FALL 2023
A publication for the Prescott College Community
ON THE
Road River
AND ON THE
Photo Credit: Newt Lynn
1
Intro
You are speaking and we are listening. Alumni asked in our survey for small gatherings, experiences and trips and other ways to engage as well as wanting news on our current happenings. As we reach out we continue to learn more and we have been so thrilled with the deep passion for the College and the impact it is had on so many lives. Every day PC is making a difference through you. Thank you!! As we looked at Transitions, we talked about a theme and came up with On the Road and On the River. As you read through this issue, I hope you will pick up the passion that spreads through faculty, staff, students and alumni as we all embark on different but similar journeys. I invite you to share your journey, attend our informal get togethers or join us on the next raft trip, at Kino or Dopoi center. We are also looking at other alumni adventures that folks have offered to host. Stay tuned. Hope our paths cross soon. Happy adventures. Jane
Jane’s Message................................................................ 2 President’s Letter............................................................ 5 San Juan Alumni Rafting Trip........................................ 6 Julie’s Sabbatical Update: Faculty Sabbatical Builds Alumni Relationships.............. 8 Alumni Updates............................................................. 10 Crossroads Center Named To Honor James Stuckey.............................................12 Student Spotlight...........................................................13 The Center For Nature And Place Goes Mobile..................................................14 Arizona Serve Moves To Historic Y........................................................15 Adventure Education Seniors And Their Transformative Projects.............16 Adventures Of Students...............................................17 Sustainability Focus: Zero Waste Campus Initiative..........................................18 The M.S. In Sustainable Food Systems: An Interdisciplinary Learning Adventure.........................19 Maasailand Alumni Reunion Trip Information.............................................20 Kino Bay Alumni Reunion Information......................................................21 Annual Report................................................................. 22
3
Intro
Dear friends, Over the last year, we have focused on reestablishing connections and bridging gaps within our community. We want our alumni to forever remain a part of Prescott College, inspiring our students with their stories, successes, and mentorship. We want our students to thrive in an environment that encourages them to not only ask the hard questions but to be empowered to act on solutions, inspiring our alumni with their courage of conviction and willingness to create positive change. This is the Prescott College way. In this issue of Transitions, you will learn about our work at our “basecamp” campus in Prescott; on the road: reengaging with alumni, studying in the field, and supporting our local communities, and on the river: rekindling old friendships and forging new ones. Prescott College is a special place because the College is so much more than a campus. It is all of you, across the country and around the world, bringing your passion and strength, getting into the weeds and taking action. Thank you for living our core values and making us all proud to be members of this incredible community. Enjoy this edition of Transitions, and we will see you on the road (or the river)! Sincerely, Barbara
5
TAKE IT
Outside
San Juan Alumni Rafting Trip Memories, laughter, stories, adventures, history experiences, plentiful water, first-class food & drinks, and fantastic guides made the alumni raft trip special. And that still doesn't describe the magic of the journey. Hope you will enjoy the pictures and the link to the video. We had expected to do a trip this fall, but it looks like June 2024. Stay tuned. Scan QR code to watch the Alumni Trip Video Photos by Newt Lynn & Brian Lilla
6
Or Visit: https://qrs.ly/hif4pay
7
Julie’s Sabbatical Update:
Faculty Sabbatical Builds Alumni Relationships
Being awarded a sabbatical has always been viewed as a gift and an exciting professional opportunity. As I approached my third sabbatical at Prescott College, I continually asked myself ‘What type of project would motivate me and feel most relevant at this time?’. I had been serving as the faculty representative on the college’s Board of Trustees for 5 years and continually heard people asking, “What are our alumni doing? We need to have a better idea of what our alum are doing in the world and how PC shaped and influenced their path. AND, how might we encourage our alumni to engage with the college again?” These questions became the focus of my sabbatical and so far, it has been super fulfilling to reach out and connect with folks face to face and hear what people are up to and how they describe the impact PC has had on them and their life’s path. Over the past 3 months I have intentionally met with over 70 alumni in Oregon, Washington, Montana and Utah. The project kicked off early June with an alumni river trip on the San Juan. There were six alum staffing the trip, 17 alumni participants and 8 additional family members. Brian Lilla, of “92, came on the trip to film and capture the stories of the participants. This resulted in a fun, five minute film that is soon to be shared broadly.
