TWS contact: purduetws@hotmail.com
The Purdue Chapter of The Wildlife Society is a student organization affiliated with the premiere national organization for wildlife professionals - The Wildlife Society. The stated mission of the national office of The Wildlife Society is Promoting Excellence in Wildlife Stewardship through Science and Education .
In support of this mission, the club provides volunteer help to Indiana biologists whenever needed. Past efforts have included the collection of Chronic Wasting Disease samples during deer season and presentations about conservation to students. Professional development activities include trips to places such as Wolf Park and The Indianapolis Zoo. Social activities include chapter hosted bonfires and annual game roasts. Our chapter also hosts a booth a Purdue University ’s Springfest, where we have wildlife related activities for children.
Our main fundraising activity each year is a raffle held at the Indiana State Chapter meeting of The Wildlife Society. This raffle is a joint effort between Purdue and Ball State TWS chapters. This year our raffle was conducted at the Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference, held in Indianapolis , and the proceeds were jointly distributed to all of the student chapters of The Wildlife Society and the American Fisheries Society in Indiana .
The club actively supports and encourages travel by its members to professional events. Each fall, our officers attend the National Meeting of The Wildlife Society, which was held in Calgary , Alberta , Canada in 2005. At this meeting, our officers compete in the national quiz bowl competition, attend the national leader’s lunch and forum and take this opportunity to communicate with wildlife professionals from all over North America . Each spring, 15 to 25 members of our student chapter also participate in the Indiana State Chapter Meeting of The Wildlife Society.
The club meets on Wednesday evenings, almost always in conjunction with a guest speaker. Membership in TWS is open to all students at Purdue University . Currently, there are 25-30 members ranging from freshman to senior. Club dues are $5 per semester or $10 for the year.
Club officers for spring, 2005: Mike Steiner, president; Joseph Ross, vice-president; Rebeca Doty, treasurer/secretary; and Ryan Hamm, student council representative. Faculty adviser: Dr. Andrew DeWoody
