Unity College Magazine 2019

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FA L L 2 0 1 9

ENTERPRISE

REACHING NEW LEARNERS College-wide FLAGSHIP

TERRAIN Covering new Ground D I S TA N C E E D U C AT I O N

NEW Degrees

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Letter from the president Dear Unity College Community, It is my great pleasure to have served you in various leadership roles for the last six and a half years, four of those as president, and I look forward to serving many more. I came to Unity from Upper Iowa University where I was the Senior Vice President for Strategic Positioning: Chief Strategic Enrollment and Marketing Officer. After our second grandchild was born, Tracy and I decided we needed to come back to Maine. A two-day drive from Iowa to see our kids was just too much and I was homesick anyway. Yes, I originally emigrated from a small West African country known as The Gambia, and yes, I had an interesting journey getting from the civil unrest in that region to Fort Kent, Maine, but once I did, Maine quickly became my home.

Plus, the chance to work at America’s Environmental College was the opportunity of a lifetime.

The path to Unity that winter was a little snowy – okay a lot snowy, it is Maine after all, but I did finally make it back. Since my arrival at Unity College in 2012, there have been a lot of transformations, some have been met with open arms, and some with a little more skepticism.

We have executed one strategic plan successfully and we are now diving into the next one.

There have been physical transformations too. This year alone, we have moved Distance Education to Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Maine giving us a footprint in Southern Maine, and renovated Founders Hall South on the Flagship Campus. Founders Hall South was an exciting student-centric project – it allowed us to move all our Flagship student services to one location and created a new student lounge (we call it Base Camp) and state of the art science lab.

This year has also seen the launch of TERRAIN at the Flagship. While it is still a testbed this fall of 2019, it will be fully launched in 2020. TERRAIN is a radical shift in the way the first two years of college are delivered, although for Unity, innovation is par for the course.

TERRAIN took two years to develop using all our faculty and physical assets, including Nova which has now been wrapped into TERRAIN as part of our expedition piece. TERRAIN was developed in response to changing student and employer needs and creates an integrated approach to learning while giving students tangible skills for when they graduate. TERRAIN is a representation of what our new strategic plan is all about – Audience, in fact the new plan is called An Audience First Approach to Resilient, Sustainable Education.

I hope you enjoy the magazine again this year and I want to thank you for your continued support as we carry on our transformative journey!

In Unity, Dr. Melik Peter Khoury President Unity College

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FEATURES 6 Reaching New Learners College-Wide 10 TERRAIN: Covering New Ground 30 Founders Hall South Renovations

DEPARTMENTS 14 Unity News 18 Commencement: Travis Mills 32 Alumni Stories 42 Students in the News 44 Giving

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Unity Magazine Volume 34 No. 1 President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury Unity Magazine Team Joel Crabtree Erica Hutchinson Sharon Picard Laura Reed Alecia Sudmeyer Printer Franklin Printing Photography Joel Crabtree Laura Reed Alecia Sudmeyer Adobe Stock John McKeith Photography Cover Photo John McKeith Photography The Unity College Mission Through the framework of sustainability science, Unity College provides a liberal arts education that emphasizes the environment and natural resources. Through experiential and collaborative learning, our graduates emerge as responsible citizens, environmental stewards, and visionary leaders.

Online magazine.unity.edu

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Broadening our reach all across Maine, with sites in Unity, Thorndike, Moose River, New Gloucester, and Portland. Shown are participants in the first annual Summer Solstice SwimRun at Sky Lodge.

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Urban Ecology Unity College is engaging with new audiences through our missiondriven competencies, including urban ecology and climate adaptation, opening the door for learners to study green architecture and building design.

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Reaching new learners here, there, and everywhere How Unity College is introducing its mission and curriculum to more people in new locations while continuing to invest in students at its Flagship UNITY MAGAZINE 2019

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UNITY MAGAZINE REACHING NEW LEARNERS

In late August, the incoming class of 223 students and their families descended on Unity College’s Flagship in Unity, Maine, to settle into their residence halls, meet their classmates, and prepare for the next chapter of their lives. It’s a typical scene for the beginning of the Flagship semester, but the incoming class now stretches beyond those moving in at 90 Quaker Hill Road, with more than 60 additional first-year students pursuing their bachelor’s degree through Distance Education.

Add to that the returning undergraduates for both Flagship and Distance Education, as well DE’s master’s students, and nearly 1,000 students will be learning and working toward earning a degree from America’s Environmental College.

Falcon, Associate Professor of Conservation Law and Environmental Policy, would become the Vice President of Flagship.

also be responsible for the dayto-day operations of the SEBU while overseeing growth and change, which both SEBUs have seen a lot of recently.

“This restructuring of leadership and the Enterprise approach as a whole is truly an investment in our students’ education,” said Unity College President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury. “Zach and Amy will be dedicated to focus on their respective SEBUs, ensuring their success. With these two SEBUs in particular -- Flagship and Distance Education -- our

“Our Distance Education program is intentionally designed for adults who may have families or work full-time and are not be able to attend classes in person,” said Arnett.

“Distance Education was created to offer flexibility, so that learners can reach their goals at a pace that fits their lifestyle, and so far, we have exceeded our already lofty enrollment expectations, and we’re on track to continue that trend.”

The record-setting numbers stem from the College’s Enterprise Education model, which was adopted several years ago, and will continue to be built upon in the coming years. This model, which is made up of three key arms known Austin, Texas Commuters in greater Austin are met with as Sustainable Education 30 Unity College billboards, part of a larger branding Business Units -- Flagship, campaign which includes digital advertising.

Distance Education, and Sustainable Ventures -- gives the College flexibility to better primary outcome is the success DE is also meet student needs while also of our students. We want to looking to reaching new learners who could ensure that all of our students increase Sustainable Transportat benefit from courses or services are set up for success so that its microU-Go shuttle and bike ser that are either currently offered after earning their Unity College credentialing sustainable transportatio at Unity College or will be. degree they have the tools to program, to put to good use and become give adult Under the new Enterprise leaders in sustainability.” learners who are working partstructure, Unity College time or full-time an opportunity announced this summer that Under this new structure, to take the next step in their Dr. Amy Arnett, who previously Arnett and Falcon will report careers. As DE continues its served as the Chief Distance and collaborate with President exponential growth, the staff Education Officer, would take Khoury, and also partner with outgrew their office space just on the role of Vice President the College’s chief officers who down the road from the Flagship of Distance Education at are dedicated to continuing the in Unity, Maine, and joined the Unity College, and Zach Enterprise build-out. They will Pineland Farms community

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REACHING NEW LEARNERS UNITY MAGAZINE

in New Gloucester, Maine in October.

“It’s a natural fit with our mission,” said President Khoury. “Our Distance Education staff, who help facilitate a sustainableminded education to students all over the country, are themselves surrounded by sustainable farms and local foods in a beautiful setting, which is overseen by a like-minded organization.”

Meanwhile, Unity College’s Flagship has re-envisioned the residential experience for students in their first two years of college with TERRAIN. TERRAIN at Unity College uses Expeditionary Learning as its educational model,

live in Expeditionary Learning Communities.

In addition to TERRAIN, in the past five years Unity College’s Flagship has seen renovations and new building projects, including: • Three new residence halls built to LEED Silver standards • A Student Services Center putting all resources students need conveniently under one roof • A new, state-of-the-art science lab located in Founders Hall South • U-Go shuttle and bike

• Renovating The Unity College Center for the Arts with a new media lab for graphic art, photography, and documentary film; and new space for sculpting and ceramics • Upgraded lab facilities in the Koons Hall lab “I am excited at the opportunity to help further the Unity College mission at this critical moment in our growth as an institution,” said Falcon on his new role.

“Unity students are unique – their passion for the environment and commitment to changing the world through meaningful work is inspiring. I look forward to working with President Khoury to support our students and secure the future of the Flagship.

The faculty and staff of the Flagship are tireless in their dedication to the work of Unity, and I am proud to be joining in the effort in this new role.”

“Our new strategic plan is centered on audiences -- both old and new -- who could benefit from a Unity College education or service that we provide, Micro-credentials give working adult learners an and meeting their needs,” opportunity to take the next step in their careers. said Dr. Khoury. “Whether it’s a four-year residential services, which provide student coming straight out of reliable, safe, and sustainable high school, or a veteran who tion Flagship introduces transportation for students lives halfway across the country rvices which provide safe and between College-owned and cannot uproot their life to on. facilities and nearby towns move to Unity, Maine, or a local • A historic sporting lodge in business looking to educate its creating innovative courses where Maine’s Moose River Valley employees on how to become students receive comprehensive, that sits on more than 150 more sustainable, our goal is to relevant, and outcome-based acres offer them what they need to take opportunities to build or retool • A new, modernized facility for that next step.” their knowledge and professional the Collaborative Learning skills in sustainability fields.

