Thompson receives Wildlife Society award
Engineering student receives award supporting environmental conservation
UJ student Bonnie Thompson received the Bill Bicknell Legacy Scholarship from the North Dakota Chapter of The Wildlife Society Feb. 8 during the society’s annual meeting in Bismarck.
Thompson joined The Wildlife society three years ago and served on the North Dakota Chapter’s executive board for the past two years. As a member of the UJ Wildlife Society, she has created and led events for the entire campus, including pumpkin tossing, fishing, camping, and plant sales. She has also been one of the greenhouse managers for the past two years.
“Bonnie has increased membership and participation in The Wildlife Society,” said Dr. Kit Uvino, professor of biology and ecology and chapter advisor at UJ, who nominated Thompson for the scholarship. “Largely because of her warm demeanor, and partly because she is not a natural sciences major, students approached her about the society and its activities.”
Thompson, of Dickinson, North Dakota, is majoring in engineering with minors in environmental science and physics. She plans to graduate in 2025.
“Bonnie has personified the message that habitat preservation is important and possible – even if you live in an apartment or only have a small yard,” Uvino said. “I have students from other majors take my courses because they have encountered Bonnie.”
Bill Bicknell served as a biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, based in Bismarck, for more than 30 years. He was active in the North Dakota Chapter of the Wildlife Society, where he was central in promoting student involvement.
The award recognizes an undergraduate student(s) who has shown exceptional interest and participation in the wildlife profession/conservation and related organizations. The award includes a $1,000 scholarship.
About University of Jamestown
University of Jamestown is ranked as a “Best Regional University” in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. Established as Jamestown College in 1883, UJ is a private, Christian, liberal arts university granting Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees as well as master’s degrees in Business, Education, Leadership, and Clinical Counseling. Doctoral degrees are available in Physical Therapy and Clinical Research. The University of Jamestown Accelerated, UJ’s online division, is based in Phoenix and delivers intensive upskilling opportunities to learners in various settings. For more information, please visit UJ.edu.
