This is the third donor spotlight in a series. This series of stories reveals the impact that donors have on students, faculty and research here at the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences and more broadly at the College of the Environment.

Tom Friberg is a University of Washington alumni. He has been supporting the SEFS community with the Thomas Swen Friberg Endowed Fund for Students since its establishment in 2007. His commitment to students and research, his active support of the Washington Pulp and Paper Foundation and his thoughtful generosity, demonstrate his commitment to the future of paper science and engineering at the University of Washington. Through thoughtful gifts like Tom’s, SEFS is able to educate the next generation of students interested in sustainable engineering, paper science, natural products, bioenergy and renewable fiber research.

Tom’s passion for pulp and paper science starts early

Tom graduated from the College of Forest Resources in 1970, majoring in Pulp and Paper Science. When spring quarter came to a close and his finals were behind him, Tom could be found fighting fires while working as a fire crew member in the State’s DNR Cathlamet District. “The crew members came from all walks of life … some of them were there to avoid stints in prison,” Tom shared, emphasizing that the crew was indeed a diverse bunch. These summer gigs and their 24-hour shifts, long days outside, roadwork, and brush clean up kept Tom busy and humble. Tom’s fire crew gig, coupled with scholarships, allowed Tom to finish his degree without debt. “That was a different time,” Tom said, “school is a lot more expensive now.”

After graduating with his B.S. Tom went on to work for Weyerhaeuser. After a couple of years, he felt a need to gain more educational horsepower and returned to his studies at the College of Forest Resources. While pursuing his master’s degree and subsequent to the PhD, Tom found direction and support through faculty. “Faculty were critical in giving me direction while I pursued my education; their passion and support prepared me for what was to come,”  Tom credits Bjorn Hrutfiord, a faculty mentor, with much of his success in school. “If I were to give prospective students of the Sustainable Bioresource Systems Engineering program (formerly BSE) one piece of advice, it would be to reach out to a faculty member for a one-on-one meeting. Faculty were incredibly critical to my success in the forestry program when I pursued my degrees, and I think that’s still true to this day.”

“I also suggest meeting up with the program’s new lab manager, Jack.” Jack Cook is the Wollenberg Paper & Bioresource Science Laboratory Manager. Jack is also a SEFS alumnus and might be able to offer another layer of perspective to students interested in the SBSE major. “The pulp and paper industry, and adjacent bioresource industries, have become very diversified. Students with varying interests and a keenness for problem solving are good candidates for the engineering major,” Tom noted. I’d also recommend finding ways for honing your communication skills,” Tom said, “much of my success in my career, especially at Weyerhaeuser, came from learning how to communicate with my peers and with management – from the engineer working in the plant to the forestry person working out in the field.” 

The unwavering faculty support, coupled with the scholarships he received, were the reason that The Thomas Swen Friberg Endowed Fund for Students was created. This fund helps SEFS recruit and educate the next generation of bioresource scientists and engineers. It also supports the development of cutting-edge science in natural products, paper science, bioenergy, and renewable fibers. 

Over the years, Tom has maintained a remarkable affiliation with the College of Forest Resources, the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, the Washington Pulp and Paper Foundation, and the Bioresource Science and Engineering program, which is transitioning to the Sustainable Bioresource Science and Engineering program this year. He has remained steadfast in his commitment to supporting students in paper science, process engineering, materials science, and sustainability fundamentals.

Student Impact

We had the opportunity to speak with SEFS BSE students and alumni and talk about how the endowment has lessened the financial pressure in their pursuit of science and learning here at the College of the Environment and the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences. These students have shared their experiences to give us insight into the impact of giving on students here at the UW.

Anna Fall | Class of 2023 | BS in Bioresource Science and Engineering; MS 2025

“Receiving the Friberg Endowed Fund has been pivotal in allowing me to pursue graduate education and research at the highest level. Tom Friberg’s generosity has directly supported my ability to focus on developing sustainable materials that I hope will contribute to a cleaner, more resilient future. After graduation, my goal is to continue in sustainable materials research and development, where I can help bridge science and industry to create real-world impact. I am deeply grateful for this support, and I carry with me an appreciation for the legacy of donors like Tom who make it possible for students to learn, innovate, and contribute to the future of paper science and renewable materials.” Anna is currently a PhD student at the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences with an anticipated graduation date in 2028.

Jaminfaye Ruduque | Class of 2024| BS in Bioresource Science and Engineering

“Funding from the Thomas Swen Friberg Endowed Fund gives me the freedom to dedicate my time to the further development of my research and pursuit of my Masters degree. Rather than working a job that has nothing to do with sustainability in order to support myself through grad school, this funding allows me to focus my energy and skills on creating climate solutions and therefore environmental change.”

Abhi Sidhu | Class of 2023 | BS in Bioresource Science and Engineering

“This scholarship eased some of the financial burdens I faced while trying to pursue my dream of becoming an engineer. Tom’s generosity has allowed me to focus on the most important things at hand and I’m thankful to Tom for making my dream possible.”

Learn more about how the Washington Pulp and Paper Foundation supports SBSE students in finding internships and jobs after graduation.

Giving can not only be meaningful but affordable. Join the Friberg family in making an impact for the students in Sustainable Bioresource Systems Engineering (SBSE) with a gift to the Thomas Swen Friberg Endowed Fund for Students. Or consider sharing your support as one of the Friends of the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences today!

Read more from SEFS’ Donor Spotlight Series here