Center TERRAIN brings an integrative • A three-fold increase in approach to learning, allowing the number of electric car magazine.unity.edu/audience students to learn where they chargers

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TER R AI N AT UNIT Y COLLEGE R E - ENVI SI ONS THE CUR R I CULUM FOR S TUDENT S I N THE FI R S T T WO Y E AR S OF COLLEGE magazine.unity.edu/terrain

TERRAIN: COVERING NEW GROUND UNITY MAGAZINE

For decades, students have been introduced to the college experience in the same manner, from the move-in process to the first two years of the curriculum. Most colleges and universities welcome Generation Z almost exactly as they did with baby boomers, Generation X, or Millennials, even though students today are vastly different than they were fifty or sixty years ago.

National data shows that today around 30 percent of students who begin attending a fouryear college will drop out after their first year, that anxiety and depression are on the rise for college students, and that there is an increasing demand that students have job-ready skills as well as a strong education when they receive their degree and enter the next chapter of their lives, whether that’s starting a career or going to graduate school.

Unity College has spent years reviewing national trends and the needs of current students, and in response has introduced TERRAIN at Unity College. Faculty and staff spent two years developing the co-curricular activities that have become TERRAIN at Unity College, gaining insight from students on how they want to learn, as well as employers on the skills they seek in ideal employees.

This fall, more than a quarter of incoming Flagship students chose to take part in a TERRAIN testbed, and beginning in the fall of 2020, all incoming students will take part in TERRAIN, as it will be the new way the College delivers its Flagship curriculum.

“We listened to the challenges that students face in the first two years of college, to industry leaders in the green economy who hire

our students, and did extensive research, which found that TERRAIN would revolutionize our curriculum and appeal to residential students who want to learn career-focused skills beginning the first day they enter Unity College,” said Unity College President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury. “TERRAIN allows students to explore a range of professional

In TERRAIN, students will take part in multi-day excursions to locations across the state and the country, to put their knowledge to practice in diverse contexts.

They’ll learn where they live, with speakers and field experts visiting to teach them in a setting that is conducive to exploring realworld ideas and concepts that can

A Revolutionary Curriculum We listened to the challenges that students face in the first two years of college, to industry leaders in the green economy who hire our students to create TERRAIN. opportunities, which will help them build the foundational skills for their careers and graduate school.”

So what does TERRAIN look like?

TERRAIN uses Expeditionary Learning as its educational model, creating innovative courses where students receive comprehensive, relevant, and outcome-based opportunities to build or retool their knowledge and professional skills in sustainability fields. TERRAIN brings an integrative approach to learning, allowing students to learn where they live in Expeditionary Communities. Cohorts of students share academic experiences and projects in addition to social and recreational opportunities centered around a theme or real-world challenge.

make a difference. They’ll work with tutors in their residence hall, develop and practice leadership skills, and collaborate within their Expeditionary Learning Community to explore issues and tackle challenges.

In the first week at Unity College, Savannah Sedivy, a first-year Marine Biology major who opted into the Fall 2019 testbed, joined roughly thirty students from the Expeditionary Community that she is a part of, on a three-day expedition to Sky Lodge in Maine’s Moose River Valley. There, Savannah and members of her cohort learned how to effectively map, use a GPS and compass, set up grids for surveys, and how to hike purely using sound.

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“Learning those practical skills that I can apply to my major first before I settle down into a desk with a textbook was my main goal,” said Sedivy. “Being stuck in a general classroom, even if you’re using realworld examples, doesn’t compare to actual real-world experience.

With these intertwined classes, TERRAIN has pointed me toward skills that I’ll use later in life, or even the very next day.”

In addition to internships, practicums, and short courses offered year-round, TERRAIN’s fourquarter academic calendar allows

students to engage in a robust residential college experience while having the flexibility for work, family commitments, and career opportunities. If a student wants to accelerate their education and earn a bachelor’s degree in fewer than four years, TERRAIN gives them that option, or if they need to take time off for any reason, they can do that as well.

“Currently, students build new knowledge in isolated contexts, in individual discipline-based courses.

But our mission requires us to prepare environmental problem-

solvers and leaders ready to tackle sustainability challenges. These are complex, multi-disciplinary problems. It is essential that our students are ready to employ their knowledge and skills in novel situations,” said Dr. Jennifer Cartier, Dean of the School of Environmental Citizenship at Unity College. “The other very compelling reason to reimagine undergraduate education is simply that we need to respond to our students. We have an obligation to give them what they need and what they and their parents value.”

Flexible four quarter calendar allows students to engage in a robust residential college experience while having the flexibility for work, family commitments, and career opportunities.

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Expeditionary Learning Cohorts of students share academic experiences and projects in addition to social and recreational opportunities centered around a theme or real-world challenge.

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UNITY COLLEGE News unity.edu/news

RACHEL KAHN NEW DIRECTOR OF CAREER SERVICES ‘I ENJOY WORKING IN CAREER SERVICES BECAUSE OUTCOMES ARE A TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS ’ Kahn will work to help students find relevant unpaid and paid internships that will provide a competitive advantage as they move toward their first career, give them direct access to interviews for career options, and in the long-term, support sustainable entrepreneurs who will graduate from Unity and follow their passion.

“Career Services has traditionally been a very internal office on college campuses, and it’s always been about going and helping students with resumes, cover letters, and job applications,” Kahn said. “My goal is to build more partnerships and create more pathways for students to have a competitive advantage when they graduate.”

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Unity Hosts First Annual Summer Solstice SWIMRUN In June, Unity College held its first annual Summer Solstice SwimRun at Sky Lodge in Moose River, Maine. SwimRun involves teams of two who have to make their way together around a point-to-point race course with alternating segments of running and open water swimming.

Teams may be female, male, or co-ed, making this a unique

competition that emphasizes cooperation and sportsmanship.

“When we received the gift of Sky Lodge last year, we knew it would be a transformative gift for Unity College, not only enhancing the experiential education for our students, but also enabling us to serve new populations in truly innovative ways. This SwimRun event is a perfect example of that,” said Unity College President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury.

Next year’s SwimRun will take place on June 20.

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ENTREPRENEUR AND AUTHOR STEVEN KOLTAI: PEACE THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP The Art of Androsia In May, a group of Unity College students studied the marine biology and ecology of Andros Island in the Bahamas, and its surrounding marine areas.

Snowmobiling Skills In January, students came together at Sky Lodge for a weeklong hands-on Snowmobile Skills course for certification.

Could stimulating economic opportunities and entrepreneurship be the key to curing global unrest?

Steven Koltai believes so, and he has outlined exactly how in his 2016 book “Peace Through Entrepreneurship: Investing in a Startup Culture for Security and Development.”

A Guest Scholar at the Brookings Institution and the Managing Director of Koltai & Co. LLC, an organization devoted to helping entrepreneurs, Koltai visited Unity College on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 to discuss entrepreneurship and sustainable development as part of the College’s Lapping Lecture guest speaking series.

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UNITY COLLEGE ONE OF 20 COLLEGES IN THE COUNTRY to PARTNER WITH GOOGLE ON NEW PROGRAM

STUDENTS BEGIN SIGNING UP FOR CODING COURSE, WHICH KICKS OFF IN THE FALL April 22, 2019 - Unity College is one of only 20 higher education institutions in the country selected to partner with Google to offer students a two-course sequence where they will develop coding and machine learning skills, which employers are becoming increasingly interested in when hiring.

“Innovation is one of the keys to keeping our curriculum fresh and up to date, and it also gives students an opportunity to maybe try something new,” said Unity College President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury. “As we look into what gives our degree added value, partnerships certainly come to mind, and that’s something we’re always open to. We’re honored to have been chosen by Google, which is one of the most prominent organizations we’ve worked with to date. However, we are always open to new collaborations and partnership opportunities with businesses, organizations, and leaders throughout Maine, 16

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the United States, and beyond.”

Students are currently signing up for the first course in the sequence that will take place in the fall, titled Foundations of Python Programming. The second course, How to Think Like a Data Scientist, will be held the following spring.

“There are many students who graduate from Unity College knowing exactly what they want to get out of a career, and they stay in that field until retirement. There are many, though, who will want to change careers at some point,” said Dr. Erika Latty, Unity College Chief Academic Officer. “This program will give students the foundational computer skills that will play a pivotal role in the future of the job market. Our students will be able to take those foundational skills and build upon them no matter where they go.”

