The Class of ’67 Award is presented to the senior student who has been active in student activities, has received university recognition in a varsity sport, and/or has been elected to an office in a recognized student activity. The recipient of the 2025 Class of ’67 Award is Marleyla ‘Mar’ Wiltz. 

Mar is a Forestry major in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources recognized as the top student out of all 123 forestry undergraduates with a 3.96 GPA and five semesters of Dean’s List honors.  They began their UVM experience as a Liberal Arts Scholar and over their four years evolved with a deep commitment to forestry and environmental stewardship. Their coursework, experiential learning and passion for sustainability and land management have equipped them with the foundation and leadership skills to create a lasting impact on our forests and communities.    

Mar has demonstrated a distinct combination of intelligence, creativity and passion combined with a tireless work ethic and desire to help others. Their work with the Socially Responsible Investing Advisory Council (SRIAC), initiating workshops to guide students in developing proposals for allocation of the Sustainable Campus Fund creating a shift for a sustainable future for the fund and extensively the whole campus.  One nominator said what sets Mar apart from their peers is that their leadership has been exemplary, extensive and selfless and that UVM has benefited tremendously from their willingness to help others and provide a role model to others. 

In his institutional nomination letter supporting Mar’s application for the Truman Scholarship, Dean David Jenemann, of the Patrick Leahy Honors College, had this to say: “Mar is a transformative university leader, a strong advocate for citizen-driven science, and conscientious agent for collaborative change.”

An extremely effective leader, Mar has had many experiences at UVM that have taught them the value of collaboration and proactive communication. Leadership for them means empowering others, active listening to all stakeholders and ensuring accessibility and understandability for all. Reflecting on their UVM experience, Mar has said that “UVM has empowered me to communicate and lead across disciplines, engaging with students and peers to foster a deeper connection with forestry and environmental stewardship.”