From the rolling hills of Central Nebraska's upland , prairies came a man who was to influence and instruct more than 2000 Iowa State University Foresters. Through his seemingly endless patience and many practical approaches to ecology, dendrology and related botany courses, John M. Aikman has continued to inspire and stimulate the many students that he has taught. His teaching and research has moulded these students into better, more capable professional foresters. Foresters with a rich understanding and appreciation of the botanical field within which they work.