Student Organizations

In the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources there are many student organizations that enhance your university experience.  By becoming involved, you will have opportunities to learn new things, meet people, have fun, participate in leadership roles, and prepare for your career in natural resources. Every students should plan to become involved in at least one club during their undergraduate career. To get involved with the club of your choice, send an email to the club or club president listed below. Also, weekly club activities will be announced on the QCNR announcements list serve.

Xi Sigma Pi National Forest Management Honor Society

Xi Sigma Pi was founded in 1908 at the University of Washington (Alpha Chapter) as an honor society meant to recognize excellence among students of traditional forest management. The Lambda Chapter of Utah State University, formed in 1939, has expanded its view of forest management to recognize fields such as fisheries, wildlife, policy, and outdoor recreation as integral parts of forest management. In keeping with the stated national goals of the society, the Lambda Chapter seeks both to recognize and encourage academic excellence among students of the College of Natural Resources.

All undergraduates with senior standing (90 credits or more) in the top 20% of the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources are invited to join Xi Sigma Pi in the spring semester. Graduate students in good standing may also apply. Members may participate in any of Xi Sigma Pi's activities, most of which provide services to the College. Members participate in and represent the College of Natural Resources at college and University sponsored functions.

Xi Sigma Pi
Department of Natural Resources
Utah State University
5200 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-5200

Advisor

Dr. Jim Lutz
NR 214
james.lutz@usu.edu

Wood Tree Examples

Nominees must either construct a tree in the shape of a conifer from wood, or prepare a wood cookie, and have ten current members of Xi Sigma Pi sign it in order to be initiated. Conifers symbolize vigorous life and the study of natural resources.

Qualifications of a Professional Natural Resources Manager

Certain, well-defined attributes, no one of which are regarded more important than the others have been recognized as requisite of every true member of Xi Sigma Pi. Each member of Lambda Chapter understands their importance to true professional practice and their meaning. These points are:

1. In technical training individuals should measure up to the standard set by the best professionals in the field.  
2. Members must have that peculiar type of honesty that demands a full measure of service even when out of touch with a supervisor.
3. Members must be loyal to the profession, to fellows, to those who give orders, and to those that fall under their direction.
4. Members must have initiative, as work frequently places individuals in situations that require decision making and formulating plans.
5. Members must school themselves in teamwork, for only through wholehearted cooperation can be of the greatest service to the profession.
6. Members must have vision and with vision faith, for the real fruits of labor may not mature until years after the exit from the stage of life has been made.
7. Members should unselfishly strive for the betterment of the profession.
8. Criticism should be constructive and judgments withheld until one has full possession of the facts.
9. Members should recognize an obligation to the school that made this training possible.
10. Members should be true to their ideals.

Wood Tree Examples

Nominees must either construct a tree in the shape of a conifer from wood, or prepare a wood cookie, and have ten current members of Xi Sigma Pi sign it in order to be initiated.  Conifers symbolize vigorous life and the study of natural resources.

Xi Sigma Pi Membership List

Current QCNR Faculty	Other USU Members	Graduate Students
Mark Brunson	Jan Anderson	Kendall Becker
Joanna Endter-Wada	Steve Daniels	Ryan Choi
Mike Kuhns	Justin DeRose	Tucker Furniss
Judy Kurtzman	Jim Kennedy	Sara J. Germain
Jim Long	Terry Sharik	Erika M. Blomdahl
Jim Lutz	John Shaw	David N.B. Soderberg
Chris McGinty	Neil West	Casey D. Snider
Karen Mock	Mike Wolfe
Patsy Palacios
Robert Schmidt
Helga Van Miegroet