As part of the partnership, Google will bring Dr. Tom Whittaker, Visiting Instructor of Physical Science at Unity College, to New York to familiarize him on how to best deliver the material to students.

“It’s another language to learn,” said Dr. Whittaker. “While I’m quite

confident that Google’s training in New York will prepare me to deliver this course, I don’t doubt that there is a strong possibility that there is someone in the class who is fluent in the basics, as coding has become integrated in many school systems or is a hobby for some students growing up.”

The introductory courses will provide students hands-on knowledge of programming languages and the ability to work with data to drive well-informed decisions. Detailed course descriptions are available on our website. Students who successfully complete the course sequence will also have an opportunity to apply for a tuition-free machine learning intensive program offered in the summer.

“This collaboration with Google ties in nicely to what we do here at Unity College,” added Dr. Khoury.

“We strive to ensure our students have not only a first-class education in sustainability science, but also the skills that are critical to succeed in the next phase of their lives.

It’s a great fit, and I can’t wait to see our students immersed in this program.”

Coding through interactive two-course sequence The new partnership with Google offers students a two-course sequence where they will develop coding and machine learning skills, which employers are increasingly looking for.

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A Million Views The commencement speech was shared by NowThis News and has been viewed more than 1 million times on social media.

TRAVIS MILLS “ YOU

CA N’T CONTROL YOUR SITUATION, BUT YOU CA N A LWAYS C ONT ROL YOUR AT TIT UDE”

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COMMENCEMENT

R E T I R E D S TA F F SERGEANT WHO LOST ALL FOUR LIMBS I N A FG H A N I S TA N I N S PI R E S G R A D UAT E S WITH A MIX OF HUMOR AND M O T I VAT I O N

July 1, 2019 - On a blustery Saturday in May, future Unity College graduates formed a line down the campus’s most pronounced hill that leads to Tozier Gymnasium, as they clung on tightly to their caps to prevent them from being blown downhill. Though the weather wasn’t exactly an ideal spring day, the spirits of students and families were high, and inside Tozier Gymnasium was a whirlwind of activity. Volunteers assisting guests in finding their seats, parents setting up cameras to get the perfect shot of their child walking across the stage, and members of the media eagerly anticipating the words of wisdom from honorary doctorate recipient retired SSG Travis Mills.

As the bagpipes came within earshot of the gymnasium, the crowd hushed and Unity College’s May 2019 Commencement was officially underway.

“As I look out here and see you guys and your accomplishments, you guys are winners,” said SSG Mills. “Today you are titans in the arena of college. You did it.”

Retired SSG Mills has told his story all over the country, on shows like Ellen and Happening Now on Fox News, as well as in

his bestselling memoir Tough As They Come. On his third tour of Afghanistan, just days before his 25th birthday, SSG Mills lost all four of his limbs after an IED explosion.

“For me, when I was injured in Afghanistan, I was laying on the ground — my arms and legs basically gone,” Mills told the crowd. “And I had a decision to make, either freak out or don’t. And when times were scary for me, I wanted to exude confidence.”

But exuding confidence is more easily said than done. As he was laying in the hospital, having lost his arms and legs and 140 pounds, questions swirled around in his head. Why did this happen to him? What does he have left to give the world?

What would his next step even be? Every day he would close his eyes and pray, wish, and hope that everything would magically return to the way it used to be.

Then it dawned on him.

“I’m never gonna change the fact that I was injured. I’ll never change the fact that I have no arms and legs. But I had 25 wonderful years, and one bad day at work up until that moment. Case of the Mondays, you know what I mean?”

After returning to the United States for an intense recovery process, which SSG Mills says is an ongoing process every single day, he founded the Travis Mills Foundation based in Rome, Maine to assist combat-injured veterans and their families. SSG Mills also worked closely with

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many victims of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, helping to guide them following amputation, just as other amputees had done for him.

Life is forever changing, SSG Mills told the Class of 2019, and despite whatever you may have planned, in all likelihood your circumstances will change and you’ll have to find a new direction. Change, it turns out, was a common thread throughout Unity College’s commencement ceremony, as Unity College President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury emphasized the Class of 2019’s ability to adapt in his address.

“It is important to remember as you go out into the world, that the only thing that is constant is change,” Dr. Khoury told the graduates. “Darwin’s work is often summarized as such: It is not the most intellectual of the species that survives; nor the strongest; but the one that is best able to adjust, adapt, and change. You, graduates, have change in your DNA. You can adapt to whatever comes next in your lives, and I’m certain that you will, because we prepared you for just that.”

Before the students received their diplomas onstage, SSG Mills, who brags to his friends that he’s now also Dr. Mills, gave the Class of 2019 his most valuable piece of advice: “You can’t control your situation, but you can always control your attitude.”

magazine.unity.edu/mills

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Distance Education introduces three new undergraduate degrees In recent months, Unity College Distance Education has launched three new undergraduate degree programs where students can acquire job-ready skills in three growing fields.

The B.S. in Animal Health and Behavior prepares students for careers at zoos and aquariums, in the veterinary fields, as animal welfare officers, and for a future-focused on the care and well-being of wild and captive animals around the world.

The B.S. in Environmental Science and Climate Change prepares students for a vibrant career implementing solutions to the world’s environmental issues, as they learn through the lens of climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The B.S. in Environmental Emergency Management and Law Enforcement prepares students for careers in natural resource agencies, emergency management, and law enforcement.

For more on the degrees offered visit online.unity.edu.

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In High Demand In 2019, Unity College Distance Education launched three new degree programs focusing on green jobs that are in high demand and continue to grow, such as animal health, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and emergency preparedness and management.

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Roxanne Quimby to teach course focused on entrepreneurship Roxanne Quimby, the founder and former CEO of Burt’s Bees, will lend her knowledge of entrepreneurship to Unity College business students and anyone interested in learning about starting a business, beginning this fall in a course titled Creating a Healthy Hive: Starting Your Own Sustainable Business.

The five-week course will cover topics ranging from creating your vision for a green business to data-driven decision making and financial planning.

Ms. Quimby will be available for several live call-in Q&A sessions throughout the course, and will award start-up grants to the business plans that have the most promise!

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Unity’S FLAGSHIP INTRODUCES CONSERVATION BIOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM TWO-WEEK COURSE STUDYING IN BR AZIL GIVES STUDENTS A PR E V I E W O F W H AT CO N S E R VAT I O N BIOLOGY WILL LOOK LIKE WHEN IT BEGINS IN FALL 2019 June 4, 2019 - On June 17, nine Unity College students will fly south for the educational experience of a lifetime, researching the effects of deforestation, as well as animal behavior and conservation, on location in the Brazilian Amazon for more than a week.

Fur and Fin - Ecology of the Brazilian Amazon is an immersive program that is one of the few in the United States focused on the ecology of species in Brazil that is taught on location. Fur and Fin will also usher in a new era of biology studies for Unity College, giving students an early look at what the College’s new Conservation Biology program will look like when it launches this fall.

Not only will Conservation Biology students study and conduct research on all aspects of biology in the woods and waters of Maine, but they’ll also have opportunities to visit and learn in far-off locations nationally and internationally.

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“The field of biology is vast, and is often confounded with healthcare,” said Unity College President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury. “Our biology focus is different, as it emphasizes learning foundational ecological principles on which to layer interdisciplinary studies. Introducing our Conservation Biology degree reaffirms that fact, and it further distinguishes Unity College as a leader in that area, leaning into our continued differentiation in the biology programs we offer.”

There’s currently a high demand in the job market for Conservation Biology graduates, who become premiere candidates for careers including Natural Resource Specialists, District Conservationists, Environmental Scientists, Conservation Program Managers, among dozens of others.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of environmental scientists and specialists will grow 11 percent from 2016 and 2026, and that employment for conservation scientists will grow 7 percent. In May last year, the median annual wage for conservation scientists was $61,310.

“I am so excited that we are able to move forward with this new major,” said Dr. Pamela MacRae, Dean of the School of Biodiversity Conservation.

“Many faculty at Unity have been drawn to the College because of their passion for conservation, including myself. This new major is a collaborative effort by numerous faculty across disciplines, that were interested in creating a major that met the needs of the students that were as enthusiastic as they are about biodiversity conservation.

“The impacts of habitat destruction, invasive species, global climate change, pollution and overharvesting among other factors has left our world in a deteriorated state that will be challenging to recover from,” Dr. MacRae continued. “Never has it been more important to focus our efforts on biodiversity conservation.”

In addition to the research in Brazil, students in Conservation Biology can participate in undergraduate research projects focused on subjects including the ecology of wood turtles, bumblebees, and elk, in addition to taking part in the restoration of the American chestnut tree.

