NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife and The Wildlife Society Announce the 2003 Winner of the Russell A. Cookingham Scholarship

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife

February 5, 2004

NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife and The Wildlife Society Announce the 2003 Winner of the Russell A. Cookingham Scholarship

The DEP Division of Fish & Wildlife in partnership with The Wildlife Society (NJ Chapter) recently announced the winner of the 2003 Russell A. Cookingham Scholarship. Marisa Collins of Gibbstown, NJ, attends school at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. She is a senior pursuing a major in wildlife and fisheries ecology, with a minor in Spanish. She is a Dean’s Honor Roll member, and has participated as an exchange student in Brazil where she worked as a zoological garden interpreter. She is a member of the Spanish Honor Society, the National Residence Hall Honorary Society, and is active with campus activities.

The former director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife founded the Russell A. Cookingham Scholarship. On his retirement he donated his retirement gift to fund the annual award through The Wildlife Society to a deserving wildlife or fisheries major who hails from New Jersey. Applicants are ranked on their academic and career-related achievements, and on the letters of recommendation received by their professors.

The Wildlife Society is the leading international organization of professional wildlife biologists. The Division of Fish & Wildlife is responsible for managing wildlife throughout the state. Both organizations are committed to supporting the education and professional development of aspiring wildlife professionals.

Information on the 2004 Russell A. Cookingham scholarship can be found on the division’s website at www.njfishandwildlife.com/cookhmschol.htm. One $1000 award will be made in 2004 to a third year wildlife or fisheries major. Applications are due by April 1, 2004.