Stockbridge students are known to the green industries as dedicated, dependable, and cheerful workers with top notch skills. This year, as the campus-wide Gerald F. Scanlon Student Employee of the Year Award went to only 10 students, we're thrilled, but not at all surprised, that 2 of the 10 awards went to Stockbridge students—Hannah Gould and Max Clement.
Hannah's Historic Food Garden
Hannah Gould '25 works at the on-campus Kinney Center for Interdisciplinary Renaissance Studies, where she applies skills from both of her degrees: a bachelor of science in Applied Plant & Soil Sciences from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, and a bachelor of arts in English from the College of Arts and Humanities.
Gould's work on the Kinney Center's Renaissance of the Earth project includes researching agricultural manuals from the 1800's then applying those historic techniques, alongside modern soil science testing methods, to professionally design and install a historic kitchen garden. Her ability to choose her own path at UMass positioned her perfectly for the kind of work she finds most rewarding.
"Hannah exemplifies what happens when students bring all of their intellectual and creative interests to bear on the work that they do" says center director Marjorie Rubright.
And the results of her work are something only a person with Hannah's unique background can offer. Collaborating alongside students from the School of Earth and Sustainability, of which Stockbridge is a part, Gould represents "the kind of interdisciplinary ambition that is putting UMass Amherst at the center" of sustainability studies, says Rubright.
See a video about Gould's work with the Renaissance of the Earth project
Max's Magnificent Management of the Land
Max Clement '25 has worked for the UMass Landscape Management team for three years, directly applying what he is learning from his bachelor of science in Horticultural Sciences, alongside his existing experience working for a landscaper, and owning his own small landscaping company. Right from the start, Clement embodied a notable enthusiasm.
"Max initiated his own interview in his first year," says supervisor Jennifer Konieczny of UMass Facilities and Campus Services. "And he was hired on the spot for his ability, aptitude and upbeat attitude."
Clement has been responsible for "every aspect of the UMass landscape," says Konieczny, giving him ample opportunity to make his mark on the campus. Konieczny has also seen him grow professionally while on the job. Today, "he's a dedicated and hardworking team player, and a team leader."
Says his supervisor with a smile, "We even plan larger projects around Max's schedule, because he's such an asset in getting a job done on a timely basis."
These kinds of comments will surely attract the attention of his next prospective employer!
See a video about Clement's work with the Landscape Management team
Congratulations to both Hannah and Max, and to the next employer's lucky enough to hire them.