Graduates of Distinction

Nikita Lopoukhine ’68     Lifetime Achievement

After earning his degree in forest botany from the College, Nikita Lopoukhine ’68 began his career working with Forestry Canada in Ottawa. During his tenure there, he earned his master’s degree from the University of Saskatchewan under the tutelage of the renowned Canadian biologist and eco-philosopher, Dr. Stan Rowe.

Lopoukhine’s career path continued with the Lands Directorate for Environment Canada in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he led the development and application of a Coastal Classification System for the Atlantic Provinces of Canada. As chair of a working group under the Canadian Committee on Ecological Classification, he was instrumental in the evolution of the techniques and concepts of ecological land classification.

In 1981, Lopoukhine brought his talents and vision to Parks Canada, where he worked as a World Bank advisor, served as national science advisor, chaired the Society for Ecological Restoration Board, served as executive director of the Ecological Integrity Branch and finally, served as director general, National Parks Directorate.

Throughout his years with Parks Canada, Lopoukhine’s accomplishments include the application of controlled fire in maintaining park ecosystems, the launch of a leading-edge ecological integrity monitoring program, and the introduction and implementation of the Species at Risk Act. He also oversaw the implementation of emerging scientific methods in addressing various ecological integrity challenges. Internationally, Lopoukhine worked in conjunction with the World Bank in Russia and also represented Canada in negotiations related to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

In 2004, Lopoukhine was elected chair of the World Commission on Protected Areas for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, where he served for the next eight years. In this volunteer role, he worked to strengthen the recognition of the fundamental role of protected areas in conserving nature and
redefined the definition of a “protected area” into the standard currently used around the world. Through presentations and guest speaking engagements across the globe, Lopoukhine continues to promote the importance of ecological restoration, biodiversity and conservation. He has spent a lifetime protecting the special places of our planet and inspiring new generations of people to experience, embrace and love nature firsthand.

For his outstanding contributions to the field of environmental and forest biology, the College of Environmental Science and Forestry Alumni Association is proud to recognize Nikita Lopoukhine as the 2019 Graduate of Distinction — Lifetime Achievement award recipient.

John Anlian ’73    Notable Achievement

John Anlian ’73 is an outstanding example of how commitment to the environment and a passion for public service can change the world. After graduating from ESF with a degree in forest biology, Anlian continued his education at New York Law School in New York City earning his juris doctor degree, and began practicing law in New Jersey. While developing a successful career as a respected attorney, he did not forget his ESF roots. His desire to improve the environment and, in turn, the lives of those he served, led him on an extraordinary journey spanning almost 40 years of public service that includes serving as an elected official for his hometown of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, since 1980.

Running as an independent candidate on a platform  of providing responsive government, Anlian was elected to the board of commissioners in 1980. Now serving his 10th four-year term, he continues to promote local government that is responsive to the will and needs of the people. This has included, among other things, establishing a nature preserve in his community, creating an Environmental Commission and Green Team that promotes green sustainability, furthering the goals of the village’s Shade Tree Commission and keeping the environment and conservation as important factors in municipal decision-making.

Among Anlian’s achievements are the advancement of the issues of conservation, recycling, land preservation, urban forestry, parks and green sustainability, and his leadership and support for a major expansion of Overpeck County Park in Bergen County, New Jersey.   

Over the years, Anlian has combined his love for the environment with his legal expertise by volunteering his time and knowledge to teach members of the N.J. Shade Tree Federation and several New Jersey communities about the legal issues concerning shade tree commissions and community forestry. He was instrumental in providing counsel and advice in the adoption of the New Jersey Community Forestry Assistance Act, and he continues to provide guidance on other proposed legislation in New Jersey affecting trees and community forestry.

Throughout his tenure, Anlian has never forgotten the principles that he learned at ESF and upon which he started his career in public service. He has also been active in scouting. An Eagle Scout himself, he has served as an institutional representative for a local Boy Scout troop for many years. He continues to help  keep environmental and conservation concerns at the forefront of municipal governmental decisions in Ridgefield Park.

For his outstanding contributions to society, the College of Environmental Science and Forestry Alumni Association is proud to recognize John Anlian as the Graduate of Distinction — Notable Achievement award recipient.

Roseana Burick ’06    Incipiens Quercu

Since graduating from ESF, Roseana Burick ’06 has made her mark managing natural resources with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. She has dedicated her career to overseeing public recreation and environmental stewardship, planning, interpretation, outreach services and budgeting for federal projects. Burick has been recognized on multiple occasions by the Department of the Army for her tremendous work on national projects and outstanding community outreach.

Burick’s degree in water sciences/environmental policy and law prepared her extraordinarily well for her career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. She has served as a park ranger for a lake in Virginia and North Carolina, a natural resources technical specialist for the St. Louis District, a lock and dam program manager for the Mississippi River, chief of natural resources for the Louisville District, deputy chief of operations for the Rock Island District, and National Environmental Stewardship Business line manager. Recently she accepted a program manager position at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers headquarters office, where she works on policy and budget for the Northwestern and Pacific Ocean divisions. In her professional roles, she has been responsible for the critical technical guidance and recommendations concerning solutions to a variety of natural resources, park management, flood control, operational and budget development issues.

Burick worked to develop and apply standardized operating procedures for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers policies, specifically the Recreation Use Fee Program. She established implementation protocol for audit procedures, accounting measures, administration of day-use and camping fees, special recreation-use permit fees and the addition of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers into the America the Beautiful Pass Program.

Whether it’s partnering with local libraries for their summer reading programs or teaching the next generation of park rangers about interpretation and outreach, Burick has played an integral role in the development of national community outreach programs. She was instrumental in implementing the national Every Kid Outdoors initiative in conjunction with other federal agencies. This program provides free access to national parks across the country for every fourth-grader and their family. Burick served as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers key point of contact on the project. Her involvement included training field agents, assisting with grants, coordinating corollary events and attending a White House reception.

For her outstanding contributions in the field of natural resources management, the College of Environmental Science and Forestry Alumni Association is proud to recognize Roseana Burick as the Graduate of Distinction — Incipiens Quercu.