8
Everywhere I go, alumni friends have been so kind and warm, and really positive about sharing their stories and reflecting on their PC experiences. It is clear that people are excited to connect with one another and meet other folks in their area. Many people are directly using their college degrees, but regardless everyone seems to share a similar sentiment of confidence and empowerment that came from their educational experience. Common quotes and themes I hear sound like “Prescott College cultivated my love for learning that I carry with me to this day.” “I learned to believe in myself and trust that I can do anything I set my mind to.” “I feel empowered to take risks, try new things and ask big questions.” “Prescott College taught me to communicate, problem solve and be a leader. These are skills that serve me in a multitude of areas” None of this came as a surprise, but to hear old friends speak in this way with a smile on their face and appreciation in their words, provides a legacy to share sincerely with current and future students. I look forward to many more visits this coming year.
9
ALUMNI UPDATES
Ebarb Family ‘84
Hunter Dahlberg ‘95
Liisa Raikkonen, and Tony Ebarb, graduated from PC in 1984. Our daughter Haide was in her 4th year at PC when she lost her life in a tragic auto accident in 1999. We have established a scholarship in her name at PC which pays out money each year to PC students. Since that time, our daughter Theresa Ebarb graduated from PC, our God Daughter Dr. Laura Oliver graduated from PC, then, also earned her MS from PC, and now is a Professor at PC.
I’ve been living in Bend, OR for twenty years. I own a blacksmithing business, Orion Forge, that specializes in architectural ironwork. Great skiing, biking and boating here so there is plenty to do when not in the shop.
Because of our degrees from PC we both graduated from the University of Oregon School of Law, and have been practicing licensed Tax Attorneys for over 30 years. During this time, we have four other children who graduated from the University of Arizona, one went on after that and graduated from the University of Washington, and is now a law professor, licensed in three states, plus a licensed Solicitor in Briton. What we want our Alumni to know is that our degrees from PC gave us income to finance our children to attend college, plus our grandchildren to attend college. All of these descendants are happy and are enjoying a good life all because of Prescott College. Without our degrees from Prescott College none of this would have been possible.
10
Courtney Osterfelt ‘11 Courtney Osterfelt was the May graduation commencement speaker. Courtney is the executive director of Launchpad in Prescott. She shared lessons learned through her journey after graduation with students and provided some key items to think about as they embarked on their careers.
Send Us Your Updates! Danny ‘08 and Kelly ‘11 St. Lawrence I am Danny St Lawrence, graduating class of 2008 and my wife, Kelly Morton is graduating class of 2011. After years of working in the food service, Waldorf education, and with organic farmers, together we started a locally sourced, mobile wood fired pizza business called Boone Dog Pizza. After operating that for 4 years we built a Food truck Pod/ restaurant/bar in Sisters, Oregon called the Barn in Sisters. With the following that we built from our food truck, we used that platform to build a permanent location using the same ethos of locally source and milled wood, with reclaimed logs from tear down developments. With an amazing team of local craftsman and artists, we were able to build a business and venue for the culinary, visual, musical artists and farmers in our community. The ethics instilled in Kelly and I from our time at Prescott College and beyond, pushed us to want to build something for our community that was a solution to many of the large commercial scale businesses that we encounter too often. We aim to nourish, replenish and give back to the land that gives us this life.
We love to hear about what our Alumni are up to and the impact you’re making in your communities.
FreeWill Through our recent partnership, FreeWill is delighted to help you create your legal will with or without including the college in your plans. It’s 100% free to you, and most people finish in 20 minutes or less.
