GRINNELL, IA—Grinnell College recognized the professional accomplishments and service contributions of nine alumni during Alumni Reunion Weekend, June 2-6 on the Grinnell campus. Alumni Award winners are members of reunion classes who have distinguished themselves in their careers and communities and embody Grinnell’s mission of life-long learning and service.
Stephanie K. Hitztaler, a 1996 graduate of Grinnell College from Ann Arbor, Mich., received an Alumni Award. Following is the citation read about Hitztaler’s accomplishments: “Stephanie K. Hitztaler has magnified her efforts to effect change by both thinking and acting globally to encourage wiser use of resources in eastern Russia.
At Grinnell, Hitztaler earned a degree in Russian with a concentration in environmental studies, two areas she has pursued passionately ever since. She was also a talented athlete, qualifying for the national meet as a cross-country runner. After graduation, she was an editor for Russian Conservation News before earning an M.S. and M.A. in Russian and East European studies and natural resources. She has just completed her Ph.D. in natural resources and environment at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Over the course of her career, she has been keenly interested in the forest use and demographic patterns in the Kamchatka River Valley in eastern Russia. As a result of her work and writings, she has become an internationally respected authority on this area, which is often considered one of the most critically endangered places on the planet.
For her work to raise awareness and inspire action to protect Russia’s vital natural regions, Grinnell is pleased to honor Stephanie K. Hitztaler.”
Grinnell College is a nationally recognized, private, four-year, liberal arts college located in Grinnell, Iowa. Founded in 1846, Grinnell enrolls 1,600 students from all 50 states and from as many international countries in more than 26 major fields, interdisciplinary concentrations, and pre-professional programs.
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