Transitions Magazine Summer 2010 by Prescott College

Transitions Fall/Winter 2007

Contents Pulisher/Editor Mary Lin Associate Editor Ashley Mains Staff Writers Jason Leo • Mary Lin • Ashley Mains Mariah Ore • Jared Silverman Contributing Writers Molly Beverly • Tim Crews • Edie Dillon • Karlyn Haas Lenka Studnicka • Jennifer Swacina Staff Photographers Mary Lin • Ashley Mains • Bridget Reynolds Photo Contributors Zac Adair • Walt Anderson • Pauline Begay Molly Beverly • Cameron and Cherilyn Boswell Tim Crews • Christine Frydenborg Dan and Barbara Garvey • Eric Glomski • Ed Grumbine The Helios Foundation • Jill Hewins • Aryn LaBrake Christopher Marchetti • Nicole Michetti Julie Munro • Rachel Peters • K. Angeline Pittenger Mary Poole • Prescott College Library Archives Cal Seabaugh • Hannah Quimby • John Seaman Sally Stephenson • Lenka Studnicka • Tim Tobin Josh Traeger • Barbea Williams • Kristin Woolever Interim Director of Development Marjory J. Sente (928) 350-4509 • msente@prescott.edu For Class Notes and address changes, contact Marie Smith • msmith@prescott.edu Send correspondence, reprint requests and submissions to: Mary Lin Prescott College 220 Grove Ave., Prescott, AZ 86301 (928) 350-4503 • mlin@prescott.edu Transitions, a publication for the Prescott College community, is published three times a year by the Public Relations Office for alumni, parents, friends, students, faculty, and staff of the College. Its purpose is to keep readers informed with news about Prescott College faculty, staff, students and fellow alumni. Transitions is available online at www.prescott.edu.

©2010 Prescott College Prescott College reserves the right to reprint materials from Transitions in other publications and online at its discretion. Prescott College is committed to equal opportunity for its employees and applicants for employment, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, sex or sexual orientation, age, disability, marital or parental status, status with respect to public assistance, or veteran’s status. This policy applies to the administration of its employment policies or any other programs generally accorded or made available to employees.

Choosing a Leader: Presidential Search

Interview with Kristin Woolever

Helios Funds Teacher Education

Tim Crews: Sabbatical at Rothamsted

The Boswells: People with Purpose

The Water Council: Voices of Community

Alumni Gatherings

Zac Adair: “Surfing” Opportunity

Karma Farms: Food for All

Thank You, Dan Garvey

Josh Traeger: Mad Science

Hannah Quimby: Drawn West

Women’s Yoga on the River

Ph.D. Profile: Henry “Tony” Ebarb

Suzanne Tito Prize Winners

Lenka Studnicka: Choosing One’s Destiny

Butte Creek 100-Year Flood

E-Forms Reduce Paper Flow

Departments 19

New Faces

Faculty Notes

Class Notes

Last Word

Cover photo: Dr. Kristin Woolever at the Crossroads Center. By Christopher Marchetti.

President’s Corner

Dear Friends, This letter, the last that will appear in Transitions while I am President of Prescott College, is not an easy one to write. As I think back on all that Prescott College has accomplished and become in this past decade, I am filled with gratitude. This has been a time of extraordinary growth, and certainly an exciting time to be part of this community. Most importantly, I am grateful for the thousands of people who believe in the mission of our little College and who have done their part to make it, and, through it the world a better place. You may have heard me use the phrase “People Like Us.” It refers to that core of individuals who exist everywhere – people who educate themselves, roll up their shirt sleeves, and get to work changing their little corner of the world for the better. My wife Barb and I moved to Prescott and became part of the Prescott College family a little over ten years ago. As a result of our belief in the mission of the school, we have made a lifelong commitment to Prescott College and the people associated with this institution. I will be stepping down as President, but I'm not leaving. Following a year-long leave, during which time I will be the Executive Dean for the Semester at Sea Program sponsored by the University of Virginia, I will return to work on a part-time basis in the Institute for Sustainable Social Change. More than anything else I am filled with gratitude for having been given the opportunity to be the President of Prescott College. We have accomplished a great deal in the last decade and the future is very bright. Our new President, Dr. Woolever, will find a dedicated team of Trustees, Faculty, staff, and learners (a term which could encompass all of us) who are aware of the unique opportunities and challenges ahead. I am eager to cheer from the sidelines as we move forward. There are many moments in life when words are simply inadequate to convey one’s feelings. This is one of those times. In the spirit of true expeditionary behavior I will only say; on we go! With profound gratitude and appreciation,

Daniel E. Garvey, Ph.D.

In this issue of Transitions you will have the opportunity to read about the varied achievements of alumni, students and Faculty. As we bid farewell to a beloved President who shepherded Prescott College through a decade of prosperity, we ask that you help us continue to build on Dan’s successes as we embark on a new era with a new leader. Your support of Prescott College is vital. Please use the enclosed envelope and make your gift to this year’s Annual Fund today.

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. – Sir Winston Churchill

Choosing a Leader The Board of Trustees completes an “exceptionally inclusive” search for our new President by Mary Lin

s a college with over 40 years of experimentation in collaborative approaches to self-government, one might think that the process of choosing our own leaders would be fairly easy, or even routine. Members of the Prescott College Presidential Search Committee who worked for the last year and a half to choose the institution’s next President might beg to differ. Throughout that time they engaged, shared their voices, and listened carefully to the community. Beginning with an online survey to staff, students, Faculty, and alumni, the committee asked tough questions: Where is Prescott College headed? What kind of person will be able to help lead us there? What skills and experience should this person bring to the table?

After a nationwide search and reviewing more than 120 applications, the Committee narrowed the field to three candidates who made visits to campus in February. Hundreds turned out to meet the candidates or to participate remotely via conference call. On March 5 the Board of Trustees unanimously endorsed the recommendation of the Search Committee. Dr. Kristin Woolever, currently Dean and Director of the campus at the University of New Hampshire-Manchester, will start in July as the College’s next President. Dr. Kristin Woolever brings the College a wealth of experience in education and educational leadership. She has held faculty and administrative positions at Allegheny College, the University of Michigan, and Northeastern University, and taught English at Northeastern for 18 years. At Antioch University, Seattle, Woolever oversaw creation of the Center for Creative Change, an innovative interdisciplinary collaboration of graduate programs in environmental studies, management, organizational psychology, systems

An Enterprising Spirit Editor’s note: Dr. Kristin Woolever begins as Prescott College President in July. As way of introducing her to the College community and beginning the dialogue, we asked her to share a little about herself and what she’s looking forward to. You seemed very well prepared during the interview process. What are some of the most interesting things you’ve learned about Prescott College so far? I [am] struck with how dedicated and passionate the people of Prescott College are. The students are incredibly engaged in the whole enterprise of learning and developing their coursework. There’s a partnership between students, faculty, and staff. I really enjoyed the quality of conversations and interactions on campus. At all levels, people were and are serious. I have done interviews and been the interviewer at a lot of other places, and it can be so pro forma. I am really impressed with the passion. Absolutely first rate. Another thing that I found really interesting is that Prescott College is an institution that is becoming. It has a common area 2

Transitions Summer 2010

that was a street, and is now becoming a plaza; a creek that’s a creek sometimes; and buildings that serve as student housing that are on their way to really becoming student housing. Why Education? Why do you do what you do? I don’t think I really have a choice; I am a born teacher. No matter what I do I end up in the teaching mode. Let me go a little beyond that to say that there is nothing that affects the future of the world more than education. [I enjoy] being there when people are learning who they are going to be and the tools they need to effect change in the world. What more important work is there? You mentioned during the interview process that you would like to teach after you get settled. Tell us more. If you’re going to lead the Faculty you have to know what they do and how to do it, to put yourself in the Faculty’s shoes. I have always taught writing in some form or fashion. Currently I teach a course in technical and professional writing on my campus – not just how to build a bicycle, for example, but how to communicate to get things accomplished. I think that would have utility in the environmental programs,

thinking, and strategic communication. In her time at UNH-Manchester she has significantly expanded enrollments and programs in science, technology, and business, based on a strong liberal arts foundation, and has engaged in extensive community outreach, forging new partnerships with the city and the region to expand the University’s economic impact. The process of choosing the President was widely considered to be exceptionally inclusive, and anticipation is high. “I was a student at Antioch University Seattle from 1999 to 2001 and I saw the beginnings of the Centers for Creative Change,” notes James Pittman ’97, Associate Faculty, Environmental Studies. “I think it was a fabulous idea to take disparate programs that really were effectively silos in the University and bring them into closer collaboration. Breaking down silos is always an effective strategy in organizational change. “The sense I get from Dr. Woolever’s leadership style is that it’s all about empowering collaboration and bringing people together. It’s almost a servant-leadership style … [that] balances interpersonal and professional skills. She’s a people person, she knows what to do to get business done, and she has a great fundraising record. She could really take us to a new level.” The Board of Trustees and the Search Committee demonstrated “the new paradigm of organizational change

and development,” James noted, by engaging in participatory dialogue that “resulted in a decision by the whole community rather than top-down,” as well as the choice of a new leader with a focus on continuing this inclusive approach. “Kudos to the board and search committee for that engagement of community members,” he said. Incoming Board of Trustees Chair Richard Ach calls the selection of Dr. Woolever “exhilarating.” “The wide and enthusiastic support of her candidacy will provide an excellent foundation for her journey as our next leader. I know she is excited and anxious to begin,” he said. “It is time in our history to have a woman as President, and we are exceptionally fortunate to have someone so wonderfully qualified.” Casey Shove ’11 echoed the priorities of many students when she took the opportunity during the search process to ask, “Will you actually care about us?” “Kristin was very thoughtful in her response,” Casey reported. “She said that in all of the places she has ever worked she has cared very much about the place and the people. I think she will.”

teaching how … to convince people to care about the environment and change their habits.

ured I’d have “the elbow patches and a pipe” at some point, and spend my time discussing literature with students.

I can certainly teach seminars in literature … public speaking and oral presentation ... literature surveys … I’ve taught swimming since I was sixteen, and still do that a little bit. I would want to know students, Faculty, and Deans better, and have them decide if and what they want me to teach.

When I got into that environment I got excited about not only the literature and the students but also the infrastructure of how to create a learning environment. I had all these ideas and pretty soon people were letting me try them. It’s not something I set out to do but I enjoy it, and am glad that I get to do it a lot. What can you do as President that that you can’t as a faculty member? It would be easy to say “I can lead,” but Faculty certainly can and should be leaders as well. What I can do as a President is to really communicate and understand all parts of the community – all the little nooks and crannies – and … help to move the College forward by understanding as much as possible everyone’s perspective and getting us all rowing in the same direction. That’s something you can do as a President that you can’t do as Faculty.

How did you get into administration? I never started out to be in administration. I knew I wanted to be a writer and to study English literature, primarily American literature, poetry, and drama. I knew I wanted to be a college professor by the time I was a sophomore in the college. I fig-

The position of President gives you cachet outside the walls of the academic institution, [and allows you to have an influence and speak for the College]. That’s something I really look forward to doing [in addition to] empowering Faculty and staff to be leaders. What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?