11
Crossroads Center Named to Honor James Stuckey
Jim arrived on campus in the summer of 1971 as one of two instructors hired for the Leadership Institute, a sister organization to the on-campus, class based Prescott College. In 1974, Jim described it as close to magic and hooked him when he was able to see the two blended into one and described it as a belief in the primacy of learning - faculty as well as student. Jim went on to see himself as having the honor of being a part of the group that helped keep things together when the lights went out later that year. Serving as President for a brief period during the time of resurrection of the College in the basement of Hassayampa Inn, Jim went on to teach and lead the College through the bankruptcy, name changes and joined the group of early students and faculty who had the tenacity and vision to keep Prescott College alive.
12
On November 3, 2023, the Prescott College community will gather in the Crossroads Conference Room for a dedication and naming ceremony to recognize the years of service James Stuckey gave to Prescott College and the spirit of alumni who pitched in to preserve PC. From pulling the College out of bankruptcy to the many students he impacted, we are thrilled to name the Crossroads Center and dedicate the South-side classroom building in his honor.
We hope to do a display with stories and pictures of early alumni and Jim’s impact on the college. If you would like to mail a story or picture of James for inclusion in the display or a scrapbook, please email jane.ratzlaff@prescott.edu or mail to Jane Ratzlaff at 220 Grove Ave, Prescott, AZ 86301.
Name a building! If you’re interested in seeing your name and legacy on the Prescott College campus, reach out to Jane to see about getting the process started.
Online
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
SUNNY BROWN ‘24 M.A. Social Justice and Community Organizing Sunny Brown’s passion for social justice and community organizing stems from a deep belief in the importance of equity and the recognition of the disparities that exist in society.
her with a deep understanding of the pedagogy necessary to effectively serve the next generation. “Through my role as an educator, I am dedicated to creating a classroom environment that promotes inclusivity, equity, and justice. I strive to foster critical thinking, empower my students to challenge systemic biases, and encourage them to become active agents of change in their communities,” states Sunny. “By infusing anti-racist principles into my teaching practices, I aim to cultivate a sense of social responsibility and empathy among my students.” Beyond the classroom, Sunny participates in local organizations that advocate for equitable access to education, affordable housing, and healthcare. With 15 years of experience as a YMCA veteran, Sunny has dedicated her time to serving predominantly Black and Brown legacy branches in Harlem, NY; Charlotte, NC; and Atlanta, GA. Throughout her tenure at the YMCA, she has taught swim lessons, coached inner city swim teams, and trained/certified lifeguards and swim instructors. Sunny also serves as the Troop Leader for the Girls Scouts Service Unit in Southeast Dekalb, Greater Atlanta. Within the faith and justice sector, she serves as a pastor overseeing connections and youth in the Atlanta Metro area. You can learn more about Sunny by listening to her podcast – Sunny Side View, in which she discuss all the things. (https://tr.ee/cN1zSMRRLQ), She also produces a podcast with her fellow classmates at Prescott College – Making The Table: Black Women Podcast (https://tr.ee/ZrrDp9-kyJ).
“Everyday I am motivated by the fact that there are numerous underserved youth and families who are struggling to thrive in a country that claims to be the wealthiest in the world, shares Sunny. “I was driven to pursue a master’s degree that will provide me with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify issues, secure funding, and address these challenges through policy changes.” Over the past few years, Sunny has been involved in several unique projects, volunteerism areas, and research that has given her opportunities to make a meaningful impact in her community: She was recently accepted into Teach for America, which has provided her with a platform to make a direct impact. The combination of her experience and academic studies at Prescott College has equipped
13
The Center for Nature and Place Goes Mobile From Paul Ohm
The Prescott College Center for Nature & Place was established to support and expand training for early childhood educators, pre-service teachers, administrators, and program directors in developmentally appropriate nature and placebased pedagogy. Founded in 2016 with support from the George B. Storer Foundation, the Center resides in and is integrated with Prescott College’s Department of Education and Teacher Preparation. The Center for Nature and Place is housed in Tucson with a mobile unit called the Earth Express, our first nature and place-based traveling outdoor classroom! The Center continues to address the following interrelated problems: 1) Vast inequities exist among different racial and ethnic groups. These inequities affect lives and livelihoods and impact quality of life. Areas affected often include (but are not limited to) income, access to education, healthcare, food, and housing security. Communities narrowing gaps in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) can advance the quality of life for all its members. 2) Nature Place Based (NPB) education continues to interest and motivate EC educators. Teachers, especially those working in public school settings, face challenges including the fragmentation of nature, place-based, and environmental themes in the various subjects, inadequate instructional materials, inadequate training of teachers to handle nature and ecological-related topics in their subject areas and teaching practices that are not appropriate for the young learners they serve.
