Gragg, who earned a bachelor of science in forestry at UGA in 1936, worked for International Paper Company for 43 years, starting as a conservation forester and retiring as senior vice president of woodlands. During his long career, he lived in nearly every Southern state, as well as New York, Washington, and several foreign countries. He also served as manager of IP’s public affairs program and was the company’s senior advisor on policy and national issues.

“In addition to significant contributions to forest management, Fred’s legacy is a spirit of cooperation, courtesy and fairness in his dealings with others, and that includes landowners, industry colleagues and forestry organizations,” said Richard Porterfield, dean of the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. “Fred has always been a forthright leader and a steadying influence in our profession. We are very proud to name him our 2004 Distinguished Alumnus.”

Gragg began work with International Paper Company during the Great Depression, when nearly all of the forestlands were in the hands of farmers and rural landowners. With the economy reeling, he quietly began promoting the benefits of managing forests for timber and pulp. Throughout his career, he was a credible and effective liaison between private landowners and the forest products industry.

“Fred Gragg has been a fierce competitor as well as a friend for more than forty years,” said Jim Fendig, a long time forest industry executive who is now retired and working as a consultant. “He is the epitome of the professional forester and an example for all of us to follow in our professional as well as personal lives.”

Gragg has been an active member of several professional forestry organizations, including the Society of American Foresters, where is a Golden Member. He was elected an SAF Fellow in 1979 and is a past chair of the Southeastern Section of SAF. In 1999, he received the SAF’s prestigious Award of Excellence for the General Practice of Forestry, which recognizes his outstanding contributions to the profession and industry. He was inducted into the Alabama Foresters Hall of Fame in 1987. He lives in Mobile, Alabama, with his wife, Anne.