Dear Svitek Foundation,

June 2, 2006

Kate Svitek Memorial Foundation
c/o Frank & Ellen Svitek
P.O. Box 104
Ambler, PA 19002

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Svitek,

As we approach Kate’s birthday, it is with great honor and sincere appreciation that I thank you for your outstanding support of our students through the Svitek Award. Since 2003, the Kate Svitek Memorial Foundation has helped eight bright, motivated environmental stewards fulfill their dreams. Reflecting Kate’s legacy and following the focus of the Foundation, these young scholars have taken part in activities and education related to outdoor and wilderness exploration, study, observation, preservation, improvement, expansion, and enhancement.

I’d like to take a moment to quote some of the students who have benefited from your generosity and who share Kate’s inspirational philosophy. Having had the good fortune to know Kate while she was a student here at the University of Vermont Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, I believe that she would smile at the beautiful images these comments call to mind:

“So far I am absolutely amazed by South East Alaska. The wildlife is strikingly abundant. On one weekend long trip in the field, I average seeing 4 brown bears a day…One evening we sat on the lawn of our field camp and watched humpback whales breach playfully for a half hour….”

“Thank you so much for allowing me this wonderful opportunity to learn more about myself and my future profession—that of introducing youth to nature!”

“I was recently blessed with the opportunity to receive an internship down in the Panhandle of Florida…During that time I was also able to achieve a clarity of thought that I haven’t had in a very long time. I have my goals set finally. I also got the time to cope with my mother’s passing about two years ago. It never gets better, but after this summer, it got a lot easier for me to deal with… I will not forget what you have done for me.”

Clearly, through the Foundation, you touch hearts, minds, and lives. These transformations spread out to our entire community—an invaluable gift for which, I, as Dean, wish to personally thank you. Kate’s bright love of life, brilliant spirit, and passion for the great outdoors thrive at the University of Vermont and will continue to touch countless souls around the world. Thank you for this treasure.

Sincerely,

Donald H. DeHayes
Dean

The Rubinstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources

University of Vermont