Last month I had a chance to meet the newest crop of Prescott College students- the 40th group of students to make it out here to PC. A large group of them and their parents gathered for our First Time in College Orientation Weekend- a last chance for Mom and Dad to hold their hands before sending them off to become official Prescottonians (AKA three weeks in the wilderness).
This class was brought to the college in large part due to the work of PC alumni, who have actively spread the word in their communities about what PC can do for the individual student. I just wanted to take the opportunity to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to all those volunteers. This year they are scheduled to go on 350 high school visits, hit 60+ college fairs, and hold any number of coffee shop meetings, where they give students the opportunity to get a $500.00 tuition discount if they attend the college.
There will be any number of mailings, speeches and events this year commemorating the 40th anniversary of Prescott College. But in my mind, nothing says more about the success of this institution than how incredibly willing the alumni are to come back and offer their time, energy and care to help it grow.
They also give great feedback, and I wanted to let you know that we ARE working on the suggestions you gave us. Now in this alumni PC-wear store online- would you rather have brass bookmarks with the PC logo or vests? Maybe a lapel pin? I think we'll skip the chair.
by Angie Cole RDP '01
As many of you know, I spent most of 2004 smack-dab in the middle of the war in Iraq. I was working as a civilian contractor for KBR, a subsidiary of Halliburton. I won't rehash all of that here, but it is important for context. My purpose in going? No, I did not join the 'dark side'. I went in search of an experience different from anything I'd ever known. This seemed to fit the bill. Long story short…after 9 months overseas, I returned to Prescott on October 31st, 2004. I had no job and no plan, other than spending several weeks in Kino Bay.
Following that, I rolled back into Prescott to begin my 4 month stint as an unemployed PC alumni. This wasn't very much fun…I was broke and overwhelmed with the prospect of a job hunt. I really didn't know where I wanted to be or what I wanted to be doing. Sound familiar?? So, as any good PCer would, I began to dream up what my next new adventure might be. Lead adventure trips for 'at-risk' youth?? Outdoor Ed. Instructor in the Appalachians? Bag groceries at Safeway? How about teaching math on a sailboat? English in Sri Lanka? All seemed do-able; none seemed to fit quite right.
Somewhere around the middle of the third month, I reconnected with a colleague from a former job. She knew I was looking for work and handed me an "Assignment Description". Not a JOB description, an "Assignment" description. This was not a 'real' job, it was something called AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America). The salary was just a few bucks over $10K. There were some tempting benefits, including health care, and something called an "Ed Award".
At the time, I knew nothing about AmeriCorps other than having heard the name mentioned years ago. I did, however, really like the idea of working with this woman and with her organization. I dilly-dallied around for a few more weeks before I finally got the call from her. "Angie", she said, "if you don't take this job I'm going to have to find someone else to do it." I told her I'd take a day or two to look at my finances (to see if I could actually LIVE on $10,000 a year!) and that I would call her on Monday.
That was the beginning. I dropped the global job search and began to plan for another year in Prescott.. Little did I know that I would be sitting here today, writing to you, nearly two years later. Once again I managed to put myself in the middle of a "different" kind of experience.
I have completed my first year as a VISTA and begun a second year as VISTA Leader. This means that I have the privilege of leading a team of 8 new VISTA Members through their year of service.
The things I have gained though my service can scarcely be put into a dollar figure. What is the value of discovering your true potential? What is the price of learning and honing skills in Resource Development; Project Design, Management and Evaluation; and nearly every other aspect of non-profit management? I've been given responsibilities as a VISTA that would not have been bestowed upon me without years of dedicated employment elsewhere. No Masters program could have come close to filling me with the knowledge and perspective afforded me in this position.
I am now a walking advertisement for AmeriCorps*VISTA and for National Service. I can't say enough good things about what it's meant in my life and for my future. When I finally do close out my second year of service (that's April '07) I will walk away with everything I never knew I needed. Clarity of passion and purpose I'd never imagined. I will have my choice of top-level jobs any where on this great planet. What institution or internship can offer that?
The focus of VISTA: to increase the capacity of organizations through the development of permanent infrastructure. Two years ago, none of that would have made sense to me. Today, I see my future and my gift in it. Sustainability. Social justice. Equality. Democracy.
AmeriCorps*VISTA is ideal for someone in transition. (Aren't we all?) This could be from school to the 'real' world, shifting from one career path to another, or moving into retirement with a renewed purpose. Are you trying to get established in the non-profit realm? Are you simply looking for a new lens through which to view your world?
Giving one year of your life, in dedication to service, may be the most meaningful endeavor one can undertake. Just like a Prescott College education, a year as a VISTA Member, is what you make of it. There are hundreds of "assignments" out there, all across the country. As a VISTA with this project, you have the opportunity to shape this movement. Want to know more?? Contact me!
Here are just a few of the class notes we have received in the past two months. Because of the amount and length of class notes that we are receiving, we are usually not able to post all new notes in The Biscuit. To read all new postings, and/or post your own message, please visit the Alumni Website.