“By re-envisioning Biology as Conservation Biology, we are more closely aligning this major with the mission of the College, and offering new and exciting choices to our students,” said Unity College Associate Professor of Conservation Biology Dr. Matthew Chatfield. “We are preparing our graduates to be leaders, ready to engage in innovative and multifaceted conservation solutions.

Perhaps more than any other science discipline, Conservation Biology is highly integrative, far-reaching, and increasingly urgent. In this new major, students will be introduced to the problem of biodiversity loss with its many local and global implications.

Building on this foundation, students will apply both the underlying science and the human experience to work toward ecosystem resilience in an era of massive ecological change.”

“I am super excited about this new degree program at Unity College,” said Unity College Assistant Professor of Conservation Law and Environmental Policy Zachary Falcon, who brings his expertise on the trade of endangered species to the program. “Now more than ever, the project of conserving and protecting biodiversity exists at the intersection of science, policy, and sustainability. Our new Conservation Biology program will equip graduates to tackle the crashes we have at that intersection, such as international wildlife trafficking and disputes over endangered species management. It is the right degree at the right time, and Unity is perfectly positioned to deliver it.”

magazine.unity.edu/conbio

Rare Opportunity Students viewed a Boto, or Amazon River Dolphin - a native species commonly found in the Rio Negro, Brazil while on a trip to this area in May 2019.

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FLAGSHIP FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS PUBLICATIONS Colvin, S. A. R., S. M. P. Sullivan, P. D. Shirey, R. W. Colvin, K. O. Winemiller, R. M. Hughes, K. D. Fausch, D. M. Infante, J. D. Olden, K. R. Bestgen, R. J. Danehy, and L. Eby. 2019. Headwater Streams & Wetlands are Critical for Sustaining Fish, Fisheries, & Ecosystem Services. Fisheries 44(2):73-91.

Cardoso, D.C., deHart, P.A.P., Freitas, C.E.C., and Siqueira-Souza, F.K. 2019 Diet and Ecomorphology of predator fish species of the Amazonian floodplain lakes. Biota Neotropica. 19(3): e20180678. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/16760611-BN-2018-0678.

Enbody, E.D., Boersma, J., Jones, J.A., Chatfield, M.W.H., Ketaloya, S., Baldassarre, D.T., Hazlehurst J., Gowen O., Schwabl H., Karubian J. 2019. Social organization and breeding biology of the White-shouldered Fairywren Malurus alboscapulatus.

EMU– Austral Ornithology DOI: 10.1080/01584197.2019.1595663.

Ferguson, J.M., Hopkins III, J.B. & Witteveen, B.H. 2018. Integrating population abundance and diet data to improve inferences on food web dynamics. Methods in Ecology and Evolution. 9:1581–1591.

Guernsey, P. 2018 [August] ed. 21st Century Ghost Stories—Volume 1 Durham, UK: Wyrd Harvest Press.

Guernsey, P. 2019 [January] “Humans Were Once at the Mercy of Wild Animals.” Hunting: Introducing Issues With Opposing Viewpoints New York: Greenhaven Publishing.

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Javornik, J., Hopkins III, J.B., Zavadlav, S., Levanič, T., Lojen, S., Polak, T., & Jerina, K. 2019. Effects of ethanol storage and lipids on stable isotope ratios in a large mammalian omnivore. Journal of Mammalogy 100:150–157.

McGovern C., Frederick C., Clarke J.A. 2018. Comparing Responsiveness of Nocturnal and Diurnal Primates to Different Sensory Enrichment Conditions.

Animal Keeper’s Forum 45(5): 139145.

Miller, W.R., and Perry, E.S. Adjustments to the Annotated zoogeography of non-marine Tardigrada. Part III: North America and Greenland by Kaczmarek.

Michalczyk & McInnes (Zootaxa 4203) 2019 Zootaxa, 4543 (1) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/ zootaxa.4543.1.6.

Quick, J., & Spartz, J.T. 2018.

On the Pursuit of Good Living in Highland Ecuador: Critical Indigenous Discourses of Sumak Kawsay. Latin American Research Review, 53(4), 757–769.

Spartz, J.T. 2019. In Your Own Becoming, You Will Lead: Songs and Songwriting for Creative Sustainability. Hawk & Handsaw – Journal of Creative Sustainability.

May issue.

Spartz, J.T. 2019. Ecocultural Communication – An emerging orientation for being with/in the world. Forest Bathing International.

Issue #2, Summer.

Tan, E.H., and Chatfield, M.W.H. 2019. An Unexpected Helper.

Chestnut: The Journal of The American Chestnut Foundation.

Winter 2019.

Davis, K., & Clarke, J.A. 2019.

A Tasmanian devil call encodes identity and decreases agonistic behaviour. Bioacoustics, 1-16.

Pearson, T., and Clarke, J.A. 2019.

Urban noise and grey-headed flyingfox vocalisations: evidence of the silentium effect. Urban Ecosystems, 22(2), 271-280 Perry, E., Miller, W.R. & Kaczmarek, Ł. 2019. Recommended abbreviations for the names of genera of the phylum Tardigrada.

Zootaxa, 4608(1): 145-154

AWARDS & Recognitions Colvin, S.A.R.: Asked to present at a Senate Science Briefing on the proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule change on behalf of the American Fisheries Society, April 4th, 2019.

Guernsey, P., was awarded the 2018 Maine Literary Award in Speculative Fiction for his book “American Ghost.”

EXHIBITIONS Witman, D. Man-Made: A State of Nature, Greenhut Gallery, Portland, ME Material Lamentations: Art, Grief, and The Land, Kathryn Schultz Gallery, Cambridge Art Association, Cambridge, MA Faculty Exhibition, Unity College America Now, Lewis Gallery, Portland Public Library, Portland, ME Tidal Zone, Waterfall Arts Center,

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Belfast, ME Found, Maine Media Workshops + College Gallery, Rockport, ME Potter, B. Man-Made: A State of Nature, Greenhut Gallery, Portland Me Moonlighting, College Gallery, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier VT Visual Voice, Cynthia Winings Gallery, Blue Hill ME Breathing, Cynthia Winings Gallery, Blue Hill ME

GRANTS Perry, E., and McKnight, A.: $5,522 Marine Birds as Indicators of Meiofaunal Community Structure.

Professional Association of Diving Instructors, 5/2018.

Chatfield, M.W.H., and Frederick, C.: Gift from Oklahoma City Zoo for $2,500 from discretionary funds applied toward the Unity College Wood Turtle Project “Supporting Conservation Action through Improved Understanding of Population Dynamics, Nesting Behavior, and Habitat Use in Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta).”

Chatfield, M.W.H., and Frederick, C.: MDIFW non-competitive research grant for $2,000 “Exploring Population Dynamics, Habitat Use and Alternative Survey Methods in Maine Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta).”

Hopkins, J.: Fulbright Scholarship.

Development of a Multi-method Approach to Study Wildlife Behavior: Investigating Humanbear Conflicts in the Contrasting Landscapes of Europe. Spring 2019.

Killarney, J., Spigel, K., Dunckel, K., and Balda, J.B., were awarded a $35,000 grant from the Maine Space Grant Consortium Faculty Seed Research Grant program, titled “Monitoring changes in lake eutrophication using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)”

DR. EMMA PERRY NOW IN THE SAME SOCIETY AS CHARLES DARWIN DR. EMMA PERRY INDUCTED INTO THE LINNEAN SOCIETY OF LONDON, THE WORLD’S OLDEST ACTIVE BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY In her career, Dr. Emma Perry, Professor of Marine Biology at Unity College, has taught thousands of students, discovered new species of tardigrades, and even taken on the alter ego of Dr. Tardigrade in a recent Unity Magazine article. Now, she adds another feather to her cap, having been inducted to The Linnean Society of London, the oldest active biological society in the world.

As a fellow, Dr. Perry can use the post-nominal title of FLS (Fellow of the Linnean Society), a great honor for scientists, horticulturalists, artists, and historians dedicated to natural history. But arguably the most exciting part of her induction is that Dr. Perry can say that she is a Linnean Fellow alongside Charles Darwin. In fact, if Perry, originally from England, returns to her native country for a visit, she could have the opportunity to be formally inducted into the Linnean Society and sign her name in the same book as Darwin once did.

“This is the bigtime,” said Dr. Perry. “With names like Darwin and Carl Linnaeus, you don’t get any bigger than that in our field. Now I’m in the same club as them. It’s a validation of all the work I’ve been doing over the years, and it’s an incredible honor.”