Transitions Summer 2010

There are many, but they all have common threads, that I create community, that I am entrepreneurial, and that I build educational entities and institutions that were not there before.

people and to understand what people’s dreams are for the College, including alumni, the local community, and the national and international communities. I’d like to create synergies between the various components of the College, creating a team. More than anything else I hope I can raise the visibility of the College and have Faculty, staff, students, and alumni not only join the public conversation about the environment, the liberal, arts, and social justice; but lead the national and international conversation about the connections between and among those three very important ideas. I think Prescott is poised to do that.

For example, when I was at Northeastern I [developed teams] that built all the programs in technical communication at the undergraduate and graduate levels. At Antioch I developed the integrated professional studies graduate center, The Center for Creative Change, which is doing quite well for them right now. At UNH-Manchester I have raised the visibility of this campus very strongly and started a campaign towards creating a Center for Applied Science and Technology. In each case we started from scratch, starting with a team and getting things done. The thread is entrepreneurial bridge-building, [and] building new things.

The other thing that I know is a top priority and I will jump in “with all four feet” is to get an infrastructure together for fundraising. I know that’s a top priority of presidents everywhere and I am eager to get started. Many locals have preconceived notions – that we’re primarily a liberal, even “hippie” college. Knowing this, how would you work to build relations in the community? I certainly wouldn’t want us to change, because Prescott has an incredibly valuable perspective. What I would like to do is take the liberal perspective that we have and be at the table in the town itself, to be involved in civic boards and duties, so people know that liberal doesn’t mean “hippie” – (although I love hippies).

What are your passions? Building teams. Bringing people together. And good wine. I’m passionate about building partnerships and seeing connections. I am really good at talking to different constituencies. That’s something I have discovered a lot of people don’t have. I like the challenge of translating between the perspectives of, for example, an engineer, an environmentalist, and someone who studies poetry; people from widely difference spheres. I am passionate about that. When you get such different perspectives together and able to talk, the synergy and spark of communication is marvelous and lots of [great new] ideas emerge. That is truly what makes me tick.

It means entrepreneurial, engaged, having exciting ideas that can move things forward; getting out there and showing our entrepreneurial spirit, starting in the town itself and moving out from there. [It means] showing the positive side of the “liberal” things we do and the philosophies that we have. I would never apologize for our perspective. It’s a gift, and something that should be shared. Do you have any quirks, predilections or habits that we should know about (or you might want to warn us about)? I like to laugh a lot. Another thing that I think is a quirk but is very important to me is that I have a fitness regimen. When I get up in the morning I have to work out or, as my assistant says, I get cranky. I don’t take caffeine, so I need exercise to get me started.

What are your hobbies? What are you most looking forward to in the next year? I am an avid bicyclist. I have a hybrid bicycle and I go at least 15 miles [a day]. I like to swim. I have taken up golf in the last two years and it’s become addictive. I’m a reader, of course. What is your vision for PC during your presidency – that is, what are your top priorities thus far?

Getting there – getting started – getting ready! I am really looking forward to turning all my attention to Prescott ... In all honesty I am not only excited, but so proud to be Prescott’s next President. I am coming to engage everyone in a team effort I couldn’t be happier about.

The first thing I am going to do is to listen, to get to know

Interview by Mary Lin and Ashley Mains, M.A. ’11

Transitions Summer 2010

Preparing Teachers for Arizona’s Reservations

Spotlight on Student Success

Helios Education Foundation Funds Scholarships in Prescott College Arizona Early Childhood Teacher Education Programs by Ashley Mains M.A. ’11

rescott College is taking steps to put the power of education back into the hands of Arizona’s Native American reservation communities with the help of a generous

grant from The Helios Education Foundation. Helios granted $608,000 over four years to support the College’s Accessible Teacher Preparation for Rural Arizona Early Childhood Education Program. The funds provide for scholarships, a dedicated faculty member experienced in culturally appropriate education needs for reservation and rural communities, and value-added support for students from Arizona reservation communities. “Students in Arizona’s reservation and rural areas who are considering early childhood teacher certification, and thought a college education beyond their financial reach, now have the opportunity to further their education,” says Prescott College’s Coordinator for Native American Students, Dr. Vicky Young ’95. Recruitment for the first cohort of 15 early childhood education students has already begun. This first group is scheduled to enroll at Prescott College in fall 2010, with 15 additional students accepted each year through 2012. Scholarships are renewable for continuing students as they finish their bachelor’s degree and teacher certification through 2013. Additional funding of student travel, books and academic materials, writing workshops, and technology training may be offered as the program evolves. According to Dr. Young, this project will equip early childhood education teachers to provide children with culturally appropriate language and literacy skills for language preservation, and development of ongoing academic success for their future in the K-12 school system. Additionally, through a community-based model of education, early childhood or degree-seeking students are able to honor and maintain family, community, and cultural ties while pursuing degrees. Dr. Young describes the program as a “revitalization” of the existing Center for Indian Bilingual Teacher Education (CIBTE). She explains, “With this grant, we’re building on a rich tradition of providing educational opportunities to Arizona’s underserved populations.”

Growing Grants In addition to the Helios funding, “One of the largest grants the College has received in its 40-year history,” according to Prescott College Interim Director of Development, Marjory Sente, the College has been awarded several significant grants, both ongoing and new, over the past few years. The Tucson-based Marshall Foundation provided $15,504 for youth wilderness education to the Ironwood Tree Project, an extension of the College’s Center for Children and Nature housed in the Tucson Center. The Walton Family Foundation granted $37,000 for the development of library services. The Kino Bay Center in Bahia de Kino Mexico has received research funding from the National Science Foundation and The David and Lucille Packard Foundation in the amounts of $167,000 and $105,000 respectively. From 2004 to 2008 The Clowes Foundation provided funds totaling $250,000 to improve the College’s arts facilities and to support the Artists-In-Residence program. Rounded out with research funding from various government organizations, the list of grant awards for the last six years comes to a grand total to $1,735,352.85.

Prescott College alumna and Superintendent of Apache County Arizona Schools Dr. Pauline Begay ’95 was recently appointed as the Arizona tribal representative on the Governor’s P-20 Coordinating Council for education reform. As a single mother of six children, Pauline needed a lot of flexibility in her school schedule when she first decided to pursue higher education. Prescott offered her the flexibility she needed as well as the opportunity to explore subjects she is passionate about. “I especially appreciated the discussions with my mentors as to ‘how we should be teaching our Native American students.’ “After my program at Prescott College I just wanted to go on and on, to learn as much as I could in education. I became more focused on what career path I would take after I graduated.” Pauline went on to earn her master’s degree in education with an emphasis on American Indian leadership from Oklahoma City University, and a Ph.D. in education from the Fielding Graduate Institute in California. Her dissertation, titled “Drum and Sing Out the Language,” explored the ways Navajo music can be utilized to teach the Navajo language – not unlike other cultures’ use of the ABC song and nursery rhymes. The most fulfilling aspect of Pauline’s career has been her ability to inspire her community: “As a Native American, Navajo person, I know that being a role model is very important to the other Native American students. I know you can do it if you put your mind to it! The door is wide open to the world. I know that every day I make a difference wherever I go.”

Transitions Summer 2010

Sabbatical at Rothamsted Research Tim Crews studies phosphorous loss in farmlands By Tim Crews

O Claire, Tim, Sarah and Ruby Crews at St. Peter’s Square, Rome.

Seeds stored away in the Rothamsted Archives..

Farm yard manure treatment in the Broadbalk wheat fields. The oldest, continuously running agricultural experiment in the world.

Transitions Summer 2010

ne evening in fall 2007, former Prescott College faculty member Alan Weisman was on campus to read from his new, widely acclaimed book, The World Without Us. My family lives about a block from campus, and while we had planned on going to see Alan speak, dinner was running late, and we were all feeling tired from a long day. Maybe it was the great meal made with Community Supported Agriculture produce, but something re-energized us during dinner, and we decided to dash out to catch the presentation. Alan did not disappoint as he read from fascinating chapters depicting what he imagined might happen on planet Earth if humans were no longer here. One of the places he spoke of was Rothamsted Research, the oldest agricultural research station in the world. He highlighted Rothamsted because of its famous soil sample archives – a facility that houses tens of thousands of soil samples from several long-term experiments started by Sir John Lawes in the mid-19th century. These soil samples chronicle changes not only in agronomic characteristics like nutrient availability and acidity, but also the appearance of heavy metals in the environment, or the fluctuation of carbon stored in soils over centuries. When we left Alan’s talk that night, I had no idea that my family would be moving to Harpenden, just north of London, because of Rothamsted’s unique research opportunities. Rothamsted is famous to all soil scientists as the site of some of the earliest research on how crops are affected by different elements – nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium – as well as soil organic matter. I mention the classical experiments every other year when I teach Soil Science at Prescott College. Alan’s presentation came at a particularly pivotal time, as I was trying to figure out what to do on sabbatical. When I left his talk, I was not so much thinking about what Alan said about Rothamsted, as interesting as it was, but rather I was wondering if somewhere in the midst of their 160-year-old plots and soil archives were answers to questions about agricultural sustainability that had simply not yet been asked. Here the story shifts to Kansas. Over the last decade, I have been collaborating with the research team at The Land Institute outside of Salina. Inspired by the critique and vision of Wes Jackson, the Land Institute has been exploring natural systems agriculture for over 30 years. In essence, researchers at the Land Institute are attempting to understand what farms can learn from the native ecosystems they replaced. In Kansas, the most profound difference between the wheat, soybean, and sunflower fields that blanket most of the landscape, and the few patches of native prairie that remain, is below ground; roots. Not only do the roots of the native prairie vegetation take up nutrients and water with incredible efficiency year round, preventing leaching or runoff into waterways, but the roots also build and maintain soil carbon reserves from atmospheric CO2. Moreover, perennial stands are not nearly as susceptible to weed invasions as annual counterparts. My research interests in perennial cropping have revolved around nutrients. There is good reason to suspect that deep-rooted perennial crops can scavenge far more nutrients from a deep soil profile than annual crops, where the soil volume is left devoid of roots the majority of the time. With legumes in the mix, perennial cropping systems may be able to self-fertilize in terms of nitrogen. On the other hand, if fertilizers are applied, perennials have been shown to take them up with more than 90 percent efficiency, compared to the 30 to 50 percent efficiency achieved by annual crops. Unused fertilizers cause many environmental hazards including nitrous oxide greenhouse gas production, ozone destruction, and hyper-production of marine and freshwater algae. I know what many readers are thinking at this point: what about phosphorus?