14
3) Longitudinal work is required to shift the national paradigm; it requires ongoing, stable, and persistent attention. 4) NPB education can play a vital role in environmental issues. Educators must understand how alignment between STE(A)M and nature and place-based education can help prepare young children to solve real-life problems and issues. 5) While a wealth of research has been published in recent years on the topics of nature and placebased learning for young children, little of this research has been translated from the language of academic, peer-reviewed journals to the practical considerations and accessible language preferred by many in the field of early childhood education. For more on the Center for Nature and place, visit prescott.edu/natureandplacecenter.
Arizona Serve Moves to Historic Y 1Arizona Serve is an AmeriCorps program of Prescott College that places over 200 individuals to serve poverty alleviation projects in Yavapai & Pima Counties. They currently partner with over 50 nonprofit organizations and schools. In July of 2023, the Tucson team found a new home at the Historic Y building in Tucson AZ. The Historic Y is the premier center for the arts, education, human rights, and social and environmental justice in Tucson. Arizona Serve’s mission of connecting passionate people with transformative community partners aligns well with the Historic Y. There are currently 50 other tenants in the building whose work focuses on environmental stewardship, social justice, and youth development. This is a great match for Arizona Serve to continue developing partnerships and support the great work of nonprofits. “The Historic Y is a real hub for nonprofits,” said Sarah Haber Director of State Programs at Arizona Serve. “As we expand our partnerships, we can start right here within our own offices.”
Anyone interested in partnering or serving with Arizona Serve can contact americoprs@arizonaserve.org or visit the website arizonaserve.org.
The Historic Y is located in downtown Tucson in the West University Neighborhood. It is a quick street car ride away from the University of Arizona, Tucson High School, as well as other notable destinations. This location has been more accessible to their current team of AmeriCorps members. “This new location makes me feel more connected to the community,” said Allison Doty, AmeriCorps Program Manager at Arizona Serve. “I love being able to walk to local spots and interface with even more people in the community.”
15
Adventure Education Seniors and Their Transformative Projects From Cecil Goodman, Adventure Education Faculty Member
Adventure education seniors have completed another batch of amazing/inspiring/transformational senior projects – including Savannah Sandoe’s project working with the outdoor club at Phoenix Union High School, which culminated in a 3-day fully Prescott College student-led backpacking trip that sought to foster student leadership and community. There were rave reviews from the high school students and the teacher. Here’s what the teacher had to say:
“I wanted to take a moment and tell you that Savannah truly came through on her project. Here’s a list of the things that were completed excellently: her communication with me throughout the entire process; her presentation to the students at school before the trip; her going back out to the trail to confirm water sources; the menu she planned; the extra gear she obtained- everything. However, where she excelled the most was in her leadership of the trip. Her positive energy and vibe could be felt during the entire trip. She led and served endlessly throughout. I was so impressed with her. This trip was every bit as outstanding as any trip that I’ve been on with Prescott College, and it was executed by two students.”
Congrats Savannah!
