St. Lawrence Student Receives Prestigious Adirondack Award
St. Lawrence’s very own Hayden Beyer ’26 received the Richard D. Morse Memorial award at the Adirondack Research Consortium annual Conference on the Adirondacks.
The recognition annually awards $500 to a student studying at a college or university in the Adirondack Region, who demonstrates passion for environmental policy and outdoor activities in the Adirondacks.
Beyer, who is majoring in statistics as well as mathematics and environmental studies, grew up on a dairy farm in Lowville, New York—so he has always felt a deep connection to the Adirondack Park. During his time at St. Lawrence, he has continued to explore and utilize the region through skiing, hiking, fishing, and more.
“As educators, we draw inspiration and a source of hope for the future from our students, especially ones like Hayden,” says Diane Husic, director of St. Lawrence’s Center for the Environment, who nominated Beyer for the award.
When she first met Beyer at a SLU-Connect program in Washington, D.C. earlier this year, Husic says she was “immediately impressed by Hayden’s broad interests and passion for the natural world."
On campus, Beyer is involved in a range of activities. He serves as president of the men’s club rugby team, philanthropy chair for Alpha Tau Omega, general director of the Singing Saints, a member of the executive board for Letters of Love, and participates in club skiing. He also works as an Admissions ambassador.
The award is named after Richard D. Morse, a gifted musician and ironman athlete who helped craft leading environmental policies for New York State and had a strong commitment to building more resilient communities and preserving the Adirondack Region.
“Hayden certainly emulates the same values and talents as Richard Morse,” Husic says. Last year, the award was received by St. Lawrence’s Galen Halasz ’27, an English and music major.
At the awards luncheon in Lake Placid, Beyer sat with St. Lawrence alum David J. Miller ’81, who was also recognized for his many years of distinguished service on the Adirondack Research Consortium Board of Directors for many years. “It was really great to witness this cross-generational SLU conversation,” Husic says.
“I continue to be in awe of the impact of the many contributions and passion for the environment of so many St. Lawrence students and alums.”