While nitrogen is the most limiting nutrient to agriculture, it is ultimately a nutrient that can be sustainably provided to crops using legumes or possibly a renewable energy supply to obtain atmospheric nitrogen. Phosphorus, on the other hand, is a quintessential non-renewable resource, and we are depleting economically viable reserves on Earth at a rapid rate (see articles in Nature 2009 vol 461:716, and Scientific American June 2009 p.54). Globally, about half of the phosphorus that leaves a farming system is contained in the crop, while the other half is lost through soil erosion, and to a lesser extent, groundwater leaching.

researchers like me to use. In February of 2008 I submitted a grant proposal to the Soil Processes Division of the USDA National Research Initiative to undertake a sabbatical research project at Rothamsted in the lab of Professor Phil Brookes. The proposal explained the value of examining the soil phosphorus economies of annual and perennial crops in the classical experiments at Rothamsted. The reviewers liked the proposal, and on June 1, 2009, the Crews landed at Gatwick Airport in South London. While I have been a “total P-brain,” my wife Sarah ’07, M.A. ’10 has been working on her master’s degree to advance her hospice vocation in spiritual care at the end of life. Our older daughter Ruby has taken a gap year in the UK, serving as faithful and fun lab assistant at Rothamsted. She finished the sabbatical with a Spanish intensive course in Salamanca, Spain. Our younger daughter, Claire, enrolled in a UK school and adjusted as well as she could to wearing the uniform consisting of a skirt, white shirt, tie, and blazer every day. For her, the music scene in London, just a 30-minute train ride away, made everything worthwhile.

Tim Crews in the lab comparing soil phosphorus composition as influenced by 150 yearsof annual and perennial crops.

Perennial crops will not solve the problem of removing phosphorus in the crop. To solve that part of the problem, we need to address concentrated animal feeding operations, and the return of human waste back to farmland. Perennial grain crops could potentially stop half of the P loss from agriculture – one great step towards agricultural sustainability. It is hard to show the world the potential benefits of perennial grain crops, because they are still being developed. But perennial forage crops do currently exist; they simply produce hay rather than grains. The way the roots work to conserve and scavenge nutrients should be about the same.

Phil Brooks’ lab group in front of a historic cider press at Rothamsted. The countries represented in the group include France, China, Italy, US, Congo, Holland and the UK.

We managed to fit in explorations of Scotland, Iceland, Belgium, and Italy. The year has been one that will stand out in our lives. The contrasts in culture and land, and our time together as a family went a long way in clarifying things we value and things we can do without. We have returned to Arizona with a fresh commitment to and appreciation for Prescott College and the opportunity to make a meaningful life amidst the people, plants, animals, and soils of the arid Southwest. A diverse agricultural landscape around Rothamsted.

Rothamsted researchers have been caring for and harvesting perennial hay crops and annual grain crops from the same land since 1854 and 1843, respectively. They have sampled soils to the depth of over a meter (~a yard) and stored them for future

For more information on Natural Systems Agriculture visit http://www.landinstitute.org/pages/Glover-Reganold%20article.pdf.

Transitions Summer 2010

Meeting People with Purpose Cameron ’04 and Cherilyn Boswell ’04 not only discovered and honed their personal passions at Prescott College, but found each other as well by Ashley Mains, M.A. ’11 and Mary Lin

ike many of the couples who find their passions – and each other – at Prescott College, Cameron ’04 and Cherilyn Boswell ’04 have gone on to make lifetime commitments not only to the environment and social work, but to one another. As a self-avowed systems thinker, Cameron is used to juggling concepts that at first might not seem to go together. He’s a world-traveling global citizen with a passion for hiking and the outdoors; a student of esoteric traditions and ancient history who works in environmental compliance for his family agriculture business; and an advocate for agriculture with a passion for helping people have a better connection to their food sources. (His home served as a local Food Not Bombs cookhouse while attending Prescott College). He’s worked as an educator, a youth advocate and program developer, and, as of March 2010, he’s also been elected to the Prescott College Board of Trustees. Prescott College helped Cameron gain the tools he needs, to not only balance varied personal interests and pursuits – to “channel a raw passion,” as he put it – but to pursue solutions in industry, using what’s been called the “triple bottom line”; balancing the needs of people, profits, and the planet. Last year he went to work in his family’s agriculture business in California, where he was recently promoted to Environmental Affairs Specialist, “being a broker between the interests of environmental agencies and the interest of my company which provides people all over the world with food and fiber, not to mention the jobs and tax revenues we provide,” he said. “I really enjoy the challenge of finding solutions that work for everyone.” Getting to where he is now has been “an evolving process.” “At Prescott College, I changed my intended degree plan so 8

Transitions Summer 2010

many times,” he explains. “I went from art to law to – a bunch of different things, really. It was about finding the teachers and topics that were stimulating … and that gave me a framework for my career and my life goals of making a difference and trying to promote sustainable ways of living.” With such diverse interests it’s not surprising that he completed two Senior Projects. The first built on a year-and-a-half he spent with Up with People before coming to Prescott College. Cameron helped the organization develop curriculum for experientially teaching students to be responsible global citizens, and promoted the program to other students in the Cultural and Regional Studies program at Prescott College. For his other Senior Project he organized a series of presentations on systems theory called “The Emerging Holistic Paradigm; How to Transform Stuck Systems.” Cameron studied systems theory with Wayne Regina, whom he considers his favorite mentor, and with whom he continues a relationship with to this day. “That’s the biggest difference at Prescott College – the quality of the relationships. That was pretty different from the other schools I attended,” he said. “Students come here because they really want the most out of their education. I kind of always suspected I could meet someone – I could meet my partner – through Prescott College because there were a lot of people who shared so many of my values.” “I remember meeting Cameron and really appreciating how involved and truly interested in the Prescott College community he was,” Cherilyn explained. “We both loved Prescott College and wanted to be a part in having a positive impact on our school, our community and, most importantly, our education.” Before coming to Prescott College Cherilyn was an advertising student at a fashion school in Manhattan. “While studying advertising and marketing I realized that the majority of advertising was psychology. I became fascinated by the power imagery had over the mind and started to look into art as a modality used for healing instead of a form of manipulation,” she said. At Prescott Cherilyn studied Human Development, emphasis in expressive arts therapy, with a Breadth in Studio Arts. “I chose Prescott College because I loved the community and the fact that as a student you could be an active part of your higher educational experience. I loved the idea of experiential learning,” she said. “It is rare how accessible the faculty and administration are to undergrad students. In most educational institutions, students don’t have that kind of access to such incredible educators until they are graduate students.” After attending Prescott College Cherilyn went to graduate school in counseling psychology and art therapy at Naropa Continued on page 9

The Water Council At the last council, Spider was nearly flattened when Whale, furious at Coyote, slammed the lodge wall. She hopes this council will not end in disaster. The question again before them: What is the true nature of water? Which of its forms holds the greatest magic? As the latecomers take their place, Salmon draws a ragged breath and begins, invoking the beauty and benefits of mountain river . . .

ater Council, by Eco League Coordinator Edie Dillon M.A.’06, came to vibrant life as a musical play last spring in a community collaboration between science, education, and the arts. Prescott College Faculty, students, alumni, and community members created quirky characters, imaginative costumes, and an original score. The production drew high praise from notoriously hard-to-impress students at Prescott Mile High Middle School, at a free event for younger children, and at the Deep End, Tsunami on the Square’s cutting-edge, prefestival evening. Highlands Center for Natural History executive director Dave Irvine remarked, “Sometimes art can teach us things just as well as science, so we can understand the bigger picture.” Dillon wrote Water Council years ago as a story for her son, “But it was the collaborative work with the amazing, creative, and talented people in this group that really made this project sing.” Developed with a grant from the Prescott Area Arts and Humanities Council and co-sponsored by the Highlands Center for Natural History, Tsunami on the Square, Prescott Unified School District, and Prescott College, Water Council “offered an aesthetic take on the political and cultural issues surrounding community decision making on water,” according to the playwright. The 11 dancers, visual artists, and musicians who created the myth-time setting were members of the extended Prescott College family. The cast included dance faculty Delisa Miles and Liz Faller M.A. ’99 as Glacier Lily and Spider, respectively; Heron (Kevin Cochran ’09); Beaver (Matt Buchanan-Cherry ’04); Salmon (founding faculty Layne Longfellow, Ph.D.); Grasshopper (Christopher Mankowski ’09); Coyote (Edie

Dillon); Whale (Gail Mangham); and Raven (master of arts program mentor, Nita Hull Carlson). Moving Edge Ensemble, with Jonathan Best on keyboards, Jesse Pursley ’00 on trombone and didgeridoo, and Prescott College faculty member Tom Fleischner on percussion, performed original music. In May 2010, with a few new actors, the animals met again in council. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension provided funding for a performance for all area 4th graders who have participated in their innovative water education program, Project WET.

Matt Buchanan-Cherry ’04 and Layne Longfellow

Continued from page 8

University in Colorado. Although she’s studied art therapy a great deal, Cherilyn says she’s grown a passion for organizational leadership and development stemming from her time at Prescott College: “I have worked in several non-profits … and I find myself being fascinated by the functioning of systems. The thought of taking it to the next level – of applying psychological principals to large organizations – excites me. I definitely see my career moving in this direction.” Like the varied interests her husband maintains, Cherilyn is also passionate about art, nature and “finding a place to have a creative outlet in life. “I am also really passionate about yoga and meditation … and I continue to be interested in finding ways to be involved

in and have a positive impact on my community. I’m constantly seeking to find a balance in these things.” Balance, community, passion: the common threads that bind this couple together. With the imminent arrival of their first child, family should be counted among these threads as well. “My work as a counselor and community therapist has taught me a lot about families,” Cherilyn explained. “As a result, I am currently taking time off from my career to raise a family. I am one month away from having our first child and am very excited about being a mother.” Cameron clearly shares in this excitement. “I think that’s going to become my new number-one passion,” he said. “Being a father.”

Transitions Summer 2010

Alumni Gatherings: A Place to Reconnect Since last fall, local Prescott alumni have been gathering once a month at Coyote Joe’s Bar and Grill, downtown on Whiskey Row, to share a drink, share a laugh, and stay connected to their alma mater.

James Pittman ’97 and Jenna Israel ’97, M.A. ’12

Salli Maxwell ’97 and Victoria Abel ’93

Dan Garvey, Liisa Raikkonen ’84, Tony Ebarb, Ph.D. ’09, and Barb Garvey

This past year alumni events also took place in San Francisco, Calif., Tucson, Ariz., Salem, Vt., Chinle, Ariz., Nashville, Tenn., Boulder, Colo., and in recent years, Santa Fe, N.M., Seattle, Wash., and Portland, Ore. Many alumni also write in regularly to Class Notes with pictures and notes about gatherings of friends in various parts of the country. To learn more about Prescott College Alumni events and programs or to share your stories, visit www.prescott.edu/alumni or contact Marie Smith at alumni@prescott.edu.