16
ADVENTURES OF STUDENTS By Sage and Friends
I could tell you a hundred different stories about Prescott College in all its beauty. But I will share one that is the foundation to which I have built my college career upon. We sit in silence at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. I suppose this was the moment I understood its “grandness.” We look up into the clouds where the skyline is cut short on either peripheral, to the canyon walls that tower overhead like the alps. We sit quietly, looking at the ascent we have spent the past twenty days preparing for. Night falls, and shortly dusk approaches. In the bright light of the moon, approximately 3,900 feet below the rim, we begin the ascent. The crunch of frozen snow and our crampons is the only noise echoing through our ears. Fear began to fill my head, “I don’t want this to be over yet”…”Prescott college orientation, isn’t this something I’ve been preparing for now for months?” “I am not ready to climb out of this hole
yet.” These questions swirl through my head as we climb upward. Hours go by and we are approaching the South Mogollon Rim, I can see it. It’s glowing now from the rising sun in the east, everything is a pinky orange. My heart begins to pound up into my ears as I look around myself, standing on the edge of this giant hole I was just in the bottom of. The sun peaks over the horizon lighting up the whole east facing side of the redwall stones, whilst the moon in the west is saying its goodbyes to the sun glowing in its beams of pink. Something cold hits my cheek, a tear rolled out and slipped. My professor stands behind us and says, “You’ve just accomplished one grand expedition, but now you face a much greater odyssey on its own.” Shivers roll down my spine as I stand on the edge of this massive crack in the earth that mentally and physically I climbed myself out of, to quite literally expand my horizon wider and further than I ever thought possible. For as far as I can see into the setting sun, the world is at my fingertips. This is why I love Prescott College.
17
Sustainability Focus:
Zero Waste Campus Initiative By Nathalie Burgeff
Nathalie (Nat) Burgeff graduated from Prescott College in Spring 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Zero Waste Management. Nat began her Zero Waste trajectory in her senior year when she was awarded the “Building Ecological Skill Sets for Transitions to Sustainability in Agriculture and Food Systems” (BEST) fellowship. She took this opportunity to learn about ecosystem services, work with the sustainability coordinator at Prescott College, and begin the research for her senior project. More specifically, Nat took this time to redesign a compelling new waste and recycling system to transition the Prescott College campus into a zero-waste lifestyle urban community. Holding the position of Zero Waste Coordinator from August to December 2022, Nat managed waste diversion tasks (weekdays and weekends), coordinated trash disposal schedules and logistics, supervised a workstudy crew, implemented a structured zero-waste methodology, and placed communication materials around campus to ensure success.
18
Through this process, Nat observed that there was a lack of understanding among students, faculty and staff surrounding waste and sorting systems; mainly due to various state policies on accepted recycling. She thus concluded that there were areas in which the College could improve the waste and sorting system and provide education to the campus community. So, Nat took on the project of bringing clarity to staff, students, and faculty by partnering with the Green Mountain for Sustainability to provide a variety of educational activities related to achieving Zero Waste goals. The most exciting activities as part of Nat’s Zero Waste initiative were fully immersive “Waste Audits” in which students emptied campus dumpsters, sorted through trash, and weighed different sub-categories of waste in order to gain an understanding of what exactly was being thrown away on campus. This exercise provided data for Nat’s project, which allowed her to quantify and analyze the amount and types of waste being generated, and she thus collaborated with the Post Landfill Action Network (PLAN) to execute a holistic waste assessment of the Prescott College campus, and offered solutions to the campus community to work towards a goal of Net Zero Waste by (2030). Although Nat graduated in May 2023, her project continues! In October, she will be a speak at the National Zero Waste Conference and present on her research and sustainability activism at Prescott College.
The M.S. in Sustainable Food Systems: An Interdisciplinary Learning Adventure By Lisa Trocchia, Ph.D. Program Coordinator
In its 5th year at Prescott College, the Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems (MSFS) program is happy to welcome another robust and diverse cohort this fall. Students from across the country and around the world come together in this vibrant, asynchronous, online learning community, united by the desire to create a sustainable, just, and resilient food system. Food plays a complex and unique role in society. Because food is central to the interests of many sectors–business, governance, healthcare, transportation, energy, education, and the environment–students in the program cultivate a systems-based, interdisciplinary approach as a means to research, examine, identify and analyze challenges, opportunities, and leverage points that support sustainable change strategies.
and collaborative leaders who actively contribute to social change. The concluding experience in the MSFS program is a Capstone project.This format provides the opportunity to demonstrate proficiencies that address food systems sustainability in ways that support student interests. THE CAPSTONE, is a podcast produced by the MSFS program to showcase students and their extraordinary contributions to the field. Currently in its fifth season, the podcast is distributed globally, available through all major podcast hosting services, and on the website: www.thecapstone.info.
