Press Release

Governor Riley Presents $63,000 for Wildlife Scholarships at Auburn University

June 13, 2003

Governor Bob Riley presented a $63,000 check to Auburn University President William Walker today for the Lynn Boykin Youth Wildlife Scholarship. The money was raised at the Second Annual Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt, held in March 2003, and is Auburn’s largest wildlife scholarship.

“The Alabama Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt is the premier event of its kind nationwide for several reasons.  First, it showcases Alabama as a destination for business, industry and nature-based recreation.  Second, it successfully enhances Alabama’s image in a global market.  Third, it celebrates our rich hunting heritage.  Finally, it is an investment in Alabama’s future.  I am pleased to provide this $63,000 check to help educate future wildlife managers.” said Governor Bob Riley.  

The Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt was attended by top industry leaders, industrial prospects, elected officials, and national outdoor media celebrities.  The purpose of the hunt was to threefold: (1) to spotlight Alabama as a preferred destination for business, industry and nature-based recreation, (2) to celebrates Alabama’s hunting heritage and, (3) to enhance Alabama’s image.  Conservation Commissioner Barnett Lawley praised the efforts of those involved in the hunt.  “This event brings attention to Alabama’s abundant wildlife resources.  Through the generosity of Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt participants, it will help educate future wildlife managers for many years to come,” he said.

“On behalf of the Conservation and Natural Resources Foundation, it is an honor to support Alabama’s land grant college, particularly the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences,” said Foundation Chairman and Conservation Commissioner Barnett Lawley.  “The money provides much needed scholarships for students who will be the future wildlife managers.  Who knows, the recipients may even be future employees of our Department.”

The Lynn Boykin Youth Wildlife Scholarship is awarded to students pursuing an undergraduate degree in wildlife science who have demonstrated academic strength with a minimum 3.0 GPA and are seeking practical experience or skills related to wildlife management. Recipients are selected by the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Scholarship Committee contingent upon review and approval of the student’s eligibility by the University Scholars Program. The scholarship is named for the late Lynn Boykin, a hunter, outdoors-woman and avid conservationist.

According to Richard Brinker, Dean of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, the first scholarship will be awarded next spring.  This fund will be the most significant for undergraduate students in wildlife. “As our largest wildlife undergraduate scholarship, it will afford outstanding wildlife students an opportunity to complete a degree in wildlife science,” Brinker said.  “The exciting thing to us is that it has the potential to be increased every year.  At the rate the scholarship fund is growing, it will generate the equivalency of more than one full scholarship.  In five or six years, we’ll award several students with wildlife scholarships made possible by this endowment.  This is wonderful news for Auburn University, for the School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences, and for our students.”

President William Walker echoed Brinker’s sentiments. “Auburn’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences is among the best in the nation.  The scholarship, funded by the Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt, helps Auburn University attract the best students.  We are extremely thankful to the Conservation and Natural Resources Foundation for investing in the future of wildlife conservation.”

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