Transitions Summer 2010

Julie Munro ’85, Victoria Abel ’93, and Deborah Henry ’88

Tom Barry ’92

Joel Barnes ’81 and Joel Hiller

Transitions Summer 2010

Master of Arts Profile

Zac Adair ’09, MAP ’11 by Jennifer Swacina ’08

hen Zac Adair ’09, M.A.’11 returned to college in his 30s, he worried about being able to handle the coursework and fitting in with what he thought would be younger peers. But Zac was facing an even greater challenge: adapting to life without sight. Just two years prior, an auto accident left Adair completely blind in his right eye, and with two percent vision in the left. An avid surfer, skier, and former kayaking instructor, he was determined not to let blindness keep him from his passions, and enrolled in Prescott College’s Adventure Education program in fall 2006. “My problem is no worse than anyone else’s; my situation is just a little different,” he explained. As part of an independent study, Adair connected with

diverse people experiencing physical and cognitive disabilities at Challenge Aspen in Aspen, Colo. He learned adaptive ski techniques, including how to turn on telemark skis with the help of voice prompts from a ski buddy. On a road trip to California in 2007 he rediscovered surfing. Elated about being back on a board, he created curriculum for the Prescott College class Surfing and Wave Dynamics, which he facilitated with faculty member Lorayne Meltzer in Baja, Mexico, the next year. A Google™ search for “therapeutic surfing” led Zac to Celine Russo ’98 – now his wife. Russo was putting her Prescott College degree in Therapeutic Uses of the Wilderness Experience to work as assistant director of Maui Surfer Girls, founded by fellow alumna Dustin Tester ’99. Adair and Russo discovered a nearly identical vision of creating a nonprofit wilderness therapy organization, and Panacea Adventures was born. Panacea offers rock climbing, backpacking, sea kayaking, whitewater rafting, and ropes course programs in addition to surfing. Adair graduated from the Low-Residency Bachelor of Arts Program last May with a degree in Therapeutic Uses of Adventure Education. Adair and Russo live in Wilmington, N.C., where they surf together almost every day. Adair continues his studies through Prescott’s master’s program, pursuing a degree in Adventure Programming. His self-designed courses, such as Grant Writing and Fundraising Strategies and Wilderness Risk Management, support the development of Panacea Adventures. As of this writing, the couple plans to launch Panacea’s first expedition in the spring of 2010. He will provide logistical support while Celine, who is now a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, will provide the clinical. “It’s amazing what happens when you have a passion for something,” Adair said. “It seems to be a lot easier when your heart is in it.”

A Thank You to Our Donors The donors listed in the Honor Roll of Donors are responsible for many of the College’s accomplishments, and their generosity keeps us competitive. As a result of the thoughtfulness of our donors, we will continue to be a leading institution for the liberal arts, the environment, and social justice. Each year we build upon Prescott College’s substantial legacy of experiential education. Our graduates and students, parents, Faculty and staff, and our friends are counting on us to do better still. Thank you for your support. The 2008-2009 fiscal year Honor Roll of Donors ran in the Winter 2009 issue of Transitions, available online only. To review or print a copy visit: www.prescott.edu/news/transitions.

Transitions Summer 2010

Food For All: Karma Farms’ Urban Farming Experiment At Karma Farms, you not only get what you give, but you are what you eat by Chef Molly Beverly, Crossroads Café This, in essence, is the law of karma: That we receive what we give. That all our actions reflect back upon us. It’s Thursday morning, and I am at the Karma Farms stand in downtown Prescott. There are no prices; everything is free. Anyone is welcome to take, trade, or donate. I came with a few ears of blue corn and took a jar of pickled green tomatoes and one of Annie’s ’09 delicious pumpkin muffins (recipe below).

Free Farm Stand 109 North McCormick Street Thursdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Office Hours: Mondays and Fridays at 10 a.m. Prescott Coffee Roasters, 318 West Gurley Street

People are designing and building greenhouses, trying dry-land Native American farming, researching and experimenting with food preservation. Some have their own plots; others are studying the social interactions. Anything is possible as long as it fits the format: no one is paid, no one owns, and everyone shares. Karma Farms owes its existence to idealistic youth, reminding us of the value of positive action, of thinking differently, and of doing good right where we live. They are young people with young ideas, doing exactly what they’re supposed to do – rattling our old rusty cages. Karma Farms welcomes help and donations – land, seeds, compost, tools, time, even money. It welcomes people with resources and people in need. Everyone has something to contribute and everyone has something to gain.

Weekly Meeting: Wednesdays 7 p.m. Catalyst Infoshop, 109 North McCormick Street Karma Farms volunteers grow and harvested vegetables and eggs from garden spaces shared by Prescott residents. The land, water, tools, seeds and labor were also donated. In two summers, the Farms has grown from one residential yard and two workers to several residential yards, a couple acres of church property, and a small, bicycle-riding army of workers. It’s attracting a lot of attention. Schools and churches have joined in: Primavera Montessori, Northpoint High School, and Prescott College students are digging, fertilizing, planting, and watering. Karma Farms is working with the First Assembly of God, Methodist, and Unitarian Churches. They’re distributing vegetables to people who cannot afford the local farmer’s market, donating to Open Door shelter, catering free events, and running the free farm stand. As people approach the stand, questions and doubts spill forth. How can you not sell? Do people really work for free? Why? Who are these people? What’s in it for them? Who donates the land? Who pays the water bills? Do some people take everything? Does the work really get done? Does the hard work like shoveling manure and pulling weeds really get done? What about slackers? How can everything be shared and there still be enough to distribute? Amazing – all these bright-faced, healthy, smiling young people (many of them Prescott College students and alumni) on bicycles, growing food all over the city! Are they simply hyperidealistic, unrealistic youth? I asked my Karma Farms friend, Sarafina Riskind ’09. “Well, I do get some food. And it’s powerful – the idea that everybody deserves food. If everyone has a full belly and full heart right here in Prescott, maybe we will able to solve larger problems. The Farm opens you up to people who have different lifestyles and backgrounds. We all eat. It’s common ground.”

Karma Farm Stand Pumpkin Muffins from Anne Marie Macheca ’09 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups sugar 3/4 cup vegetable oil 3 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 cups cooked pumpkin or butternut squash Sift together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In another bowl combine sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Fold dry ingredients into wet. Add pumpkin and mix well. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes in greased or lined muffin pans. Muffins are finished when a toothpick comes out clean. They taste best when slightly undercooked.

Transitions Summer 2010

Thank You, Dan The Board of Trustees, colleagues, and students past and present reflect on a pivotal decade led by a President with a gift for the personal by Mary Lin

r. Daniel Garvey, or “Dan,” as he prefers, took the helm as Prescott College’s president at the turn of the century. Ever inspirational, he channeled the optimism and creative energy of a College just coming into its own into a pivotal decade of growth and change. The Board of Trustees and members of the College community thanked Dan for his decade of service to the College with a dinner and evening ceremony on May 22, 2010. (Look for photos in the next issue of Transitions.) Members of the community shared the following thoughts in advance of the dinner, reflecting back on the past 10 years.

There are few pople in the world that possess the ability to work with others and make things ‘better.’ Mike Gass

Stability and Growth Many noted the “stability and growth” of the College during Dan’s term. “In his decade of service, the longest tenure of any president in the College’s history, he provided a steady vision which propelled us into a new era of stability and expansion, despite prevailing economic winds,” said outgoing Board of Trustees Chair Daniel Boyce. As parents of alumnus Geoffrey Boyce ’04, Daniel and Suzanne Boyce have been closely involved with the college during Dan’s tenure. Daniel cited noteworthy accomplishments in those years, including the building of the Crossroads Center, the College’s award-winning campus center, “the first major new building since the College moved to its present, downtown campus. The Crossroads Center demonstrates the College’s commitment to the community,” he said. Boyce also notes that under Dr. Garvey’s leadership the College has enjoyed significant growth in enrollment in the last half of the decade, despite current economic conditions and a reversal of that trend for many private institutions; and the growth of new programs, specifically the Ph.D. in Sustainability Education. The first ever in this field, the Ph.D. program has experienced robust growth and a competitive application process. The College has also added numerous other programs, including the first-of-its-kind in the nation Equine Assisted Mental Health program, and expanded its relationship with Americorps VISTA in line with Dr. Garvey’s experience as a VISTA volunteer and the College’s focus on experiential and service learning. Other aspects of the College’s fiscal stability include growth of the endowment and dramatic improvement in compensation and benefits. “The single most important thing Dr. Garvey has brought to the College is a confidence in the health of the institution and an ability to look forward rather than back. He’s instilled in the College community a sense of confidence, that at 40 years old we’re still a relatively young institution, but we’re a young adult with a promising future,” said Boyce.

Warmth and Wit, Intellect and Dedication Incoming Board Chair Richard Ach ’73 underscored Boyce’s comments, adding, “along with stability, civility and celebrity, his stated goals as President, he also assembled an exceptionally competent and constructive administration. 14

Transitions Summer 2010

“Dan surrounded himself with enormously talented and capable people. Dan and his team have placed the school in a better position for sustainability, growth, and most importantly, graduating more students who are proactively involved in making the world a better place.

itized students despite his busy schedule. When I started Women’s Empowerment Breakthrough as my Senior Project Dan was an incredible support. He helped me bridge connections with the broader community, attending all of the fundraising events that I had, and was always sending me ideas about ways I could further connect with Prescott teens.”

Agents of Change

“As he leaves his position of President, he has given all of us the priceless gift of a highly functional college with more potential than any other time in Prescott College’s history.” Like many, Richard noted Dan’s “warmth, wit, intellect, and dedication. “Having the privilege of working with Dan has been one of the highlights of my life. Our best efforts to honor Dan and the gift of his life effort for us, is to flourish, succeed, continue the journey, be a force for the collective good, walk our talk … and not be swayed by difficulty of the challenge.” Alumni and students, past and present, noted Dan’s warmth and personal style. “I can tell he really cares about the students, believes in the school, and loves it a lot,” said Casey Shove ’11. Courtney Osterfelt ’04, M.A. ’11, now Student Events and Activities Coordinator, reflected on a nine-year relationship that transformed her life and helped her to find her path into activism and teen advocacy. Courtney was on Wilderness Orientation when 9-11 happened. “The College … sent representatives on foot to all of the wilderness areas where Orientation students were backpacking to inform us of the tragedy and to take anyone out of the field that had loved ones affected by the event,” Courtney said. “I felt so cared for as a student. “I was further moved … when I returned home to learn from my mother that Dan Garvey, the President himself, had called every student’s parents to personally inform them of how the College was responding to the events, and to make sure that none of our family members or friends had been victims. From that day forward I knew that I was at the right school. “Dan always had an open door policy … and he always prior-

Dr. Michael Gass, former president of AEE and leader in the field of experiential education, shared thoughts on Dan’s lifetime of service in the field. “I count myself as being lucky enough to be Dan’s friend and colleague since 1980. There are few people in the world that possess the ability to work with others and make things ‘better.’ This is the magic of Dan Garvey – no matter who he has worked with in his extensive and varied career, these individuals and groups have come away from working with Dan as more effective, understanding, and compassionate in a difficult world. “He is one of those rare individuals who can take problems and turn them into rare opportunities for functional change.” Those who know Dan realize he shares the credit, espousing an approach rooted in the belief common within experiential education that all members of society, from students to public leaders, are resources for social transformation. “Prescott College has always challenged our students and faculty to think confidently and creatively about what it is we can do to make the world a better place,” he once wrote. “Our students leave here with a solid grasp of the creative thinking and collaborative, practical action needed to make positive, lasting change.”

“I think the world needs more Prescott College graduates,” asserted Richard Ach, in agreement. Thanks to Dan’s decade, the field is set for that wish to come true.