“We’re all really proud of Dr. Perry for being inducted into the Linnean Society, and for all the work she has done here at Unity College,” said Unity College President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury. “I know that she has inspired many of our students over the years, and has gotten several of them involved in groundbreaking tardigrade research that sets Unity College graduates apart when applying for jobs or for grad school.”

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FLAGSHIP FACULTY RETIREMENTS world that said you have no business offering a degree in adventure therapy to undergraduate students.”

After a little bit of research, he found other therapy programs -- including respiratory and physical therapy programs -- at other institutions of higher education offered as undergraduate degrees. Eventually, the Unity College faculty was won over by Dr. Lynch, and in the early 2000s, the Adventure Therapy degree was launched.

DR. DON LYNCH PIONEER OF UNITY COLLEGE’S ADVENTURE THERAPY U N D E R G R A D UAT E PROGRAM, RETIRES AFTER 32 YEARS May 2019 - It was 1986 when Don Lynch, who at the time was working as the clinical director of outpatient mental health services at Community Health and Counseling Services in Bangor, stumbled across an ad in the paper from Unity College.

The College had an opening for an Assistant Professor of Psychology, and Don quite liked the idea of having May, June, and July free to tend to and cruise around on his sailboat. So, he applied, got the job, and over the decades became part

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of the fabric of the Unity College community in so many ways.

In January, after 32 years at Unity College, Dr. Don Lynch decided it was the right time in his life to spend a little more time sailing on his boat -- named Solitude -- around Blue Hill Bay, and announced his retirement.

Dr. Lynch has been instrumental in not only teaching psychology to thousands of students over the past 32 years, but also in creating Unity College’s Adventure Therapy undergraduate program, and winning an uphill battle for approval.

“It was unheard of because most adventure therapy degrees are graduate degrees,” said Dr. Lynch.

“There was a lot of opposition among certain vocal members of the faculty, and from other colleges. I was getting emails from all over the

“You don’t get more multifaceted than Don Lynch,” said Dr. Melik Peter Khoury, Unity College President.

“Whether it is playing guitar with Gary and the Pacemakers, counseling students one-on-one, teaching multiple programs, or sailing, Don Lynch is a true renaissance man.

At a time when Unity College was solidifying its place as America’s Environmental College, Dr. Lynch was vital in creating a program that has become a staple in the College’s Adventure Programs. In many ways, his work in founding the Adventure Therapy degree led to one of our major gifts -- Sky Lodge -- as we had the experience, expertise, and presence that made it a perfect fit.

For all his work over the years, we are so grateful.”

As Dr. Lynch settles into retirement, he’s looking forward to the upcoming sailing season, maybe strumming a bit on his guitars every so often, and even adjuncting a bit here and there.

Old habits die hard. “It feels a little strange,” Dr. Lynch said of waking up without having to be in the classroom. “I do miss teaching.”

magazine.unity.edu/lynch

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Pat Clark FROM DRAMA CLUB TO THE WOODSMEN TEAM, CLARK HAS MADE A PRO FOU N D I M PAC T ON THE LIVES OF S T U D E N T S , FAC U LT Y, A N D S TA F F May 2019 - In its history, Unity College has seen its fair share of eclectic characters -- students, faculty, and staff -- but there have been few who fit this description as well, and have left as large of an impact on the community, than Pat Clark, Professor of Oral Communication, coach of the Woodsmen Team, and faculty sponsor for the Drama Club. After 37 years at Unity College, Pat Clark retired in May, having left an impression on thousands of students over the course of her career.

“Since I came to Unity, I have always used the term ‘family,’ and that’s the way it’s always felt to me,” Pat said.

“Whether it’s the faculty, the staff, the students, it felt like we were all working on the same thing all the time. I like that piece here of working together with other departments, and working together to make sure that the whole student is taken care of.”

Having earned her Master of Arts in Theatre from the University of Maine in 1979, Pat first joined the faculty in 1982 as an instructor, teaching courses including Oral Communication, Interpersonal Relations, and Introduction to Drama. Between 1985 and 2009 Pat worked her way through various faculty positions, from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor

to a full-fledged Professor at Unity College, right up until her retirement this May. “Pat Clark has been a cornerstone of this institution. She began working at Unity College when it was still just an idea,” said Unity College President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury. “It was Pat’s commitment to the mission and to her students that has helped Unity College thrive and become the nationally recognized institution it is today.”

In addition to teaching students, Pat has served on many institutional and presidential committees, as the Faculty Sponsor for the Drama Club,

and as the Coach of the Woodsmen’s Team after being a competition judge for a few years. One of her most proud moments, however, was being on the ground floor, so to speak, of service learning at Unity College, which is now better known as community service.

So, what’s next for Pat? “I don’t have any big plans,” she said. “It’s more just catching up on all the stuff I always want to do! I want to go to more movies, perhaps some more film festivals, and spend time with my grandchildren.”

magazine.unity.edu/clark

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Coming out of his shell UNITY COLLEGE FAC U LT Y A N D S TU D E NT S PA R TN E R WITH CENTER FOR WILDLIFE TO REINTRODUCE WOOD TURTLE INTO THE WILD AFTER YEARS OF LIVING IN CAPTIVITY July, 2019 - On a bright and buggy Monday in June, Dr. Matt Chatfield, Unity College Associate Professor of Conservation Biology, along with Trevor Woodhead (‘21) and Greg LeClair (‘18), packed a cat carrier into the back of a minivan, and embarked on a trek from Unity College to Cape Neddick, Maine.

Their destination was the Center for Wildlife, and their goal was to reintroduce a rehabilitated wood turtle to its natural habitat.

A Unity College alum, Shelley had been following the College’s Wood Turtle project for several years.

Beginning in 2015, in partnership with Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and under the guidance of Dr. Chatfield, Unity College undergrads have been marking, recapturing, and studying local wood turtle populations through the use of radio telemetry. The project yields a plethora of useful data to help conserve wood turtles in their habitat, and it also

connect them with folks from the Center for Wildlife or DIF&W and other professional organizations.

Our students can build a network, which gives them a competitive advantage and a sense of how to work in a professional setting.”

offers students an opportunity to take part in — or even lead — an immersive research project where they can learn new skills pertinent to becoming the next generation of conservation biologists.

team at the Center for Wildlife monitored George to make sure that he was fit for release, and by May, he was clearly ready to go.

Shelley reached out to Dr. Chatfield and DIF&W Wildlife Biologist Derek Yorks to collaborate on a plan to tag George and release him safely.

The only question was whether George would actually stick around the undisclosed release site long enough to gather any data and monitor him, or if he’d bolt and never be seen or heard from again.

When it came to reintroducing George to the wild, she saw a perfect fit for both the College and the Center for Wildlife.

Over the winter, Shelley and the

Given that the animals who are brought to The Center for Wildlife are intended to be short-term residents before they return to the wild, the staff wouldn’t name an animal like this specific wood turtle.

But if they were to, they might call him something like George.

Wood turtles like George are a rare sight in Maine, becoming a species of special concern in the state due to the prevalence of the illegal pet trade and habitat loss, as well as the everyday dangers of being a turtle, like fast-moving cars, trucks, or predators.

So, naturally, when George was brought to the Center for Wildlife missing a front limb, and with significant scarring on his shell, Medical Clinic Director Shelley Spanswick ’03 knew she needed to create a plan that would reintroduce George to the wild where someone could also keep tabs on his progress.

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“There have been a number of students who have taken part in the Wood Turtle Project over the years, and I think it is a perfect example of what separates Unity College’s style of biology from other schools,” said Unity College President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury.

“This project not only gets Unity College students out into the field where they acquire first-hand research experience, it also helps

Even with that question lingering in their minds, the crew remained optimistic. “I think it’s wonderful,” said Spanwick. “It’s very rare that

we get to track the animals that we release, so being able to have that resource and keep tabs on him and see where he goes, it’s going to provide us a lot of information, especially for turtles who come to the center with similar injuries.”

After touring The Center for Wildlife, which is currently undergoing significant renovations to increase their space, Spanswick introduced the wood turtle crew to George, who impressed the three with his mobility given the injury to his leg. Seeing that he was eager to get back into the wild, they gently wrangled him into the cat carrier and began their journey to the release site.

“The idea is that if this is successful, that we’ll be able to release other turtles and have a feel for what their survival rate is like, how likely they

are to stay put, and maybe what sort of behaviors they’re going to exhibit in the wild, relative to other nonrehabbed, non-released, indigenous turtles,” said Dr. Chatfield.

After taking measurements, notching his shell for identification purposes, molding some putty, and attaching a radio, the crew waits at the water’s edge for the putty to finally dry.

