GRADUATE ALUMNI NEWSLET TER
THE PICKET POST Winter 2015, Volume II: Edition I
G R A D U AT E M . E D .
PROGRAM
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Alumni Reunion North Cascades Institute graduate student alumni reunited in September 2014 to celebrate 14 years of the graduate M.Ed. program. More than 50 people traveled from near and far to reminisce about their experiences. At least one alumni from every cohort attended, with some even experiencing their first stay at the Learning Center. Stories were exhanged, memories reignited and meals shared during the two-day reunion. Adam Lorio skippered the Salish Dancer in Samish traditions, the largest group of people ever to swim in Diablo Lake got cooled down, and Lee Whitford and crew brought all of the love–and just as much trouble. north cascades institute graduate alumni, staff & friends at the reunion
John Miles was, of course, in attendance and said he loved every moment: “What a fine few days. The highlight for me, of course, was seeing all the ‘old’ grads that came, like Cory from North Carolina, Rory from BC, Robbie from Atlanta, Kate just on verge of motherhood, Tanya from the Tetons (honorary grad), and so many others. I realized anew how much I love them all (one can say that about students after retirement)!”
From the Graduate Director
A closing ceremony concluded the weekend of connection and renewal among friends–old and new. Thoughts and feelings shared reflected a sense of strength that arises when all are working toward a common goal of making a difference in the world. Goodbyes and promises to visit and keep in touch rounded out the weekend. We look forward to the next time we reunite and reconnect with the ever-growing family of graduate alumni.
Like ecological systems, the North Cascades Institute graduate M.Ed. Residency is composed of evolving networks and cycles. The past year in particular brought an incredible level of development. New roles have emerged with John Miles’ retirement in 2014. Former Institute staffer Tracie Johannessen has returned as Education Director and is instructing the curriculum design course. At Huxley College, Nick Stanger is the new Assistant Professor of Environmental Education and is integrating transformative inquiry in his courses. Our marketing efforts have also evolved with increased recruitment in 2014 and a record applicant pool for Cohort 15! We’ve received additional recruitment support from Ed Weber, Huxley College’s new Graduate Program Coordinator. And finally, we are excited to welcome Lindsey MacDonald as the new North Cascades Institute Graduate Program Coordinator. There is a palpable sense of momentum in the Graduate Program and it’s exciting to see the program growing in both capacity and connectivity! Joshua Porter, Graduate Director