Christian Weber ’09, ’13G grew up in Lake George, NY, loving the out-of-doors and passionate about the environment. He was also a homebrewer who started making beer with his dad in 2005 when he set off for college at Plymouth State.
Weber took advantage of all the opportunities PSU had to offer, getting involved early with projects with his professor, mentor, and now friend, Brian Eisenhauer. “One of the most impactful elements of my PSU journey is my relationship with Professor Brian Eisenhauer. He was, and still is, a passionate teacher, supportive mentor, and understanding friend who kept me motivated and pushed me to pursue my passions. The people of PSU, people like Brian, are what ultimately made my experience successful and keep me excited about giving back.”
Christian completed his degree in 2009 and went on to earn a master’s degree from PSU in 2013 in environmental science and policy. He worked with a few non-profits following graduation but decided he wanted to do something that could bring him closer to his hometown, his family, and his passion for craft beer. He’d been brewing beer with his dad as a hobby since he started college, and along with his mother they decided to go into business together, starting Common Roots Brewing in South Glens Falls, NY in December 2014. Christian met and married Melanie, whose family-owned business designs, manufactures, and installs custom machinery with a focus on the craft beer industry.
In 2019, there was a fire at the brewery. Thankfully no one was hurt, but it was a complete loss. With insurance they were able to rebuild, and community support allowed them to keep brewing and paying their employees.
The brewery has since grown and become an integral part of the South Glens Falls community. Giving back to their community and beyond is something that means a great deal to them. It’s why they also give back to Plymouth State.
“Both of us were fortunate enough to have the emotional and financial support of our families as well as scholarships and financial aid to give us a leg up heading into college,” the Webers say. “It means everything to us to be able to give back to an Institution that had such a major impact on our family. We have established the Christian ’09, ’13G and Melanie Weber Sustainability Annual Scholarship for students studying and working on issues related to sustainability, which is a major value in our lives. We are grateful for the opportunities PSU opened up for Christian and our family, and we hope this scholarship can make a similar journey possible for other students.”
Isabelle Schena ’24 from Londonderry, NH, received the Christian ’09, ’13G and Melanie Weber Sustainability Annual Scholarship for 2022-2023. She is the Class of 2024 Vice President, Assistant for Campus Recreation and the Office of Environmental Sustainability, and an intern at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.
“My major is Environmental Science and Policy. I am extremely passionate about the environment, and I hope to work in the White House one day. I love being outdoors and exploring new places.”
ESTABLISH A SCHOLARSHIP
Establishing a named scholarship is a meaningful way to honor a family member, a mentor, or a specific passion of yours. A named annual scholarship can be established with a four-year commitment of at least $2,500 annually. Alternatively, you can create a scholarship endowment with a minimum gift of $25,000, which will generate a 3% to 4% annual payout to provide scholarship awards in perpetuity.
For more information, visit plymouth.edu/giving, or contact Director of Development John Scheinman P’19, P’21G by phone at (603) 535-2805 or via e-mail at jscheinman@plymouth.edu.