Transitions Summer 2010

Mad, Mad Science Educator Josh Traeger ’97 and wife Kate use hands-on and sometimes wacky methods to make science fun by Ashley Mains M.A. ’11

hen Josh Traeger and his wife, Kate, want to get kids excited about science, they bring reinforcements – their Mad Science alter egos. “Jackrabbit Josh” and “Cosmic Kate” offer extracurricular science programming to local elementary schools in the form of science shows, special events, summer camps, and after school programs. As owners of the Mad Science franchise in Southern Vermont and Western New Hampshire, the two are after that “aha! moment” when students discover that science is not only interesting, but also a lot of fun. “A lot of the schools we work with have great teachers, but they aren’t necessarily science teachers. So they might ask us to come in with a Mad Science workshop to kick off their geology unit with a bunch of exciting, hands-on activities that grab the students’ interest in the topic. Our goal is to spark their imagination. We know we have done our job when we hear enthusiastic parents tell us about how their kids talked about our science topic at the dinner table,” Josh explains. One of the highly trained instructors on the Traeger’s staff will show up at a school, library, or recreation center as an enthusiastic Mad Scientist to present exciting classes and shows on topics ranging from rocketry to forensic science, to magnets, polymers, and even the science of toys. “It’s been a ton of work personally to be business partners and still be excited to see each other at the end of the day,” Josh says about working with Kate, “but it’s worth it. Seeing that spark in kids’ eyes when they get it … hearing back from a principal saying that she had a group of girls not interested in science, but after Cosmic Kate came to school, now they want to be scientists.” Josh came by this business of educating early, via his Prescott College Competence in Ecology with a Breadth in Education and a desire to “combine the outdoors with a career.” It is not surprising that he pursued a path in outdoor education. For his Senior Project he designed an environmental education program focused on skiing, a type of “valueadded” ecology education experience for resort patrons. “I thought I’d end up selling it to all these ski resorts and I’d have this nonprofit, traveling all over the country in my 16

Transitions Summer 2010

RV,” Josh says with a laugh. Only one ski area called him back, and it never panned out. “If you can get kids excited about the natural world and their environment, they’ll care about it and for it later in life.” After graduating, Josh worked as a park ranger at Redwood National Park, an outdoor education/naturalist instructor for several organizations in the West and Pacific Northwest including Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, San Joaquin Outdoor Education Center, and Clem Miller Environmental Education Center. It was during these nomadic times he found a kindred spirit in his wife Kate, who had been doing the same thing on her own. After eight years of moving around they decided it was time to set down roots. “After PC I had all these jobs that didn’t pay much. I thought, man, I’ll make the big bucks and become a classroom teacher,” Josh says. “It was probably the hardest job I’ve ever done.” After completing teacher certification at Antioch New England Grad School, he taught 5th and 6th grade at The Greenfield Center School in Massachusetts for three years. “Kate and I fell in love with the small town communities in New England – and of course all the hiking, canoeing and skiing. The sense of community was something we didn’t have in California. It felt like we had found home.” As a classroom teacher Josh struggled with “how to stop prepping.” “Kate would want to go out at night, I’d say no and end up falling asleep working on the couch around six in the evening anyway,” he explains. When he learned about the Mad Science franchise, Josh jumped at the opportunity to continue living his passion, while working for himself on his own terms, on his own time. “The idea of having our own business was about the ability to continue to teach kids while trying to have a sustainable income and still be able to go for a hike or take the dog for a swim during the day. We’re just as busy as when I was a classroom teacher, but there’s room to breathe. “Before Prescott College I really embodied the ‘shred and wreck’ mentality: living large and having a good time outside. Then throughout the progression of my time at Prescott and through other experiences in my life, I gained perspective, figuring out I can give something back in a positive way, through teaching,” Josh says. “If you can get kids excited about the natural world and their environment, they’ll care about it and for it later in life.”

Drawn West New England may be home, but the desert still calls to Hannah Quimby ’02 by Ashley Mains M.A. ’11

ike many Prescott College alumni and students, Hannah Quimby ’02 was raised in the Northeast, but found herself drawn west for college. One reason for this, Hannah posits, is “being young and wanting to see a completely new place. As far as schools that have a similar philosophy go, there are a lot in New England. I think students might be looking for an untraditional education and a different setting.” Having grown up in a town of 400 people, Hannah was used to and preferred being part of an intimate, close-knit community. “There were 50 students in my high school graduating class. I was used to small class sizes and a lot interaction with teachers. I was looking for a school with more self-direction, and I liked the idea of designing my own program. Prescott College was completely the right fit for me.” Hannah knew she’d made the right choice on the first day of Orientation: “I instantly fell in love with the Southwest and desert, and I loved being introduced to a new area that way.” At Prescott College Hannah found the educational freedom she craved, and an outlet for her varied interests in the outdoors, photography, and social work. She studied Human Development with a Breadth in Photography. For her Senior Project Hannah designed and co-facilitated a girls’ empowerment group at Kestrel High School, a charter school where many of the girls had been expelled from public school for behavior issues. After graduating Hannah returned to the Northeast, working for the family business, Burt’s Bees, for six years, first in sales, then corporate training, until the company was sold to Clorox. At that point she shifted her focus to photography, attending the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies’ three-month intensive documentary photography program. Following Salt, Hannah worked in the advertising department for a documentary paper, Blue Room, then as the in-house photographer for an organic children’s clothing company. Building on her undergraduate work, she is currently working on a master’s degree in integrative health at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. “I didn’t enjoy school at all until getting to Prescott College,” she said. “If I’d stayed at a traditional college with that factory feel, I wouldn’t have searched out the school I’m at now, and wouldn’t have the enthusiasm for learning that I do now.” She hopes to parlay her master’s work in integrative health into employment in the developing field of health coaching (like life

coaching – one-on-one – but focused on health and nutrition). Hannah has always been interested in organic farming and healthy eating, having made the personal choice to become a vegetarian in second grade. “A teacher talked me into it,” she explains. “I was convinced and it changed my whole family’s way of shopping and eating.” For the past five years Hannah has also headed The Quimby Family Foundation’s efforts to fund nonprofit organizations in line with the Foundation’s mission. These include land trusts in Maine; sustainable local foods organizations; wilderness trips for youth; and programs providing arts access not already available in the public school system. The foundation also provided a generous grant for the Sam Hill Warehouse renovation project at Prescott College. “The work I do at the foundation is a huge, fulfilling and meaningful part of my life,” she says. “Part of it is just my love for the state of Maine and being a part of protecting a lot of land for future generations. “I think of the opportunities I’ve had … I grew up in a family where the outdoors was really important. Dad took my brother and me hiking all the time. I’ve been able to study art and visit galleries and museums. It has brought so many good things to my life. Through funding these organizations, I want to bring that to people who might not have those opportunities.” Hannah and her family have also recently started work with Goldman Sachs. She and her mother attend three-day retreats hosted by the company where they invite wealthy people to learn about investing. Hannah sets up and sits on panels to answer questions about philanthropy and the process of setting up a foundation. Reflecting on the work that inspires her most, Hannah comes back to her time at Prescott College: “I’m a huge advocate of getting youth out in the woods, backpacking and doing wilderness trips. “One of my best friends at PC hadn’t been hiking before Orientation. It was miserable for her, but now she loves it and is always seeking out wilderness trips. Being able to provide that same kind of opportunity through these organizations is really meaningful.” Asked if she misses her time spent in the arid Southwest, she says, “The Southwest never completely felt like home. But I really grew to love the desert. I actually flew in for work a few years ago and I got choked up looking out at the landscape. I miss the landscape – I still feel really connected to it.”

Transitions Summer 2010

River Asanas Julie Munro ’85 and Rachel Peters M.A. ’04 lead women into the waters of self realization on the First Annual Women’s Yoga River Trip by Mary Lin

Yoga Teacher Training and Certification Course Every Winter Block, students gather in the Chapel to join Julie Munro ’85 for four weeks of developing inner and outer strength. The program certifies students as hatha yoga teachers through an agreement with Yoga Alliance, the national nonprofit association of yoga teachers and practitioners. Yoga Alliance authorizes the College to certify yoga teachers at the 200-hour level. The program also brings in an anatomy teacher for a 20-hour anatomy training, and guest speakers for other specialty topics. The teacher training culminates with a practicum through which students offer free classes to anyone interested in attending and work with children’s groups and in local schools.

n a late May afternoon along the San Juan River somewhere in Utah or Arizona, ten watercraft filled with women – five inflatable rafts, two paddle and three oar boats – drift lazily. The chatter lulls for a rare moment, and nature takes over the conversation – rare, that is, in a group of 21 women who have signed up for five days of yoga practice and soaking in the natural beauty on these waters. Leaders Rachel Peters M.A. ’04 and Julie Munro ’85, along with four Prescott College student and alumni guides are leading 15 women ages 30 to 70 on an experience that many will find unique in their lifetime; five days of paddling, floating, rowing, and yoga in the company of other women. In their five days on the water, the participants share a moveable feast of gourmet adventure grub, personal stories, and “a lot of teachable moments around staying safe on the river and in camp,” Rachel notes. It’s a high water year so the group is moving along quickly. They will cover 83 river miles from Sand Island near Bluff, Utah, to Clay Hills Crossing, with stops to sightsee, eat, camp, and of course, do yoga. The group ranges from beginner to advanced; sometimes they will practice as a large group, sometimes in smaller clusters, according to people’s need and interests. Even though trip leaders planned, coordinated, bought, and packed all the food, ran the boats and taught the yoga … “we really weren’t all that burnt out,” Julie says, laughing. “We relied on that yogic energy to keep it all going.” The two leaders have spent quite a bit of time on the San 18

Transitions Summer 2010

Juan River over the last decade, together and separately, enjoying it as “a wonderful yoga studio of sorts,” Julie explains. “We have been talking about taking other people down the river to do yoga for years.” “I feel like there is a way in which yoga, even in the confines of four walls, can align me with the nature that exists around me and within me,” Rachel says. “[The next step is] actually taking it out onto the water and into the sand, basking in the beauty of the San Juan. It’s such an inspiring place to move.” Both women encouraged trip participants in reflection and self-awareness in various ways throughout the trip, including responding to daily questions in a journal. They ask: “What has the River taught you?” and “What’s one thing you’ve done on this trip that you never thought you’d do?” “[We were all] in a situation that that made us all sort of vulnerable in one sense or another. But the intention and the experience of the group allowed for there to be a comfort level and a place to grow and expand while being in nature,” Rachel says. While practicing yoga in nature seems like a great idea, in most times and places it’s pretty hard to pull off. Not so on the San Juan. “Practicing yoga outside is incredibly hard to do most of the time – bugs, heat and cold, uneven surfaces,” Julie explains. “We’ve gotten to know the San Juan intimately, and it’s very accommodating. There are wonderful temperatures, wonderful flat open surfaces, and lovely places of solitude.” The participants each got a bit of the “Prescott College Experience” that first-year students go through on Wilderness Orientation. “Some of them confronted apprehension regarding rivers and outdoor living. [For some] yoga was new. They were being themselves, moving and experiencing things that they hadn’t done in quite some time,” Rachel says. “All-women trips create Continued on page 19

New Faces Mary Frances Causey Financial Aid Director Mary Frances Causey arrived this past November with her family from Petaluma, Calif. She has an outstanding record of service within the financial aid community, having served for the past three years as Director of Financial Aid and Student Employment at Dominican University of California. Overall, she has 17 years experience in financial aid and college business office functions at five different institutions. The Prescott College Community looks forward to the many contributions Mary Frances will undoubtedly make to her new professional home.

