Keystone Elk Country Alliance announces 1st Annual Jon DeBerti Memorial Internship
"In remembrance of an exceptional Pennsylvania Game Commission Elk Biologist who made a lasting impact on the lives of many."
Jon DeBerti worked as an Elk Technician for three plus under the (now retired) Elk Biologist Rawley Cogan. This concluded not only tracking elk, capturing calves for research, mortality rates, elk surveys and so much more.
When Rawley Cogan retired in February of 2002, Jon DeBerti was the next in line to step into the role of Elk Biologist starting in November of 2002.
Shortly after, Jon discovered that he was about to endure the encompassing battle of cancer. After a long and hard fight, he passed away on April 25, 2012.
The Keystone Elk Country Alliance created the "Jon DeBerti Memorial Internship" in his remembrance. This internship will give up and coming wildlife-based college students some exponential experience across the wide variety of careers that not only include wildlife but what it takes to operate and manage the Elk Country Visitors Center. This will involve learning all aspects including Conservation Efforts, Marketing, Education, Maintenance, Fundraising, and etc.
This Internship will be offered in the upcoming years to fulltime enrolled students in a bachelors, associate, or two-year tech programs majoring in wildlife science, forestry, natural resource management, etc.
The paid internship will typically run from mid-May through mid-August.
What better way to start the 1st Annual Jon DeBerti Memorial Internship than to offer this opportunity to his son, Jacob DeBerti!
Jacob DeBerti is currently enrolled in his sophomore year at Penn State, Dubois.
Congratulations and welcome to The Keystone Elk Country Alliance, Jacob!