Then, there’s a consensus. It’s time to release George back into his natural habitat. Trevor leans over the water and gently places George down into the water. There’s little to no movement at first, but then he starts to walk around a bit, and before you know it, he’s swimming. But the question remains: Will he stay?

Weeks go by, and sure enough, George seems to be comfortable with his new surroundings.

“He’s doing well,” said Trevor, who has been monitoring George and has seen that the turtle hasn’t ventured too far from his release site. “Missing a front limb, that’s kind of hard to get around, so that may be why he’s not moving far. But he’s still persisting, and he’s acting like a wood turtle, so that’s good.”

“It’s pretty special, right? Here we have this poor turtle who has clearly been through a lot,” added Dr. Chatfield. “We know some, but by no means all of this turtle’s recent history, only that he’s been in captivity for many months to many years. He’s clearly a fighter. He’s very feisty, he’s able to right himself when flipped over, he moves very well, as we saw he can still swim, so I think his odds are pretty good.”

magazine.unity.edu/shell

A Wood Turtle Named George This summer, Unity College’s Wood Turtle Project team recently worked with the Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick and the MDIF&W to reintroduce a wounded turtle back into his natural habitat.

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Setting students up for success magazine.unity.edu/FHS

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FOUNDERS HALL SOUTH R E N OVAT I O N S INCLUDE STUDENT SERVICES CENTER, UNITY COLLEGE B A S E C A M P, A SCIENCE LAB, CLASSROOMS, A N D FAC U LT Y OFFICES

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Unity College sets its students up for success in several ways, from delivering experiential education that gives students a variety of jobready skills, to ensuring top-notch internships are easily accessible.

Now, there is a renovated space that can help students thrive during their time at Unity College. The modernized Founders Hall South is home to the Student Services Center, Unity College Base Camp, a science lab, classrooms, and faculty offices.

The Student Services Center is a one-stop-shop allowing students to take care of registering for classes, paying bills, and getting financial aid assistance. Residence Life and the Dean of Students are also housed here.

“We wanted to create a convenient one-stop-shop so that students had all the resources they would need in one location,” said Unity College President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury. “In addition to that, we had heard from many students that they needed more lab space, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity to build a new lab, which has already been used extensively by our students and is vital for our students and faculty to engage in applied research that has the potential to impact conservation on a global scale.”

The Unity College Base Camp is an open-concept space where students, faculty, and staff can gather to discuss classes, bring a lunch and a good book, or complete projects and assignments.

“I am excited about the creation of the Student Services Center and the opportunity to work with a team of professionals to serve students,” said Ray Phinney, Dean of Students at Unity College. “The functional areas located inside the Student Services Center create a convenient location for students to get the majority of their questions answered. We saw a lot of traffic during the first week of classes and were very happy to be able to assist them in our new space.”

The location in Founders Hall South also makes it easy for Student Services to assist students in finding other resources on campus. The student services center is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

One-Stop-Shop The newly renovated Founders Hall South includes student financial services, the registrar, residential life, career services, a conference room and lounge, and a new science lab.

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A Sense of Adventure

ADVENTURE PROGR AMS OPEN UP A WORLD OF JOURNEYING FOR G R A D UAT E S A N D T H O S E THEY WORK WITH 32

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Every undergraduate has a story about how and why they applied to the college of their choice. Most are pretty mundane, but Dr. William Hafford’s journey to Unity College was just that.

A true journey.

“I was accepted in 2003, and I applied while I was hiking the Appalachian Trail,” Dr. Hafford (‘08) said.

“I would hike seven to ten days, and then I’d fax them the next round of information, then hike another seven to ten days.”

program, while Adventure Therapy incorporates therapeutic and counseling skills.

“Unity College is known for offering students a unique, experiential education. While all of our programs offer students hands-on experience, our Adventure degrees are very much embedded in experience,” said Unity College President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury. “With these degrees, graduates can take what they have learned through those experiences and share it with others, helping people engage with nature and one another.”

Dr. Hafford, a hiking novice at the time, was a complete newbie when it came to the Appalachian Trail, making all the mistakes one would expect from someone so frosh. All in all, he hiked 750 miles, almost a third of the AT, opting to defer college a year to work with at-risk youth through AmeriCorps’ VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program.

It was here that Dr. Hafford had his ah-ha moment: “I thought, man, I wonder if there’s a way that I could connect this passion for being outside and working with youth,” he said. “I had already applied to Unity, but then I saw the Adventure Therapy program that had just started, so I enrolled in 2004.”

“Adventure, the down and dirty definition, is a heightened sense of engagement,” said Beth Arnold, Senior Instructor of Adventure Education Leadership, who has been with the program for more than a decade.

“So, reading a book can be an adventure, if it’s facilitated and taken on in the right way. Both of these programs will heighten your sense of engagement with self, with community, and with the natural world.”

Zachary Wigham (‘13) now works as a “jack of all trades” clinical social worker at Groundworks Collaborative, a homeless shelter agency in Brattleboro, Vermont.

Now Dr. Hafford teaches the next generation of those looking to merge the very passions that led him to Unity College.

Unity College offers two adventure-based degrees, Adventure-based Environmental Education and Adventure Therapy. The key difference between the two programs is that Adventure-based Environmental Education is more akin to an environmental studies

While those in Unity College’s Adventure Program can go on to become educators, social workers, or even business owners, they’re all connected by that heightened sense of engagement, and a desire to get others outdoors.

“Especially as we gain in our technological engagement,” adds Arnold, “which separates us more from the natural world, we’re really starting to see how important this program is.”

When Becky Clough (‘09), who graduated with a degree in Adventure Education Leadership, first came to Unity College, she knew it was the right fit for her.

“As an incoming student, being part of the Nova program, that was when I really felt like I’d found the right school for me,” she said.

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One of the most challenging courses, Clough noted, was the program planning course, which also happened to be one of the most rewarding she took while at Unity College. “It’s a rigorous course, where basically they had us design our ideal adventure program. Beth Arnold encouraged us to dream big, whether it was feasible or not,” said Clough. Students have to consider all the logistics for the program, from budgeting to equipment, giving the students firsthand experience with what it takes to actually put the plan to work.

For Clough, it made the whole experience more tangible. “Oh, I’m going to graduate with this, and it’s a real thing,” she added.

“And I could put it into practice someday.”

Clough, who has been working with Outward Bound off and on since 2007, now works as the Southwest Program Manager at Colorado Outward Bound School.

skills, but things like teamwork and leadership abilities really help an outdoor educator excel in the industry.”

From 2006 to 2012, Zachary Wigham (‘13) was working with the 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard as a chemical weapons survival instructor for airmen who were preparing to deploy.

From there, he discovered his passion for the outdoors after becoming an EMT working with Berkshire Mountain Search and Rescue Team.

“That exposed me to finally getting out in the woods, and I found that I really liked that part,” said Wigham. “And if I could just do that part over and over again, I would.”

As he was finishing community college and looking to the next chapter, Wigham was looking for something that combined his interest in survival instruction with his passion for the outdoors. Wigham’s brother was already attending Unity College, studying landscape and horticulture management, and that’s when Zach discovered Unity College’s Adventure Education Leadership program.

She credits a wilderness semester offered to Unity students through the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School for helping her land a job as an instructor “I realized that I was very eleven years ago. As interested in the group the Program Managexperience of struggling through hardship together, she now handles new staff training and er,” said Wigham. “I didn’t Becky Clough (‘09) has been working with mentoring, but also still put those words to it at Outward Bound off and on since 2007, and currently gets out into the field. the time, but I was very serves as the Southwest Program Manager at It’s her Unity College interested in these proColorado Outward Bound School. experience that not grams that were popping only gave her the skills up around 2010 and 2011 to educate people out when I applied to Unity in the field, but also College, for veterans comhelped train her to be a leader for other staff meming back from deployment settings. They had been together in this terrible experience as a group, and bers. oftentimes these programs put them out in wilderness expedition experiences as a group, to have an expe“The most successful staff members we have went to a program similar to Unity College, where you have to rience that was still very difficult, but had a positive work together with people,” she said. “Being in such goal to it.” a tight-knit program really helps you figure out how to work in this industry. You can always learn technical magazine.unity.edu/adventure 34

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Dr. William Hafford (‘08) teaches the next generation of those looking to merge the very passions that led him to Unity College.

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The wild side of education UNITY COLLEGE A LU M K AT I E H A A S E CONDUCTS RESEARCH O N H OW CL I M AT E CHANGE EFFECTS H A B I TAT S , B E H AV I O R S OF ANIMALS Dr. Katie Haase (‘07) is now a postdoctoral research associate at Montana State University, where she has been venturing into caves throughout the West Coast to study bats and predict the effects of white-nose syndrome, a fungus that changes the bat’s behavior causing it to starve to death. The work was featured in a New York Times article on February 18.