Christine Frydenborg, Ph.D. Dr. Christine Frydenborg has accepted appointment as Chair of Graduate Programs in Counseling Psychology effective Spring Semester 2010. In addition to a successful private practice as a licensed professional counselor and work as a counselor in educational settings, Christine brings a wealth of expertise in counselor education, supervision, evaluation, and scholarship in a variety of institutional contexts.

Cheryl Schwartz, M.A. Cheryl Schwartz is the new Director of the Lifelong Learning Center (formerly the Center for Extended Studies and Lifelong Learning). Cheryl brings a wealth of experience in event planning, management, development, experiential program design, implementation, and marketing. She has been in leadership positions for such institutions as the Association for Experiential Education, the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation, the University of Arizona Eller M.B.A. experiential learning program, and Mirval Life in Balance Resort. Most recently, Cheryl has worked as the Director of Development for the University of Arizona Institute for LGBT Studies.

Promotions Rich Lewis, M.A. Upon the completion of a national search, Rich Lewis has been promoted to the Director of Library Services. For over a year, in addition to his duties as the Faculty Reference Librarian for the Adult Degree and Graduate Programs, he has served as the Interim Library Director. A search is now underway to fill his previous position. Rich originally comes from the Pacific Northwest, but he has lived in Prescott for over 15 years. His varied background has given him experience installing alternative energy systems, teaching computer networking, studying abroad in both Nepal and France, welding in Alaska, and being a rock climber. Besides being involved with all things library, he will continue to be involved with many of the sports at Prescott College, including Ultimate Frisbee, coed softball, and bowling. Continued from page 18

a safety net for people to explore challenges that they might not otherwise explore. “I think some of them were moved by the connections that they made with women on the trip,” Rachel adds. “I think it was really empowering for them. They did everything as a group – unloading the boats, setting up the kitchen, and their tents, which for some was a new experience.” “I feel that what I do as an adventure educator is really not that much different than what I try and teach as a Yogi,” Julie says. “Rachel and I both recognize that both time in wild places and the practice of yoga are ways into your true self. “This trip combined those two things we both really love to do.” Guides for the trip were alumnae Diedre O’Conell M.A. ’01, Amy Hartline ’01, and current students Anna Marie LynchRamirez ’10, and Zoe Scanlon ’10.

Transitions Summer 2010

Ph.D. Profile

Henry “Tony” Ebarb Ph.D. ’09 Educating leaders on sustainability by Mariah Ore ’13

he problem is simple: humans continue to expand across the Earth, and though our efforts to be sustainable have given us a starting block, still we are consuming more resources than can be produced. When choosing his dissertation topic, Dr. Henry Anthony Ebarb Ph.D. ’09 wanted to focus on what he believes to be the most important impediment to a sustainable earth. “No sustainability matters without cutting down population,” he says. Ebarb focuses on specific population problems in the United States, where, although most women average a perfect 2.0 babies, immigrants are a problem. This is where Ebarb’s background as a lawyer comes in. He argues that there should be stricter immigration law to help control the population, and that we enforce the laws that are currently in place. In the course of his research, Tony discovered that his concern about overpopulation is not shared by many of our elected public officials. Ebarb interviewed approximately 40 elected officials from the quad city area surrounding Prescott, asking them face-to-face questions focused around water issues, overpopulation, and the laws regarding them. He discovered that because a large portion of the elected officials believe in some sort of a divine plan whose course cannot be altered by anything we do as people, they are disinclined to believe that overpopulation is an issue. Another large group, he discovered, believe that technology will somehow bail us out of the mess we have created. “These people aren’t willing to make the hard decision to limit growth,” Ebarb says. “Eventually we will reach a tipping point and won’t be able to go back, having messed it up so bad, nothing can save planet Earth.” Ebarb, who completed his doctorate in the summer of 2009 as a member of the first Prescott College Ph.D. class while continuing to work full time as a tax attorney, says his new degree gives him more respect for his clients, and was an important stage of personal growth. With his new credentials, he notes that he has more freedom to publish his views about certain issues, including his latest academic endeavor: a book about what the great thinkers of the world have thought makes a happy society. 20

Transitions Summer 2010

He says that many philosophers and leaders have spent time throughout history arguing about this question. Is education a key? Is money and success? Ebarb believes we should have free healthcare, free education, and all the other benefits that most other countries provide their citizens. His academic works are an effort to impart positive change in our society.

“I think [Prescott College] made me more aware of how wasteful the majority of society is in dealing with their resources.” “Confucius says to take care of the workers, but in the United States, we don’t do that. We jail more people than any other country on Earth. We are not a happy society.” When asked about his experience at Prescott College, Ebarb thanks the people who developed and supervise the Ph.D. program. “They are really serious about sustainability and were able to design a program that was the first of its kind, but that has a great possibility to help society make the decision to make lighter footprints in our environment,” he says. In addition to taking classes during his program, Ebarb also enjoyed helping to design and take classes on water law and CO2 emissions. He has recommended Prescott College to others because of its unique possibilities for self-directed learning, and because he believes several of his clients could add a lot to the Ph.D. program. “You’ll have to go a long way to find a more nurturing, supportive program. They leave room for a lot of creativity.”

Alligator Juniper Announces 2010 Suzanne Tito Student Prize Winners Thanks to the continued generosity of former trustee and alumni parent Suzanne Tito, the Suzanne Tito Student Prizes in Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry and Photography annually recognize outstanding student artists at Prescott College. Prizes are awarded for first, second, and third places, as well as honorable mentions.

STUDENT FICTION WINNERS 1st Place: “How to Become a Model” by Laura Hitt ’11 2nd Place: “The Breakwater Lodge” by Joseph Palmiotto ’09 3rd Place: “The Allegory of the Creek” by Claiborne Shank ’11 Honorable Mention: “A Walk in the Valley” by John Meyers ’11 Honorable Mention: “Freedom” by Bryn Cram ’10

STUDENT CREATIVE NONFICTION WINNERS 1st Place: “White Birds” by Jessica Roth ’10 2nd Place: “On Vanity” by Jourdan Ross ’10 3rd Place: “The In-Between Space: The Art of the Ghost Story” by Allie Field Bell ’10 Honorable Mention: “Night Watch” by Jessica Roth ’10

STUDENT POETRY WINNERS 1st Place: “Tierra Bendita” by Jessica Roth ’10 2nd Place: “Nevada Sijo” by Aaron Macmann ’09 3rd Place: “White on White” by Althea Rose Schelling ’11 Honorable Mention: “Point of View” by Claiborne Shank ’11 Honorable Mention: “I’ve been to your house a few times now” by Ryan Gillespie ’13

STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHY WINNERS 1st place: “Guardian Angel” by K. Angeline Pittenger ’10 2nd place: “The Clawfoot Bath Tub” by Nicole Michetti ’13 If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the forthcoming 2010 issue, e-mail aj@prescott.edu with your order.

Above left: Clawfoot Bathtub by Nicole Michetti Above Right: Covenant Transport by Marilyn Szabo, National Contest Winner Lower Right: Guardian Angel by K. Angeline Pittenger

Transitions Summer 2010

From Prague to America by Lenka Studnicka ’09, M.A. ’12

jumped and rolled down the hill. My body hit hard against the dried earth. I spiraled down the hill with the increased speed. Then stillness, and no more sound. I smelled the sweet summer air and opened my eyes. Clusters of tiny green grapes hanging from the stems smiled at me with the slightest move I made. I imagined crystal chandeliers hanging in the opera house shining on the crowned heads of ballerinas. I wanted to get up and touch them with my face and feel the soft green texture with my skin, but I could not move. My body lay frozen with fear, imprisoned in my past, still living on the other side of the hill. The day was August 21, 1984, the day I left my country, my family, and my home. I was 22 years old. But the true beginning of my journey started on the very same day, in 1968, when the Russian soldiers came to claim my country. I was six years old, standing alone at the front of the shoe store, people screaming and running everywhere. Women carried flour and food in their plastic bags. One of the bags ruptured and the flour fell on the cobblestone pathway, covering ancient cobbles with white powder like a snow in winter. The panicked people left footprints of truth crisscrossing this snow, now spread in every direction – south, north, west and east. That day was the beginning of the end of my life in the country I lived in. I looked at my watch: 15 minutes after three. I lay motionless in the vineyard for the next two hours, my mind and body aligned in absolute stillness. No way back, no way back. A voice within me whispered regrets and fears. What have I done? To stay meant a certain death. To leave … who knows? *** I peeked my head out of the tiny tent, the sun welcoming me to my first Austrian morning. The parking lot was empty except for a blue car with an open hood and a person half inside it. As I passed I overheard the Slovenian language and decided to give this person a friendly slap on the back. From the hood appeared an older man with rosy cheeks. After a friendly chat he offered a ride to Vienna. And what a ride it was! We stopped in almost every village, drank light wine, and sang opera while talking our ears out. Arriving in Vienna hungry, I decided to get some food before calling my friends. Reaching for the soda can and drinking, I suddenly experienced a sharp pain in my lip, not realizing that I just swallowed a yellow-jacket wasp. Tears were rolling down my cheeks and as I looked around I saw people staring at me. Eyes were everywhere, eyes of strangers speaking a strange language. Nobody I could ask for help. I grabbed my backpack and walked the streets of Vienna with the left side of my face completely swollen, crying my eyes out and wandering like a lost soul. What a sight that must have been! As I am writing this, my soul is filled with love for many immigrants out there, wandering the streets or countryside, their hearts filled with hopes and dreams. Austria was well known for being a transit land for immigrants. After researching my options and the basics of the country’s emigration policies, I decided to apply for political asylum in a central refugee camp called Traiskirchen, 15 kilometers south of Vienna. The huge complex of brownstone buildings surrounded by a fence guarded by soldiers reminded me of army barracks. A man in an army uniform approached me. I asked him in German for political asylum 22

Transitions Summer 2010

and his beautiful face changed as he looked at me. He nodded his head, offered me his arm, and kindly led me inside, where I was escorted under the protection of two soldiers to a secondfloor room. Two rows of four bunk beds. I was grateful when the door closed and I was finally alone. I must say these times brought some of the most beautiful moments to my life. I had no idea where I was going, what my future would be like, I had no money, and I was under the watchful eye of Austrian police. I could not leave the camp, yet felt happy and content. We had access to a library, where I was able to read a free press and many dissidents’ books. I went through some serious mental cleansing, crying often when seeing photos of the Prague invasion and finally accepting that my escape was justified for any reason I offered to myself.

wide-brimmed glasses. “Looking at your papers, Madam, you do not stand a chance,” he said. “You have education we don’t need; we are presently looking and accepting people for real labor. You have nothing to offer.” The thought of losing my future mobilized every cell in my body. I passionately replied that he obviously did not know who I am. A person capable of doing any job!

