Alan Chausse Finds Community and Hands-On Learning Through the Schomaker Scholarship
Alan Chausse’s UMaine experience has been shaped by hands-on learning opportunities, community, and the generosity of donors.
“The scholarship has allowed me to focus on enriching myself through academic and extracurricular opportunities provided at UMaine,” Alan shared. The support has enabled him to fully engage in the forestry curriculum, including hands-on labs and field experiences that complement his coursework. Beyond the classroom, Alan has taken on new experiences, such as learning to rock climb and ski, and playing in a bluegrass band, all of which have contributed to a well-rounded undergraduate experience.
Looking ahead, Alan plans to pursue a career as a stewardship manager for a land trust. In this role, he hopes to write stewardship plans, contribute to the long-term care of conserved land, and educate the public and volunteers about land management and conservation.
Reflecting on his time at UMaine, Alan credits the campus community as one of the most meaningful aspects of his experience. As an out-of-state student from New Jersey, he visits home infrequently and has found a strong sense of belonging on campus. “The community is my favorite part of being a UMaine student,” he said. “I am grateful to have made lifelong connections at UMaine, where I have found another family away from home.”
When asked what he would say to donors, Alan emphasized the lasting impact of their generosity. “Creating a scholarship can make a lifelong impact on the recipient,” he said. “The opportunity to attend UMaine and spend four years dedicated to enriching one’s perspective can fundamentally change a student’s life.”
Editor’s Note: Alan Chausse is from Ewing, New Jersey, and received the Charles E. Schomaker Scholarship, which supports students pursuing degrees in forestry or closely related fields. Alan was recently featured in the “Life in the Pines” video series produced by the University of Maine.
