This year’s recipient of the David C. Mahan Fellowship is Aubree Bagwell from Lee University. Aubree is completing her second year at Lee and is majoring in Biology with an emphasis in ecology and environmental science. This summer she will take courses in Aquatic Biology and Field Botany at our Great Lakes campus in northern Michigan.

The Mahan Fellowship, started in 2017, celebrates the work and legacy of Dr. David C. Mahan, Au Sable’s Associate Executive Director for over 30 years, from 1985 to 2016. Known for his warmth, humor, and relational skills that made hundreds of friends for the Institute over his more than three decades of service, Dave’s namesake Fellowship is awarded to a student who has shown an ability to accomplish goals in conservation through collaborative, relational effort with others.

In her application for the Mahan Fellowship, Aubree wrote, “During a time of praise, surrounded by hundreds of my fellow Lee students, I stood in awe as we sang in unison, ‘All nature and science follow the sound of Your voice.’ In my education thus far, I have come to realize that my entire infatuation with the natural world is based on this truth. I have never felt stronger in my calling to fellowship and care of creation than I do now.”

Congratulations Aubree! We trust that you will continue to inspire others to serve, protect, and restore God’s earth in your future relationships and collaborations.