The First Dave Ellingson Scholarship Awarded For Environmental Studies

The scholarship is named for Dave Ellingson, the man known for kayaking the world’s most beautiful and challenging rivers and documenting them in his Paddle Pilgrim book series. As a former professor at Trinity Lutheran College, Dave has seen first-hand the impact people can have on the lives of young adults. He understands how these initial investments of time and resources contribute to the long-term success of students.

The one-year scholarship includes $1,000, an internship at beautiful Holden Village located in the Cascade Mountains, and personal mentoring with Dave Ellingson.

Nathan Buegler

Nathan Buegler: Environmental Studies, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA"I care deeply about issues of land restoration and protection, particularly in more heavily developed, urbanized areas with lower average incomes. Projects to restore natural watersheds and habitats in the midst of developed areas are so important because not only are they revitalizing areas for wildlife in the midst of areas affected by humans, but they are also enabling people to be exposed to wildlife and natural processes. If we want people to care about environmental justice, they need to be exposed to environments around them, so that they can build familiarity and understanding with nature and the ways in which it affects them, and how they can impact it in ways they were not aware of."

About Dave Ellingson

Dave Ellingson taught courses in spirituality, environmental ethics, human development, and youth ministry at Trinity Lutheran College in Everett, WA. He is a Lutheran pastor, Master Gardner, former distance runner and triathlete, author of several books, speaker, husband, and the father of five grown children. He resides in Edmonds, WA. Additional information on Dave Ellingson can be found at www.dellingson.com.