UMD News Releases

Christian "Jake" Hicks will proceed to the stage at May 22nd UMD commencement ceremonies (2 p.m. at the DECC) and receive a diploma awarded posthumously to his brother Hans Hicks. Hans, a UMD senior majoring in geology and biology, died this fall. Watching from the audience will be his parents, Audrey Burmeister-Hicks and Ron Hicks.

In addition to his academic work, Hans fostered an interest in nature in many people. He was a rock climbing instructor with the UMD Vertical Pursuits Program and a paddling instructor at the UMD Kayak and Canoe Institute. Both are part of the UMD Outdoor Program. He guided groups on canoeing, climbing and backpacking trips in the U.S. and Canada.

The Hans August Burmeister Hicks Memorial Scholarship was established at UMD this spring by his family. Scholarships will be for a minimum of $500. Eligibility requirements are:
- a fulltime student at UMD in good academic standing
- able to demonstrate financial need
- have a concentration in outdoor/environmental education
Special preference will be given to students who demonstrate a special appreciation and love of the outdoors, and who exhibit values similar to those Hans embraced.

Richard Haney, UMD Recreational Sports director said, "Hans Hicks was loved by his peers, his students, and his friends for his dry sense of humor, unselfish willingness to help others, and his quiet strength. He set high standards for himself, for the outdoor programs in which he was involved, and for any endeavor he pursued. Hans was physically talented, which, combined with his determination, enabled him to become an expert climber, expert paddler, and accomplished in other physically challenging activities. With his intelligence and wealth of knowledge, he became an outstanding teacher."