Type of Memorial
Memorial Tree
In Memoriam
Fender, Melissa Ann
Location
Plaque Text
Plaque is located in Room 312 Science II. Melissa Ann Fender. November 29, 1983 - July 27, 2007. "You can't control the length of your life, just the depth." Melissa joined the NREM family in the Fall of 2005. She excelled in everything that she did, from her course work to her club activities, and her involvement on the ISU swim team. Melissa was someone whom everyone in the department knew and loved. She achieved numerous scholarships and awards during the two years she spent in Forestry. She had a wonderful personality and contagious smile that always graced her presence. Melissa graduated in the Spring of 2007, with a B.S. in Forestry. Melissa was a beautiful person, inside and out. Her life is an inspiration to us all.
Notes
The memorial Tree, a Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa), was planted in October 2007 in memory of Melissa Fender by her friends in the Forestry Club, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, and the ISU Swim Team. Melissa grew up in Glenwood, Iowa and attended Iowa State from 2002-2007. During this time she received a Bachelor of Liberal Studies Degree with an emphasis on Environmental Studies, Psychology, and Spanish, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry. She was a member of the ISU Swim Team and was named to the Big 12 All Academic Swim Team three times. She also tutored Spanish, taught English to children, and was an instructor for Swim America. She was involved in the Forestry Club and the Society of American Foresters. During the summer of 2006, Melissa participated in the Anna Beal Internship Program with the Nature Conservancy, traveling all over Iowa, beautifying state parks and other protected areas. Melissa was perpetually happy with boundless energy and a vibrant faith. Learning how to be a better steward of the land was one of her passions in life.