Their number is legion—couples whose journey through life together began with a UVM connection.

Maybe none, though, is as well known to so many of the extended UVM family as Anne Trask Forcier '79 and her husband Larry Forcier, who for nearly four decades have played central roles in the life of the University of Vermont community.

A native of Montpelier, Vermont, Anne graduated from UVM in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in social work and went on to earn her master's in counseling from Bradley University in 1981.

She spent the next seven years as the associate director of student affairs at Texas Christian University before returning to UVM as assistant director of alumni relations. Now executive director of board relations for the University of Vermont Foundation, she still enjoys the opportunity to work directly with students as a liaison and advisor to several campus organizations.

Larry Forcier's ties to UVM date to 1977, when he was recruited to be the assistant director of the four-year-old School of Natural Resources at UVM. Over the next 37 years he helped to lead, guide and grow the School into a national leader in environmental research and education—today's Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources.

As Assistant Director, Associate Director, Director, and finally as the School's first Dean from 1985 to 1998, he supported the growing importance and visibility of the School of Natural Resources in Vermont and nationwide. Additionally, he served as dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and director of the Vermont Agriculture Experiment Station and dean of the Division of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension. Above all, his commitment to students as a teacher and advisor came first.

Anne and Larry have given generously of their time, talent and treasure on behalf of UVM. The Lawrence and Anne Forcier Scholarship Fund was established to honor their dedication to the university and its students. The endowed scholarship provides financial assistance to Vermont students enrolled in the Rubenstein School for Environment and Natural Resources.

Following Anne's 25th reunion year and Larry's retirement in 2014 and appointment as emeritus associate professor of environment and natural resources in the Rubenstein School, the couple made a substantial estate commitment to be added to the Forcier Scholarship Fund.