There is nothing more beautiful than being able to create your own destiny. My first interview happened two days later. Escorted to the first floor, I saw people of different colors everywhere, crying, arguing with the police. The scene made me feel very nervous. The jury was very friendly asking me questions about my life, family, and the experiences I had recently undergone. Finally, a person pointed at the end of the long hallway – a bathroom to go to wash my hands. I will remember this moment for the rest of my life. Walking the long hallway filled with people from all over the world, most of them men, watching me as I slowly walked toward the bathroom, was somehow the ugliest experience of my life. I walked slowly, feeling the looks from the both sides, hating these people from the bottom of my heart. I see now that the pressure of my recent journey accumulated at that moment and somehow I put all the blame on these people I did not know. I had become one of them, a citizen of the world without a home and identity. The news from the jury was the best I could imagine. I was granted not only political asylum but also a work permit and eligibility for Austrian citizenship – much more than I ever wished for! I left the camp and went for a hike in the nearby forest. What should I do now? Stay in Europe, or to go farther? I applied for the US visa and permission to emigrate. It did not take long for me to obtain an invitation by the US embassy for the entrance interview.

Lenka after her escape to Austria, 1984.

He shook his head and sealed my destiny with the round wooden stamp. Rushing out of the building, walking the streets of Vienna’s downtown on that cold wet day, I smiled madly at every passerby, the feeling of accomplishing my dream – indescribable. It has been precisely 25 years since I walked those Vienna streets. So much has happened since then. My identity had many invitations for growing, defining and knowing itself. The places I have traveled brought a deeper understanding of the human soul and its seeking. When they asked during my entrance interview why I escaped, my answer was, “To make a better life for my child, so he does not have to live a lie as I did.” There is nothing more beautiful than being able to create your own destiny.

*** My name was finally called. The stern and official interior was decorated with flags – a huge oak desk caught my attention. Behind the desk sat an enormous dark-haired man with

Transitions Summer 2010

Faculty Notes Jeff Fearnside, M.F.A. Writing Instructor and managing editor of Prescott College’s literary journal Alligator Juniper, Jeff Fearnside’s work was recognized twice in the 2009 SoulMaking Literary Competition sponsored by National League of American Pen Women, San Francisco area branch. His short story “A Husband and Wife Are One Satan” won the Mary Mackey Short Story Prize, while his essay “Itam” was an Honorable Mention for the Tara L. Masih Intercultural Essay Prize. Writers from 25 US states, the District of Columbia, and British Columbia, Canada, placed or were given honorable mention in the 12 categories of this international contest. As a winner, Fearnside took part in a public reading on March 21, 2010 at the Koret Auditorium of the San Francisco Main Library, Civic Center.

Tom Fleischner, Ph.D. On-campus Bachelor of Arts faculty member Tom Fleischner published a chapter titled “Livestock grazing and wildlife conservation in the American West: historical, policy, and conservation biology perspectives,” in Wild Rangelands: Conserving Wildlife While Maintaining Livestock in Semi-Arid Ecosystems. This and many of his other articles can be accessed through the Prescott College “Meet Our Faculty” page at www.prescott.edu. Also, his book on the relationship between natural history and mindfulness (title TBD) was accepted for publishing by Trinity University Press.

Lisa Floyd Hanna, Ph.D. Lisa Floyd Hanna published three articles in the past few months. With 14 colleagues, she wrote “Historical and Modern Disturbance Regimes, Stand Structures, and Landscape Dynamics in Piñon–Juniper Vegetation of the Western United States” for Rangeland Ecology and Management. Lisa published “Relationship of stand characteristics to drought-induced mortality in piñon-juniper woodlands in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona,” co-authored with Dustin Hanna ’06 for Ecological Applications. She and husband, Dave Hanna, co-authored “Historical range of variability and current landscape condition analysis: South-central highlands section, southwestern Colorado and northwestern New Mexico” for the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute. Lisa and Dave Hanna, along with several alumni including Eugene Reininger ’01, Dustin Hanna, and Patrick Conway ’03, also contributed to several vegetation classifications for the Mesa Verde National Park and National Park Service. Recently Lisa, David, and Dustin Hanna, with students in the On-campus Bachelor of Arts Block course Field Biology Studies: Colorado Plateau, completed a study of the recovery of piñon24

Transitions Summer 2010

juniper woodlands from the massive bark beetle outbreak of 2003-2005. A final report has been submitted to the National Park Service. In September, 2009, Lisa, Tim Crews, and David Hanna received a two-year grant from the Joint Fire Science Program to evaluate changes in forest structure after fires and beetle outbreaks in the Four Corners region. Lisa also presented a poster at the Arizona Weed meetings in Casa Grande, Ariz., entitled “Predicting and mitigating effects of fire on weed invasions” this past November.

Deborah Ford, M.A. Arts & Letters faculty member Deb Ford was nominated for a 2010 Governor’s Arts Award in the Individual category, reserved for living Arizona individuals who have made a significant impact on arts/culture in Arizona through philanthropy, leadership and/or direct involvement. The Governor’s Arts Awards have been held for nearly 30 years to recognize outstanding contributions by Arizona artists, arts organizations, businesses, educators and individuals. The Awards are presented each year by Arizona Citizens for the Arts, in partnership with the Arizona Commission on the Arts and the Office of the Governor of Arizona.

Ed Grumbine, Ph.D. On-campus Bachelor of Arts Environmental Studies faculty member Ed Grumbine recently published a book, Where the Dragon Meets the Angry River: Nature and Power in the People’s Republic of China, with Island Press. (See Last Word, page 29).

Lee James, M.S.T. While on sabbatical, Adventure Education faculty member Lee James recently completed a 60-day solo canoe trip in the Canadian arctic, following the path of one of the great unsung heroes of Arctic exploration, George Back. He teaches a course in the history of exploration at Prescott College, as well as one in canoeing.

Steven Pace, M.S.W. Steve Pace was recently elected Chair of the Association for Experiential Education’s Accreditation Council. The Council designs, monitors, and promotes the accreditation program for organizations offering adventure-based experiential education programming and services. Steve was also a contributing editor of the 5th Edition of The Manual of Accreditation Standards for Adventure Programs, published in November of 2009.

100–Year Flood

hile master’s students often report that some of the most memorable experiences of their educations happen at Colloquia, all those who traveled to Prescott this past January are unlikely to forget the weekend of the 100–year flood. On Wednesday night snow began blanketing the ground in a fluffy white powder. By morning rain was coming down, becoming sheets that melted the accumulated snow, sending a rush of water down roads, downspouts, and creeks. Butte Creek behind the Crossroad Center began to rise. By mid afternoon Thursday the small creek, dry most of the year, had overflowed its banks, nearly surpassing 100-year flood levels. By 3:30 p.m. it was well over 50 feet wide in spots. Academic, event, and Facilities staff worked around the clock to keep persons and property safe. Periodic flooding is crucial to maintaining healthy creek and riparian ecosystems; 100-year floods are “kind of like a flush to the system,” says Amanda Richardson, Watershed Program Coordinator for Prescott Creeks. “Big floods will wipe out some vegetation but leave formations like sandbars for new vegetation, species like cottonwoods and willows, and create new movement and meanders where new plants can come up. A lot of riparian plant species depend on these floods and are adapted to them,” Richardson said. The riparian corridor along the section of Butte Creek that bisects the campus is currently being prepared for planting and growing native species, particularly those grown by indigenous people of the region, and for a pollinator garden. Late last year faculty members Terril Shorb and Rebekah Doyle worked with Marjory Sente in the Development Office to apply for, and ultimately received, a grant for $4,000 from the Yavapai County Community Foundation to begin developing the Butte Creek Botanical Sanctuary. Eventually multi-generational educational programs on the native foods and medicinal plants of the region will be offered and interpretive signage will aid in understanding the Sanctuary and its vegetation.

Wayne Regina, Psy.D. Psychology and Peace Studies faculty member Wayne Regina was a panel member for a presentation and discussion entitled Beyond Ozzie and Harriet: Challenges Facing Non-Traditional Families. This panel was part of the Arizona Association for Family and Conciliation Courts’ annual conference February 5-6, 2010, in Sedona, Ariz. Dr. Regina joined a panel consisting of judges and attorneys as they discussed the implications of Arizona law denying non-biological, homosexual parents any child access rights in disputed custody cases. Dr. Regina is a licensed psychologist, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and certified, senior mediator and trainer for the Superior Court of Yavapai County.

Mary Margaret Sweeney, Ph.D. Core Faculty for Adventure-Based Psychotherapy and Ecotherapy in the Low-residency Master of Arts Counseling Psychology Department, Mary Margaret Sweeney was a DuVall Fellowship recipient for the wildlife conservation organization, Keeping Track, of Jericho, Vt., from January 25 through February 14, 2010. The fellowship focused on animal tracking, including sign identification and scent marking. Keeping Track is devoted to preserving wildlife habitat by creating citizen scientists who can establish the presence of keystone species on local land. Dr. Sweeney will also be a copresenter for the workshop, Nature-Based Rites of Passage: Creating Experiences Girls(and Women) Need, at the Rowe Conference Center, Rowe, Mass.

Transitions Summer 2010

Class Notes Sally dhruva’ Stephenson ’75 Sally is teaching and performing in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. On sabbatical from Frostburg State University in Maryland, she is currently teaching English to doctoral students at Hunan Normal University and performing in the region. She graduated in May 2009 from Frostburg State University with a bachelor of science in music education and toured in China in 2008 with the FSU Chamber Choir.

Prescott Creeks Preservation Association – the organization with which I worked on my Senior Project. Actually, some might argue that I am still working on my Senior Project with the restoration work at Watson Woods Riparian Preserve. But that is not the exciting news, or it is, but there is more exciting news. As of this past fall I am engaged to Amylee Thornhill ’09 and we are expecting our baby ThornByrd in June! We’ll keep you posted as there is more news. All my best to those of you that I haven’t seen or talked to in too many years.

Maggie McManus ’84 Turned fifty in December and celebrated with my daughter Elly, 12, by exploring the high Andes of Peru. Son Rob, 7, stayed home with Dad to run the orchard. Farm life suits us all here east of the Cascades. Still in close touch with fellow Washingtonian Brennan Van Blair ’85. Recently had word from Frank Pilarski ’85 (Portland) and Lisa McKhann ’85 (Duluth). Wondering where Kevin Magill ’85 and Kenny Howell ’85 landed? Be in touch, folks. Eat Pears! mcmanus@heirloompears.com.

John Sheedy ’96, M.A. ’05 Sandra and I have decided to move to Tucson so that we can be closer to Sandra’s family south of the border and closer to our farm that we are slowly improving in Alamos. We were planning to move next summer, but after Sandra was denied a travel permit in Nogales last week to come back to Colorado, we decided to move to Tucson sooner since it falls into the free travel zone for visa holders while we get through the rest of her residency process. We are very excited and hope you will come visit us after we settle in!

John Donohie ’91 Happily teaching geography, math, character education and sustainability at a private, progressive school in Marin County. Contact: johnohie@yahoo.com.

Sean Nordquist ’98 In the past year I have taken up writing for several publications about craft beer, brewing, and the industry in general. Contact: jedinord@gmail.com.

Eric Glomski ’92 Blood Into Wine, a documentary from the directors of Moog and The Heart Is A Drum Machine, begins to land in theaters on February 19, 2010. Trailer and screening times: www.bloodintowine.com.

Matt Clow ’93 Saluting the Mountain Gods in the Tetons 1996. Taken by and courtesy of Tim Tobin ’93 at haulbag@yahoo.com.

