Evie Pearson
Evelyn “Evie” Pearson, a graduating senior in sustainable biomaterials and packaging with a minor in Asian studies, from Ramer, Alabama, has been chosen to lead the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment’s class of 2024 at Auburn University’s fall commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 14.
As a third-generation student at Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment (CFWE), she originally planned to follow a different career path. However, after seeing the profound impact the CFWE had on her family and the environment, she decided to shift her focus and has not looked back since. During a visit to Auburn, Pearson visited the CFWE and found a passion for the new sustainable biomaterials and packaging major.
“When I started to seriously consider which university I would like to attend and which career path I would like to pursue, I wanted to be a physical therapist. I learned about the new sustainable biomaterials and packaging major. I was fascinated to learn about the implications of replacing petroleum-based products with renewable materials,” Pearson recalls. “I thought that it was so interesting and important that I changed my career goals and path with the new major.”
Evie was involved in many different areas as a student, contributing her time and skills to the Sustainable Bio-Based Materials Lab, Arboretum and the Office of Sustainability, where she helped advance eco-friendly initiatives on Auburn’s campus. She was also an active member of several student organizations, including the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment Student Ambassadors, where she helped promote and represent the CFWE, and the Sustainable Biomaterials and Packaging Society, which focused on promoting the new major and provide networking opportunities in these fields.
“Evie Pearson has proven herself a dedicated leader in sustainability at Auburn University,” said Janaki Alavalapati, Dean of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. “Her involvement as a student ambassador, along with her work in the Sustainable Bio-Based Materials Lab and the Office of Sustainability, highlights her commitment to eco-friendly initiatives. Evie’s passion and leadership set her apart, and we are confident she will continue to drive positive change in her field.”
Reflecting on her time at Auburn, Evie is thankful for much but especially for the community the CFWE provides and the interactivity of the faculty. After graduation, Evie is planning to enter the sustainable biomaterials and packaging industry and work in corporate sustainability.
The university will begin its graduation weekend at Neville Arena at 8 a.m. CT on Saturday, December 9. For more details, including updates on any potential weather-related changes, please visit the commencement website. Information will also be shared on the university’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
All ceremonies will be live-streamed, and recordings will be available on the commencement website after the weekend. Graduates and their families are encouraged to check the website frequently for the latest updates.
(Written by Blair Milford)