“It was spectacular!” said Haase on being featured in The Times.

“One of the things I am currently trying to do with my science is to make it accessible to the public.

As a wildlife ecologist, most of the research I do is for conservation purposes, and a big piece of conservation is outreach. So having our work featured in The New York Times felt like we were slowly making the public aware of a very important conservation issue — and shining a positive light on bats so the public can see how cute they are is always a plus!”

“It’s always great to see the work of our alum recognized in publications or on TV,” said Dr. Khoury. “But to be featured in The New York Times? Wow! Congratulations to Katie for not only doing this important work with

A Love of Teaching Unity College Alum Dr. Katie Haase was drawn to Unity College because of her passion for working outdoors. Now her research is receiving national attention, including a feature on her work with bats in The New York Times.

bats, but also for helping to bring national attention to it.”

As Haase finishes her research at Montana State University, hoping to soon become a professor of Wildlife Ecology, she recently presented at the North American Society for Bat Research meeting in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and taught a two-week biostatistics course

at Hawassa University in Ethiopia.

Though she leaves the option open to return to Ethiopia for a semester or two potentially as part of a Fulbright Scholarship, she has a clear vision of what she wants out of her future. “I do like to teach a lot. That’s what I’d like to do.”

magazine.unity.edu/haase

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ANOTHER first: Two-time graduate ALUM ARI LEACH (BS‘12, MS’18) IS ONE OF THE FIRST STUDENTS TO EARN T WO D E G R E E S AT UNITY COLLEGE. Ari Leach, who completed their bachelor’s degree at Unity College in 2012 and their master’s in Sustainable Natural Resource Management through Unity College Distance Education in 2018, is currently the Biotoxin Specialist for the western Maine division of the Maine Department of Marine Resources.

“The coursework I completed, both during my undergrad and graduate studies, has prepared me beyond words for the work I do today,” said Leach. “From wildlife identification labs to landscape ecology courses, my experiences at Unity helped to shape the scientist that I have become today and have continued to be relevant to the work I now do. There is always a time and place for the application of something I learned at Unity, and I never tire of sharing my experiences with a prospective student or fellow alum.”

Ari has taken over the organization and operation of its volunteer phytoplankton monitoring program, which involves training and supporting a network of volunteers to collect and identify harmful algae species in western Maine, a service that helps to fill gaps not covered by DMR field staff. Ari also serves as a judge at the Maine State Science Fair and will be attending the Unity career fair to promote DMR and available positions within the agency. Ari particularly loves doing outreach with the public and enjoys speaking with current students about potential careers in marine science.

Ari and their partner, Steph, recently purchased a parcel of land on an island near Boothbay and placed a tiny home on it. They are completing projects on the property and hope to have the offgrid solar home finished by the end of next fall.

Ari Leach (‘BS ‘12, MS ‘18) “There is always a time and place for the application of something I learned at Unity, and I never tire of sharing my experiences with a prospective student or fellow alum.”

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Shejen’s fondest memories from his time at the College.

“The initial introduction going through the Nova program was a breath of fresh air,” said Shejen.

“Having that initial network of friends built when you come through the door was amazing to me. I still have pictures, and stay in touch with some of the people I went on my Nova trip with.

There’s nothing that will bring you closer together than hiking for three or four days up on the Appalachian Trail.”

Matthew Shejen (‘00), who studied Conservation Law Enforcement, has gone on to become the Senior Vice President and Head of Strategy and Planning at Wells Fargo.

From Con Law to a corner office S I N CE G R A D UAT I N G FROM UNITY COLLEGE, M AT T H E W S H E J E N H A S W O R K E D H I S WAY U P TO A SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT ROLE FOR ONE OF THE LARGEST BANKS IN THE COUNTRY

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January, 2019 When Matthew Shejen (‘00) first entered into Unity College, he didn’t see himself ever becoming the Senior Vice President and Head of Strategy and Planning for Enterprise Infrastructure for one of the country’s largest banks, which has roughly 76.6 million customers. In fact, growing up in Appleton, Maine, he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, who was the Police Chief in North Berwick and a Master Maine Guide, by pursuing a degree in Conservation Law. “I wanted to continue on that path,” said Shejen recently from his corner office in Wells Fargo’s Charlotte, NC, office. “I really loved the outdoors.” It’s no surprise, then, that Unity’s Nova program stands out as one of

It left such an impression on Shejen, that he would go on to head up his own Nova trips, helping him develop the leadership and interpersonal skills needed to work with others in a professional environment. “Hiking with co-lead Lori Scory during summer and winter Nova trips still stands as one of my favorite memories,” he added.

“A big part of our curriculum, as any of our students know, is intended to give them those skills that can translate into any environment, whether it’s the workplace or graduate school,” said Dr. Melik Peter Khoury, President of Unity College.

“We not only educate students to become environmental stewards, but also high-character individuals who are versatile and persistent, and Mr. Shejen is a perfect example of that.”

While initially Shejen was planning to become a game warden or an agent for the US Fisheries & Wildlife Service, the competition for those positions was tough, as was the job market as a whole when he graduated.

There were only three or four open spots, and more than 500 applicants, so he began to explore other options, landing

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at MassMutual Financial Group in Springfield, MA, as a business consultant. The business world, however, was totally foreign to him.

“You always fall back on the fundamentals,” Shejen said. “Looking back at the Nova program, the interpersonal skills -- breaking down communication barriers and finding ways to connect to get the job done -- were critical to learning the ins and outs of the business world.

Those fundamentals I learned at Unity.”

Today Shejen manages a team of senior leaders and about 4,000 members, who help design and implement business and technology strategies, review and re-engineer business processes, and manage planning and communication activities for the IT Infrastructure organization of Wells Fargo.

As many leading businesses are beginning to take notice of the importance of having business-minded environmental stewards on staff, Unity College has expanded its efforts and introduced a Sustainable Business Enterprise Bachelor of Science program. Sustainable Business Enterprise graduates develop an environmental lens of the world through Unity’s definitive experiential learning processes, and are able to apply their resulting skills to address the challenges at the intersection of economy, society, and environment.

“Sustainability is a key ingredient in sound business practices,” said Dr. Khoury. “This unique program will prepare innovative business leaders and managers who can effectively steward natural resources and create enterprises

“At Unity College, you don’t have to choose between your environmental values and your business career.“ Do both with a B.S. in Sustainable Business Enterprise.

Learn more: unity.edu/sbe that have a positive impact on society while also achieving a solid bottom line. A course or two on the environment is insufficient to truly address the issues at hand -- our students are immersed in sustainability science from day one, and will be able to recreate and reimagine the processes, products and services of the industries they become involved in. This is not your average business degree.”

Though the program wasn’t available for Shejen during his time at the College, finding his role in the business world has opened doors for him that he had never even considered while growing up in Appleton. “I spent four years traveling the globe, visiting 18 countries, eating elaborate meals, staying at amazing hotels, and meeting so many really interesting people.

Opening up the shades in Shanghai really gives you a new perspective on the world,” said Shejen.

People sometimes will ask Shejen if he wishes he had gone to another school rather than Unity, and his answer is always the same.

“Never!”

“Unity College provided me with skills and an appreciation that I use every day. Whether it was learning how to break down barriers with new students in the Nova program, organizational and management skills with Leigh in the bookstore, or statistics and crunching data with Barry Woods, my time at Unity -- although unorthodox -- has been essential to my success,” he said. “Where else can you do an internship with the Department of Environmental protection in Connecticut and have the opportunity to guard the president of the United States (all thanks to Barry Woods for being the best monitor ever)?

Talk about a resume builder!

With the College’s new focus on Sustainability and Business, new students will be able to reach heights I never could and faster than ever.”

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Appalachian Trail Upkeep Senior Alivia Acosta was elected to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Stewardship Council.

Joining natural and cultural history interpreters at national conference Alex Koch, a senior in Parks and Forest Resources, was awarded one of only two 2019 Undergraduate Student Scholarships from the National Association for Interpretation.

Being a recipient of this competitive scholarship program, Koch was invited to attend the National Conference of the Association of Interpretation November 12-16, where he will join about 1,000 natural and cultural history interpreters from across the world representing agencies and organizations from federal, state, local and nonprofit organizations.

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STUDENTS inthe News unity.edu/news

EARNING her Master’s at 13 Child prodigy Dorothy Jean Tillman pursues degree at Unity College through Distance Education Dorothy Jean, who resides in Chicago’s South Side, isn’t just any student. She is a 13-year-old prodigy who has already earned her bachelor’s degree from Excelsior College in New York,

and is now working toward her Master’s in Environmental Science and Sustainability from Unity College.

