Thomas Hill Jr. Education and Opportunity Fund
What is the Thomas Hill Fund?
The Thomas Hill Fund connects SAF’s student and young professional
members to resources and opportunities at the earliest stages of entering the profession.
Annually, the fund awards scholarships to SAF student members attending 2- or
4-year undergraduate forestry and natural resources programs. These
scholarships are intended to support the advancement of students in natural
resources fields, while recognizing academic success and leadership involvement.
Additionally, the fund also awards grants to support projects within the SAF
young professional community that focus on professional development and
community building.
Thomas Hill Jr.
Thomas Hill was a longtime national SAF member, joining the Society in 1960. He was also a member of the Enoree Chapter, South Carolina Division of Appalachian SAF.
Thomas Hill received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in forestry from The Pennsylvania State University and had a broad range of professional experience in operational auditing, consulting, and other positions.
Outside of his career, Thomas Hill shared a spirit of adventure with his wife, Merillat Frost Hill. Together, they traveled and studied internationally and attended steeplechase horse races and road rallies across the US. An avid cyclist, skier, and hiker, Thomas Hill was passionate about the natural world, particularly forests and birds, as well as education and preservation.
In 2021, SAF received a gift from the estate of Thomas Hill. To honor his generosity and legacy, the Thomas Hill Jr. Education and Opportunity Fund was established by SAF’s board of directors. Now the fund supports the next generation of foresters by awarding annual scholarships and grants.
Support the Thomas Hill Fund
Contributions to the Thomas Hill Fund help support and grow this program for our youngest members.