Introducing Grace Condit – 2022 Damon Anderson Memorial Scholarship Winner

Introducing Grace A. Condit, an accomplished student attending Carthage College. Grace is working toward a bachelor's degree with a major in Environmental Science and a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Grace is a well-deserved winner of the Damon Anderson Memorial Scholarship! She was commended by her references for a nearly perfect GPA, consistent presence on the Dean’s List, and several prestigious academic and leadership honors and awards. Grace is a leader in her classes and a great team member on projects.

Beyond academics, Grace also participates in a long list of extracurricular activities, including, Carthage United Rescue Earth, Student Government, Horticulture Club, Kappa Alpha Omicron Environmental Honors Society, Geoscience/Geospatial Science Department Fellow, Geo Club, Rock Climbing Club, and more.

When asked how the last semester went, Grace replied:

_{This last semester I was given the opportunity to continue my summer internship into the fall working as a Conservation and Restoration Intern for Thompson & Associates Wetland Services. During this time, I got to spend lots of hours mitigating invasive species, monitoring wildlife, and working extensively with beaver populations in local wetland communities. While I never imagined I’d look forward to wading through the Pike River to work with beavers amidst my busy academic schedule, I could not have had a better experience and am incredibly grateful for all the memories.Additionally, I was able to begin planning for Carthage College’s second annual Sustainability Summit. This conference is a one-day event that unites experts from a wide range of sustainability-related fields which intends to foster dialogue and build relationships that will push sustainability forward both at Carthage and within local communities. After the success of our Inaugural Sustainability Summit last year, myself and the other amazing student planners could not be more excited to bring in new individuals and continue to learn more in the name of sustainability!In a more academic sense, I have spent time as my Geospatial Department’s tutor as well as Horticulture Vice President. In these positions I was able to aid fellow classmates with GIS help and share my love of plants! These organizations have created so many amazing communities on campus in which I continue to meet some of my favorite people.Although my extracurriculars have kept me busy, I could not feel more passionately about my projects and experiences. After this semester I’m excited to see what is yet to come!}

Furthermore, we asked Grace for some favorite things about Wisconsin:

_{Fortunately for myself, Carthage College is located along the shores of Lake Michigan. Meaning almost perfect access to the local beaches. Weather permitting of course, one of my favorite things is to spend time appreciating all the lake and its beautiful beaches have to offer. Aside from spending time with my neighbor of Lake Michigan, I like to spend time hiking in local areas within Wisconsin. Living in rural Illinois, I am not provided with such access to given areas. Although many of my favorite things require warm weather, I don’t mind the Wisconsin winters either! Wisconsin is an amazing place to experience so many outdoor adventures.}

Some of Grace's plans for the future include using GIS to conserve the natural world and inspiring those around her... one map at a time.

Congratulations to Grace A. Condit on receiving the 2022 Damon Anderson Memorial Scholarship!