“I believe I was put here to help people,” Dorothy said while talking with President Khoury.

“And the path I’m going down, I could see so many ways I can use the resources and connections I have now to help people.”

Child Prodigy Master’s degree student Dorothy Jean Tillman visits the Unity College campus.

magazine.unity.edu/tillman

STUDENTS IN THE NEWS UNITY MAGAZINE

Kaya Pulz (‘20) leads Unity College in joining Climate Strike

Global Climate Strike “Our resiliency gives me hope that one day I won’t have to fight for climate justice because we will have learned to coexist with Mother Nature.” - Kaya Pulz (‘20)

On Friday, September 20, Unity College joined more than 2,500 groups worldwide in acknowledgment of the Global Climate Strike. The movement began with youths raising awareness of the current climate crisis by walking out of classes every Friday. These were dubbed Fridays for Future school strikes.

With the upcoming UN climate summit, those Fridays for Future evolved into the Global Climate Strike on September 20, as a way to pressure governmental organizations around the world to take action against climate change. Kaya Pulz, a senior Sustainable Agriculture major who serves as President of Unity College’s Beekeeping Club, brought the idea of Unity joining the strike to college President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury. He agreed that the sentiment behind the strike fit perfectly with the College’s mission and the event had his full support.

“On this day, we are joining hands with millions of fellow beings to give a voice to the voiceless, to fight against our economic dependency on fossil fuels, to devote our lives to being less convenient and more conscious,” said Pulz. “Our resiliency gives me hope that one day I won’t have to fight for climate justice because we will have learned to coexist with Mother Nature.”

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UNITY MAGAZINE STUDENT SUCCESS

College, he transferred to Unity College to study Conservation Law Enforcement, seeing how the College incorporated the environment into its robust law enforcement program.

A Job Guaranteed Before Nolan Allen (‘19) even marched to the stage for his diploma at commencement, he was offered a job as an officer.

UNITY COLLEGE GRADUATE JOINS FAIRFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT O R I G I N A L LY H E A D E D D OW N T H E PAT H O F M A R I N E B I O L O G Y, MASSACHUSETTS N AT I V E F I N D S PA SS I O N IN HELPING OTHERS THROUGH L AW ENFORCEMENT June 5, 2019 - As Nolan Allen lined up on Saturday, May 11, to march into Tozier Gymnasium with his fellow graduates and join the ranks of Unity College alum, he had one key question that had already been answered: “What’s next?”

Allen, who is originally from Wakefield, Mass., had already received and accepted a conditional offer from the Fairfield Police Department, and on May 13, was sworn in as an officer.

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“I know I’m lucky that right out of school, practically before I graduated, I already had a full-time job set up and ready to go,” said Officer Allen. “So I appreciate that.”

“Officer Allen has been well-received by the department members and in his short tenure here, we are already receiving positive feedback from our community,” said Fairfield Police Chief Thomas Gould. “It is obvious that his education has prepared him to begin his future in law enforcement.”

Coming out of high school, Allen didn’t actually see himself going into law enforcement. He began his college career at North Shore Community College intent on studying Marine Biology, even spending several hours working at the local aquarium to prepare for his studies. It turned out, however, that while Allen enjoyed the outdoors and studying marine life forms, he wasn’t exactly keen on the lab work.

He did, however, re-discover his passion for law enforcement after taking a criminal justice course, setting his career on a new course.

From North Shore Community

“Our expert faculty represent a wide breadth of expertise across the discipline and they bring that knowledge to the program design, into their classrooms, and with them in the field to develop relationships with law enforcement professionals,” said Dr. Erika Latty, Chief Academic Officer at Unity College. “Due to our well-connected faculty and robust internship program, Conservation Law Enforcement students make connections with professionals in the field during their first year of study, and then build upon these interactions throughout their time at Unity College” He credits courses like Interpersonal Relations and Community Relations and Ethics with preparing him to be a police officer. “In Interpersonal Relations, you learn how to deal with angry people, and Community Relations and Ethics talks a lot about being with the community and helping them, and having them help you.” The Fairfield Police Department was impressed that Officer Allen had this knowledge and information prior to being interviewed for the job.

“It always gives me great pleasure to see our graduates succeed as they enter the next phase of their lives,” said Unity College President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury. “I’m proud of Officer Nolan Allen for earning this opportunity to join the Fairfield Police Department, and I wish him well in his new role.”

There are many aspects of his new job that Officer Allen is excited about, but the part that he’s most looking forward to? “I like helping people, getting to know people, being there for the community, and also being that person who is responding to emergencies and helping when I’m needed.”

UNITY IN THE NEWS UNITY MAGAZINE

unity.edu/give THERE ARE MANY REASONS TO GIVE TO UNITY COLLEGE. CHOOSE YOURS.

UNITY MAGAZINE GIVING

Couri Foundation Gifts Additional Sky Lodge Property NEW FACILIT Y TO WELCOME VISITORS, STUDENTS, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO SKY LODGE A year after The Couri Foundation gifted Sky Lodge, a historic sporting lodge located in Maine’s Moose River Valley, to Unity College, the foundation has announced that it is also gifting the College an additional facility in Moose River, Maine.

The latest gift is situated right across the road from the main lodge and will be known as The Elaine and John Couri Welcome Center. The center will serve as the first point of contact for all guests, students, and community members exploring Sky Lodge and the surrounding 150 acres. The Couris initially chose Unity College to receive Sky Lodge because they felt the school’s mission and unique focus on experiential education was a perfect fit with all the lodge offers, including hiking trails and easy access to Maine’s waterways.

“We have been extremely happy with how Unity College has been stewarding the gift of Sky Lodge, and decided it was time for us to include this facility, where Elaine and I would stay when we traveled to the Moose River Valley,” said John Couri, President of the Couri Foundation. “Elaine and I have long had a very special place in our hearts for Sky Lodge, and Unity College has been working hard to hold onto its traditions while adding value to the community with new programming for students as well as Moose River Valley residents and visitors.”

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Since receiving the gift of Sky Lodge, Unity College students and community members have taken part in a wide array of academic experiences and outdoor activities such as fly-fishing, hiking, golfing, biking, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, crosscountry skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

“We have been extremely happy with how Unity College has been stewarding the gift of Sky Lodge, and decided it was time for us to include this facility.”

“By giving us this additional space, we will be able to expand initiatives for both our students and the community,” said Unity College President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury. “In fact, we are getting ready to launch our first-year program TERRAIN, which will bring over 60 students to live and learn for week-long excursions at Sky Lodge. We’re also getting ready to host several major events: the first annual Sky Lodge SwimRun which has attracted athletes from around the world; and next year’s Maine Moose Lottery.

These are great opportunities for us to help put the Moose River Valley on the map as a premier outdoor destination.”

The latest gift from The Couri Foundation adds to Unity College’s portfolio of educational properties, which also includes its Flagship Campus location in Unity, Maine; the Unity College Center for the Arts, and Field of Dreams recreational park in the Unity town center; as well as the McKay Farm and Research Station, a 20-acre farm with a 32,000 square foot greenhouse facility in Thorndike, Maine; and an additional facility in Portland, Maine.

“Sky Lodge has been an amazing resource for our students,” said Chief Advancement Officer Erica Hutchinson. “With the gift, we have been able to offer unique learning experiences for our students and faculty, at the same time striving to be a major economic driver for the region.”

“I’m incredibly proud as I see all the updates from Sky Lodge, and I see just how these students are using this very special place to enhance their education,” added Couri.

Sky Lodge is also host to the Moose River Valley Center (MRVC), which provides programming for elderly community members and supports state-wide initiatives for aging in place. The center is also available for private rentals and conferences.

The main lodge and cabins are available throughout the year for visitors seeking to enjoy outdoor experiences.

magazine.unity.edu/couri

GIVING UNITY MAGAZINE

Passing the Torch Elaine and John Couri congratulate President Khoury on stage during the ribbon-cutting celebration at Sky Lodge in September 2018.

John Couri chats with Unity College’s Student Government Association members as they tour Sky Lodge for the first time in Spring 2018.

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Your support helps fund student research experiences in the field and in the lab.

Your support creates scholarships that give students access to an experiential education at Unity College.

Your support ensures that our world will have optimistic, educated individuals committed to solving the world’s most pressing environmental problems.

UNITY MAGAZINE 2019

What’s youR STORY? Unity College Alumni notes are now online! Always available for you to update your information and check out what is happening with your classmates. Go to:

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