Warnell School Congratulates Alumni Award Winners

2007 Distinguished Alumnus Award - James I. Alfriend (BSF ’69), a consulting forester operating his own company in Thomson, Ga. since 1983, was presented this award for his remarkable contributions to Georgia’s forest industry and his continued support of the Warnell School. After graduation Alfriend served three years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Captain. He then worked for Continental Can as an area and district forester until 1978 when he became a consulting forester. Alfriend is a member of ACF, SAF, GFA, FLA, is a registered forester and licensed real estate broker and appraiser in Georgia and South Carolina. His service to the School and industry include a term as president of the Alumni Association, board membership with the Georgia Forestry Association, and terms as chairman of the Georgia Forest Research Council, the Georgia chapter of ACF and the CSRA chapter of SAF.

2007 Distinguished Young Alumnus Award - Brian Stone (BSFR ’99; MFR ’01), Director of Appraisal Services for Forest Resource Consultants, Inc., was presented this award to recognize his commitment to increasing the engagement of young professionals in the forest industry and contributions in support of students at the Warnell School. Stone currently serves on the board of directors for the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, as chairman of the Georgia Forestry Association’s Young Professionals Group, and as a member of the Warnell Young Alumni Advisory Committee where he was chairman of this year’s Alumni Golf Tournament Committee. Stone’s activities focus on developing increased opportunities for young professionals in Georgia’s forest industry to get involved in professional organizations, serve in leadership roles, and to provide increased financial support for Warnell School students through establishment of the Young Alumni Endowment for Leadership and Training. With the support of his fellow Young Alumni Advisory Committee members, the organization raised more than $10,000 for the Young Alumni Endowment at this year’s alumni golf tournament.

2007 Alumni Staff Awards – The Warnell School Alumni Association recognized Ms. Joyce Black, Mr. Matthew Head and Ms. Morgan Nolan with alumni staff awards at this year’s annual homecoming celebration for their continuous support of Warnell School faculty and students.

Ms. Black has served as administrative office manager for the School for seven years and is the “black gold” who keeps the day to day operations of the school running efficiently and effectively. Her ever present sense of humor never overshadows her tenacity making sure faculty receive the support services necessary to effectively do their job.

Mr. Head has served the School as undergraduate student advisor for more than ten years and is the go to person for all students as they develop their academic schedule and work toward graduation. Day after day lines form outside his office as he weaves his magic to make sure students fulfill their academic requirements, while supporting faculty and administration through many curriculum changes and revisions.

Ms. Nolan has been the School technology guru for more than twelve years and remains responsible for keeping faculty and students on the cutting edge as new technologies continue to rapidly evolve. Whether supporting students and faculty in their use of WebCT, providing video of important seminar presentations, or developing home spun presentations of Warnell School family members, Morgan has become a vital member of the School’s support staff.

All members of the Warnell School family owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to each of this year’s Alumni Award winners. We hope this simple recognition adequately reflects the sincere appreciation we hold for each winner’s service to the continued success of Warnell School faculty, students and alumni.