Michael Byrd ’96 I’m finally compelled to send a note for this section. Since graduation I’ve been in Prescott leading the charge for 26

Transitions Summer 2010

Clark Kotula ’99 Moved from Cusco, Peru, to San Francisco with my wife in 2007. I am continuing to work in the adventure travel industry for Latin America. My wife and I welcomed a little boy into our lives on October 7, 2009 – Carter Kotula. Life is grand. Contact: clarkkotula@hotmail.com. Kate Robinson ’99 I just enrolled in the one-year, postgraduate Creative Writing program at Aberystwyth University in Aberystwyth, Wales, considered to be one of the best in the UK. I’m totally captivated by the magic of Wales! Contact: kater@commspeed.net. Susan (Freitag) Fronckowiak ’00 On July 24, 2010, Steve and I welcomed our son Alexander Armstrong into this world! Contact: adventurechic98005@yahoo.com. Joseph Ventimiglia M.A. ’01 As a young child facing daily abuse, Joseph was filled with shame, anger and sadness. He credits the grace of writing and the love of the outdoors with healing his pain and allowing him to forgive. Joseph has been fortunate to have poetry bring him in touch with his higher, better self. Joseph published a book of poetry, Fragile Expression, in January 2010. To buy a copy visit www.lulu.com. Brock McCormick ’02 Brock works for the Forest Service while continuing to nurture his artistic nature through photography. He most recently exhibited work at the Fraser Valley Library in Fraser,

Colo., during the month of March. View his work online at www.wabisabiwolverine.com. Matthew Buchanan Cherry ’04 Married Megan Buchanan Cherry October 4, 2008, in Prescott. Son Avery Matthew Buchanan Cherry born at home Aug 18, 2009. Courtney Osterfelt ’04 Prescott College alumna and Student Activities Coordinator Courtney Osterfelt ’04, M.A.’10 was selected for the 2009 Soroptimists of Prescott Ruby Award. Soroptimists’ mission is to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and around the world. Courtney was honored in a ceremony on March 31, 2010. Emily Gable ’05 After leaving Prescott in July of 2007 with my husband, James Pierson ’07 and infant daughter Parula, we set on an adventure to the east coast, back to the same time zone as our families. We have ended up in mid-coast Maine in a tight community of Belfast. We have recently become involved with the Belfast Cohousing and Ecovillage, a community in its planning stages located on 30 acres of farmland with a mission to promote agriculture, community, and sustainability. With the addition of our second child in August of 2008, Sorrel, we feel it will be a great place for us to live. We have already made some great connections with the people of the community. I have come to find out that many people actually know quite a bit about Prescott College and have several connections directly to the school already! To check out more about this project go to: www.mainecohousing.org. Cristina Eisenberg M.A. ’06 Cristina’s research was featured in “Prodigal Dogs: Have gray wolves found a home in Colorado?” a story from the February 2010 issue of High Country News by Michelle Nijhuis. Cristina is also author of The Wolf’s Tooth: Keystone Predators, Trophic Cascades, and Biodiversity, available from Island Press as of April 2010. Adam Krusi-Thom M.A. ’06 In Ethiopia with my partner Jillian Van Ness ’08 for the next one to two years to engage in voluntary service through an organization called VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas). Follow us on our blog at: ThreeCupsOfBuna.wordpress.com. Dana Launius ’06 SEEDs of Euphoria: Self-esteem, Empowerment, Education through Dance – Hopworks Urban Brewery, Portland’s First “Eco-Brewpub.” Contact: miscelaunius@gmail.com. Sandi Valdez M.A. ’07 Currently committed to research and development of a holistic health and wellness program for addiction recovery. The primary goal is to promote emotional, spiritual, and physical balance and wholeness, leading to healthy, addiction-free lives. Contact: sandnsmoke@juno.com.

Mary K. Croft M.A. ’08 I have earned a second master’s in English: children’s literature, and am preparing to teach Middle School English, as well as presenting at numerous conferences. My papers are often in reference to the author Morgan Llywelyn (discovered during my first semester as a MAP student!) My most recent presentation was at the Popular Culture Conference in Albuquerque in February; next week I’ll travel to Louisville for the National Conference for Teachers of English. Barbea Williams ’10 In December 2009 Barbea Williams of Tucson was awarded one of six prestigious Artist Project Grants from the Arizona Commission on the Arts. Offered annually, these grants support the professional development of Arizona artists with awards of up to $5,000. Barbea’s project is titled African by Legacy – Mexican by Birth. She will travel to Mexico to study the historical and intercultural connections between Mexico and the African Diaspora through the lens of dance. The project will culminate in a performance of choreography. Barbea is adjunct faculty in the School of Dance at the University of Arizona, and the Artistic Director of Barbea Williams Performing Company, Inc., and the University of Arizona Afrikana Dance Ensemble. Jacob Griscom ’08 Jacob is the Western Regional Manager for BetterWorld Telecom, a nationwide, carbon-neutral, full-service voice and data telecommunications carrier focused on helping businesses and organizations reduce costs and carbon, while increasing capabilities through telecommunications. Contact Jacob at: jgriscom@betterworldtelecom.com. Aryn LaBrake ’09 I am now working for Prescott College in the Development Office. I am learning how to fundraise, write articles for magazines (look for my work in Ecos and Transitions), and run events through the Alumni and Parent Relations office. I’m hoping this experience will help me one day start my own nonprofit! Contact: alabrake@prescott.edu. Gary Sullivan M.A. ’09 By completing the Master of Arts School Guidance Counseling certification program at Prescott College June 2009, I was able to finish obtaining my state school counseling certification in Georgia and am now eligible to work in preschool through 12th grade settings.

Transitions Summer 2010

“Greening Up” Administration Reduces Paper Flow Prescott College dramatically reduced paper usage in its low-residency and graduate programs this past academic year through implementation of electronic forms which replaced paper documents and physical routing. This effort was funded in part by the College’s sustainable initiatives program. According to Kistie Simmons M.A. ’08, Coordinator of Elearning for the College, the low-residency undergraduate and graduate programs replaced 180 different paper-based forms, most used to track student progress including grades, evaluations, and required degree artifacts, along with other administrative duties, since last fall. “Overall, nearly 5,000 multi-page forms were completed

electronically,” Kistie explained. “The introduction of the electronic forms has increased efficiency, positively impacted our ecological footprint, and been met with great enthusiasm by students, faculty, and staff,” she said. Kistie reports that response has been so enthusiastic that the department plans to convert additional forms to the electronic format in the coming year, and is working closely with other departments to reduce the paper flow in their areas as well. This is just the latest in a series of efforts across the College to convert more paper-based processes to electronic-only. The process of assessing, adopting, and mounting sustainable initiatives across campus has accelerated in the past two years since the College’s Sustainability Committee began incenting new initiatives from students, staff and faculty with funding through a Request For Proposal process. Prescott College’s Financial Aid Office also went paperless on a large scale in 2006.

If you want to join the Legacy Society and plan to include the College in your estate plan, we would like to thank you and answer any questions you have. Please contact the Development Office at (877) 350-2100, ext. 4505, (928) 350-4505 or development@prescott.edu (Planned Giving in subject line).

Transitions Summer 2010

The Last Word

Where the Dragon Meets the Angry River Nature and Power in the People’s Republic of China Ed Grumbine’s new book combines page-turning travelogue with a thoughtful view into the forces shaping human and natural relations in China. China is now top emitter of C02 gases in the world, having overtaken the US as its economy closes in on ours in terms of size and influence. And China’s population is huge. While its land mass roughly compares with the US, China’s population was roughly equal to what ours is now – 300 million – before the ink was dry on the Declaration of Independence. People are everywhere in China, and the civilization goes back millennia. The rules of protecting nature through exclusion of people, one of the foundations of European and American environmental policy, can’t possibly apply. But that’s not the whole story of China’s relationship with nature. Promise can be found in remote Yunnan Province, near the borders of Myanmar and Laos. There, at China’s frontiers, a nascent, grassroots environmental movement grows along the margins where development has yet to entirely overwhelm nature. Management of resources, including the mighty rivers that feed southern Asia, hold the fate not only of the environment and economy of China, but of neighboring nations as well. As much an adventure story as it is a survey of environmental efforts in the most populous country on earth, Where the Dragon Meets the Angry River: Nature and Power in the People’s Republic of China (April 2010, Island Press) takes readers step by rugged step through the mountains and villages of wild China. Ed Grumbine’s personal encounters with villagers, farmers, factory workers, smugglers, and students – he is often accompanied by Prescott College students whose thoughtful observations also color these pages – reveal a deep care for nature even among those who despoil it to sustain their lives. Grumbine peels back layers of political, economic, historic, and cultural forces shaping the “green” debate in China today. He treks through rainforests and stumbles upon vast new rubber plantations interspersed with “protected” tracts of forest, and meets with stakeholders who seek to use the riches of the rivers for electricity, agricultural irrigation, and viable fisheries, as well as those who respect nature for its own sake. This book asks the tough questions: Who are the players in China’s environmental dialogue? Does the dialogue parallel ours? What “green” progress has actually been made in China? Grumbine visits a huge hydroelectric dam project on the

Nu River, the lifeblood of the region, put on hold because of environmental concerns. He discovers newly protected national parks and wildlife preserves that are home to some of the richest collections of plants and animals in the world. And he witnesses China’s relentless drive for clean, renewable power to improve the lives of an exploding population.

The Nu River

What’s his prognosis? “Everywhere there are signs of progress. China is only 30 years into its modern industrial revolution; the US had a poor pollution track record until the passage of the Clean Air and Water Acts in the 1970s,” he observes. Hardly the totalitarian regime we tend to cast it as, China’s growing middle class – always the source of environmental stewardship wherever it comes into existence – “are gaining a stronger political voice and demanding a clean environment. The government is listening and has more money to invest in pollution solutions; and the rule of law in China is becoming stronger.” Where the Dragon Meets the Angry River goes far beyond policy-level discussions of China’s environmental progress, and beyond the constraints of popular journalism. It goes off the beaten path to explore what this economic giant may do to further harm the environment – or to protect it. With favorable reviews pouring in, including Publisher’s Weekly and Science News, within days of publication, this book makes a valuable contribution to the environmental conversation which will shape the future of our green planet, for better or worse. R. Edward Grumbine teaches in the undergraduate Environmental Studies program at Prescott College. He is the author of Ghost Bears: Exploring the Biodiversity Crisis and editor of Environmental Policy and Biodiversity.

Transitions Summer 2010

Providing life-enhancing learning opportunities for all ages in the following program areas: ) Educational Travel & Adventure Programs • Travel, adventure, learning, and service programs for all ages – join us in Costa Rica, Tanzania, Nepal, and the Grand Canyon. ) Professional Development Programs • Certifications, CEUs, workshops, classes, and conferences for professional growth and success in the areas of leadership, management, entrepreneurship, sustainability, wellness, behavioral health, and education. ) Youth, Adult, Family, and Community Programs • A diverse and ever-changing selection of fun classes, life-enhancing experiences, and lifelong learning opportunities for all ages including youth camps, adventure trips, digital media, dance, yoga, rock climbing, the arts, going green, and communication.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Phoenix, AZ Permit No. GH85694

Public Relations Office 220 Grove Avenue Prescott, AZ 86301

Change Service Requested

Recyclable