.
About the Gerry Burch Forestry Scholarship
The Gerry Burch Forestry Scholarship is aimed at empowering exceptional students pursuing studies in forestry-related disciplines. By providing financial support, the scholarship eases the burden of educational expenses, allowing recipients to focus on their academic pursuits and career aspirations.
When you donate to the Gerry Burch Forestry Scholarship, you contribute to building a sustainable future for our forests and the communities that depend on them. Your generosity directly supports deserving students who hold the potential to make significant contributions to forestry research, conservation, and management.
How to Contribute
Giving back to the forestry community has never been easier. Your tax-deductible donation to the Gerry Burch Forestry Scholarship fund can be made securely through the UBC Giving website. Every contribution, regardless of size, plays a vital role in shaping the future of forestry.