Geosciences family remembers, celebrates life of Alex Herbst

Geosciences family remembers, celebrates life of Alex Herbst

Contact: Sarah Nicholas

     STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University’s Department of Geosciences celebrates and remembers the life of graduate student Alex R. Herbst this fall through the creation of a memorial scholarship in his name and a tree planting in front of Hilbun Hall.

     A formal tree dedication ceremony will be held this spring with the family of Herbst.

     Herbst was a 2018 MSU graduate seeking a master’s degree in geosciences. He was employed at KGBT-TV in Harlington, Texas, as a weekend meteorologist and weekday reporter at the time of his death in 2019.

     Christana K. Landress, graduate student and classmate of Herbst, leads the effort, noting all funds gathered will become part of the Alex Herbst Memorial Scholarship, a “valuable way of honoring and continuing his legacy.”

     “Alex was such a bright and energetic being,” Landress said. “His smile and personality was what made every peer want to become his friend. Alex and I would study with a group, and our meteorology family became exactly what it was—a family. Senior year, Alex and I became lab partners, and that was when we became best friends. He was an encourager and a massive supporter.”

     Landress said Herbst’s passion for weather led the East Mississippi National Weather Service/American Meteorological Society student group to win Chapter of the Year for 2017-2018.

     “Alex always knew how to make you smile, and he was always there to lend an ear or a helping hand,” Landress said. “Alex touched so many lives, and I am so thankful to have been a part of his journey through life.”

     To donate to the Alex Herbst Memorial Scholarship, visit the MSU Foundation website at www.msufoundation.com. Click “Give Now” in the top right corner. Under the “Designations” header, select the “Other” box. Under the “I want to Contribute to” section, enter “Alex Herbst Memorial Scholarship (403375).” For questions, call Sara Frederic, director of development, at 662-325-3240 or email sfrederic@foundation.msstate.edu.

     Donations may be mailed to: MSU Foundation, Inc., Attention: Sara Frederic, P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762.

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