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Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited To conserve, protect and restore coldwater fisheries 2008 SWMTU Awards March 20, 2008 – The Schrems West Michigan Chapter of Trout Unlimited honored four individuals at its annual fundraising banquet. Chapter president, David Smith presented three awards and a $2,000 scholarship during the event. Cornelius Schrems Outstanding Angler Award Will Sweetman The Cornelius M. Schrems Award was presented in "recognition of outstanding service to fellow fishermen through extraordinary contributions to the arts, skills, and lore of trout fishing." >>See the list of previous winners. C.R. Evenson Resource Professional Award Josh Zuiderveen The winner of this award first came to our attention through an article in the Grand Rapids Press a couple of years ago about some of his stream work. We contacted Timberland RC&D and started working on stream projects together. First on Stegman Creek, next in the Rogue and currently we are working together on Tyler Creek. Later this year we plan to work together on Pigeon Creek. Josh has great passion and enthusiasm for stream work and has been instrumental in arranging additional funding from other sources such as the Frey Foundation and the Wilderness Foundation. Josh has his own company, Streamworks LLC which is contracted by Timberland RC&D for the streamwork in West Michigan. >>See the list of previous winners. Dr. Marvin "Bud" Kanouse Award Ron Barch The M. C. Bud Kanouse Award was presented in “recognition of exemplary service to SWMTU and to cold water fisheries issues through art, passion, leadership, contribution and volunteerism.” >>See the selection guidelines. Schrems Scholarship Winner - $2,000 Kerryann Waco This is awarded to a current Michigan State University student of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife who works toward the mission of SWMTU. This scholarship of $2,000, and its intention, was founded by Sis Schrems in memory of her husband. Kerry is originally from Chicago, Illinois. After receiving her bachelor's degree from Beloit College, she moved to Alaska to work as an groundfish and marine mammal observer in the North Pacific, serving on the front lines of resource management by collecting high quality data for the National Marine Fisheries Service. It was an opportunity to be apart of perhaps the best managed fisheries in the world, facilitated contact with a variety of state, government and private agencies, and allowed for enhancement of data collection skills. In 1999, she joined the Peace Corps and served in Zambia, Africa as an Aquaculture Extension Agent in Isoka District, Kaumba Village for two years. After fulfilling her commitment to the Peace Corps she returned to Alaska to continue to pursue her interests in fish, fisheries and resource management. She secured a job as a marine biologist with NOAA Fisheries Alaska Groundfish Observer Program's. This opportunity allowed her the opportunity to promote outreach with industry members, provide field support to observers in the various ports in Alaska, improve sampling methods on a variety of vessels, and participate in various research cruises. After serving four great years with the National Marine Fisheries service, she decided to enhance her career academically. She was drawn to Michigan State University because it presented multiple opportunities for research in addition to a great network for information and support in addition to the many accomplishments by and experience of the staff of the Fisheries and Wildlife department. >>See the list of previous winners.