The philosophical core of the program is the belief that food systems change is central to transformative social change. Students in the MSFS program gain a critical, action-oriented understanding of the food system as complex and adaptive, and they work together in supportive peer-learning environments to apply what they learn to their own bioregions. Optional degree concentrations are available in Food Justice, Sustainable Diets and Biodiversity, or Food Entrepreneurship. With the goal of creating justice and resiliency through food systems change, the MSFS program creates proficient, confident,
19
MAASAILAND ALUMNI REUNION
MAASAILAND ALUMNI REUNION TRIP INFORMATION
Alumni, Friends & Family JULY 26-AUGUST 2, 2024
A gathering OF ALUMNI and FRIENDS & FAMILY to celebrate 20 years of collaboration between Prescott College and the Maasai Community in Kenya Hosted by the Dopoi Center
Scan QR code to learn more, or register! 20
KINO BAY ALUMNI REUNION INFORMATION
R E T N E C Y A B KINO I TRIP N M U L A Let’s go back to the Kino Bay Center! We invite you to revisit the places where Prescott College classes make so many memories! Join us for field trips to explore the intertidal, look for birds,dolphins, and snorkel! Participate in activities alongside the Center’s staff and community partners! Reconnect with memories and learn about what the Center is doing today! There will also be plenty of time for relaxing on the beach, exploring local communities and more!
November 7th - 12th, 2023 FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL
ana.martinez@prescott.edu
Scan QR code to learn more, or register! 21
ANNUAL REPORT Board approves balanced budget for FY 2023-24. When Dr. Morris started in July 2021, the board had approved a budget with a bottom line of $635K. Upon examination of the expenses, and revenue based upon fall 2021 enrollment, the real budget was negative $3M. This deficit was considered a structural deficit, as this deficit has existed for a number of years. During FY 2021-22, revenue and expense budgets were further examined and administrative positions eliminated. While expenses were reduced by approximately $1M, a structural deficit of $2M still existed for FY 2022-23. Because of the deficit budget, essential spending protocols were implemented during the fiscal year. As a result of this essential spending, capital giving and increased general fundraising, the college ending FY 2022-23 with a slight positive bottom line. Revenue and expense items have been further analyzed and the FY 23-24 budget presented to and approved by the Board of Trustees, is nearly balanced.
0 -0.5
Millions
-1.0 -1.5 -2.0 -2.5 -3.0 -3.5
22
FY 2021-22 Real Budget
FY 2022-23 Original Budget
FY 2023-24 Original Budget
FY2023-24 Distribution of Expenses 9% Operating (Incl. Non Discretionary)
25%
% 37
Staff Salaries & Benefits Faculty Salaries & Benefits Grant Expenses
29%
FY2023-24 Distribution of Revenue 5% 5 %
Net Tuition
4 %
9% 3%
74%
Program Income/Other Grants Gifts Auxiliary Services Student Fees
23
In Memoriam: Ian O’Brien The Prescott College community mourns the loss of 2018 Adventure Education Alumn, Ian Thomas O’Brien, 28, who went missing on June 24, 2023 while running to the summit of Hesperus Mountain in southwest Colorado. Friends, family, strangers, and members of the local Montezuma and La Plata Search and Rescue teams actively searched for Ian for fifteen days. After 70 days, he was found by local fishermen on September 2, 2023. Montezuma Search and Rescue (SAR) and local authorities assisted in recovery efforts. In celebration of Ian’s life, a virtual Prescott College community gathering was held on the afternoon of August 30th to connect over our shared love of Ian and experience navigating loss and grief. The event created a gathering space where friends and other loved ones learned from each other, shared memories, and celebrated Ian, whose friends described as “happiest outdoors.” Taking time for collective healing is often one of the hardest things to do in the whirlwind of loss; Ian’s kind heart and passion for the wilderness will be remembered.
Prescott College
220 Grove Ave., Prescott AZ 86301 928-350-2100 | Prescott.edu