Katherine Owen Sechrist
The Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) is proud to announce the establishment of the Katherine Owen Sechrist Endowed Scholarship for Academic Excellence. Created through the kindness and generosity of Katherine Sechrist and her family, the scholarship will help support students who demonstrate academic excellence and aspire to pursue careers in natural resources.
Born from a lifetime spent in the outdoors of Alabama, and an intense appreciation for its diverse landscapes, Katherine Sechrist and her family have made yet another significant investment to support Auburn students who aspire to pursue natural resource careers.
Sechrist grew up surrounded by the different forests, rivers and landscapes that would shape her understanding of the vital role natural resources play in Alabama’s identity and economy. Being one of the most biodiverse states in the country, she hopes her support will help ensure future generations of conservation-minded professionals will be prepared to manage and protect Alabama’s natural resources.
“70% of Alabama is covered by forests,” said Sechrist. “This has made me aware of the importance of forests in our state. I thought it was important that the CFWE provide instruction to students about this state resource. Additionally, my family has always valued college education. Including my granddaughter, four generations of my family have attended Auburn.”
Marking her second endowment in the CFWE, the Katherine Owen Sechrist Endowed Scholarship serves as a testimony to her long-standing commitment to helping young people succeed by easing financial barriers and empowering academic achievement, hands-on learning and career preparedness.
CFWE Emmett F. Thompson Dean Janaki Alavalapati expressed his deep appreciation for Sechrist’s generosity and vision for CFWE students.
“Generous gifts expand access to high-quality education and allow our college to fully engage in their academic and professional development,” Alavalapati said. “Ms. Sechrist’s commitment to the CFWE speaks to the values Auburn instills in its alumni, and we are grateful for her continued investment in our students.”
Through this endowed scholarship, Sechrist’s legacy of service, stewardship and love for Auburn will continue to inspire students for years to come and assist in building meaningful careers dedicated to protecting the natural world she has cherished throughout her life.
For more information on giving opportunities in the CFWE, please contact Heather Crozier, CFWE director of development, at vannhea@auburn.edu, or visit the CFWE giving page for more information.
