This year’s recipient of the David C. Mahan Fellowship is Devin Stephens from Bethel University. Devin is completing his first year at Bethel and is majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Biblical and Theological Studies. This summer, he will take courses in Stream Ecology and Fish Ecology and Management at our Great Lakes campus in northern Michigan.

The Mahan Fellowship, started in 2017, celebrates the work and legacy of Dr. David C. Mahan, Au Sable’s Associate Executive Director for over 30 years, from 1985 to 2016. Known for his warmth, humor, and relational skills that made hundreds of friends for the Institute over his more than three decades of service, Dave’s namesake Fellowship is awarded to a student who has shown an ability to accomplish goals in conservation through collaborative, relational effort with others.

In his application for the Mahan Fellowship, Devin wrote, "I am eager to use my time at Au Sable to build fellowship with like-minded individuals, lifting each other up as God calls us to. This experience will help me learn how to pursue a career in environmental science and grow with others on the importance of this mission."

Congratulations Devin! We trust that you will continue to inspire others to serve, protect, and restore God’s earth in your future relationships and collaborations.