Read more 70s Class Notes
Lamar Gunter (RDP '79) writes:
So I'm currently spending most of my time in New South Wales doing acupuncture and herbs in the bush. I spent some time in the Panjshir Valley about 5 hours north of Kabul last year, treating women in a small mountain community, where a girl's school has just opened. I'm returning there later this year to take supplies to the school and see my "patients" again. And to collect this rather rare medicinal made from the faeces of a deer that only lives in a remote part of the country. Afghans have used it for generations to treat everything from arthritis to canker sores. Surely there must be some alumnae living in OZ. Do give me a shout.
Terra Krieger (RDP '71) writes:
After 57 years of life in Southern California I have relocated in Portland, Oregon. I am looking forward to starting second half of life in the beautiful, more liberal, more comfortable northwest!! Terra Krieger-again-after 34years!! Looking for a job after all these years, happy about this new found "freedom."
Dulce Setterfield ('68-'72) writes:
Spring 1972 was my last quarter at PC (started fall 1968). Transferred to NAU, graduated magna cum laude. Novel now in progress is set on the (original) PC campus, beginning the eve of spring break, 1969. The story travels to Big Sur, a desert resort, tropical island, other places. Part 1 is complete as of 4/20/07 (9 chapters). Part 2 is forthcoming; two or three sequels are anticipated. Would love to have a handful of alumni hungry for a sneak preview to review one or more completed chapters. Contact motudulce@yahoo.com and identify your connection with the college. Reliable memory sources re: the way things were are also appreciated.
Mary Yelenick (RDP '74) writes:
A litigation partner in the law firm of Chadbourne & Parke LLP in New York, NY, was recently elected chair of the board of NETWORK, a National Catholic Social Justice Lobby headquartered in Washington, DC. NETWORK, which has maintained an active presence on Capitol Hill for more than three decades, lobbies, educates, and organizes on behalf of the poor. Its mission is to bring to our nation's political discussions the voices of the marginalized and disenfranchised. More information regarding NETWORK's activities and resources, including information on how to register for its free e-mail legislative alerts, can be found on NETWORK's website, www.networklobby.org.
Dan Kowalski (RDP '75) writes:
Living in Austin, TX. Editing a technical journal for immigration lawyers, and a website: www.bibdaily.com. Office site: www.cenzio.com.
Married to Rebeca Henderson: (replace this link)
Debbie Livingston (RDP '74) writes:
I attended Prescott for the semester before it closed in 1974. Though I do not remember many people from my short time there, I would be glad to hear from anyone who does remember me. My experience at Prescott taught me a lot about taking responsibility for myself and how empowering it is to dance along the growing edge of facing fear and pushing limits.
Mary McQuaid (RDP '75) writes:
Twenty six years ago, I left Arizona for Alaska, thinking only to spend a year or two pursuing adventure and shaking my sillies out before returning to "the real world" down south. After one year of adventure and twenty-five years as a midlevel state employee, I'm finally back in Arizona. I have just bought a 90 year old Craftsman style bungalow in the Warren district of Bisbee and am looking forward to a retirement consisting of general rabble-rousing and fanning the flames of discontent. I would love to reconnect with old Prescott friends from back in the Ice Ages, and with more recent Prescott graduates in southeastern Arizona. I have a pension, a lot of time on my hands, and a propensity for stirring things up. Contact me at: magmcq@cox.net
Rick Thaler (RDP '73) writes:
I wandered away from Prescott in 1973, wound up here (Corrales NM) in 1974 and never left. I have a wife, Gail, of 25 years, a 23 year old daughter, Emily, and a 14 year old son, Jacob. I still hike and climb, longer but not as difficult, and ride my bike, chase my son and read a lot. This is when I'm not working, which takes effort since I have a growing company with 65 employees. I do work around the Southwest region in hospitals, banks, restaurants and offices. I often feel like an actor who stumbled into the wrong play, but I really like it and I am good at it in my own way. I am still in touch with a few 70's Prescott friends but would like to find others.
Read more 80s Class Notes
Michelle West (RDP '85) writes:
We are loving living in Paradise in Hawaii. We purchased a beautiful home in Waikoloa on the Big Island of Hawaii on April 1st, 2006. We celebrated our 4 year anniversary in Hawaii on April 6th. Our house has a beautiful tropically landscaped yard and a secret garden of delights. It is our peaceful sanctuary. We travelled to the Fiji islands in October of 2006 for my birthday and had a wonderful visit. The native people of Fiji are very friendly and hospitable. It was a very memorable trip. I continue to do research with wild dolphin sonar sounds and also have a healing practice. Come and swim with the dolphins before it is outlawed!!! All the best to all of Precott College alumni and professors. Keep spreading the light to inspire the world.
Read more 90s Class Notes
Jerry Henderson (RDP '90) writes:
Hi P. C.
After leaving Prescott, I taught on the Navajo Res. for a couple years, then moved back to Cali. I have been teaching here since; spending the past 11 years teaching English and Science at the same high school. I met my lovely wife, Laura, a few years ago. We have a son (Jerry Jr.)almost two and are expecting our second. Her name is Laura Sophia and she will bless us come October! I still play the guitar, but have much less time now. I have kept in touch with some pc grads throughout the years, but only still get on touch with G. Daniels. Hope you all are well. Peace, Jerry
Greg Miller (RDP '95) writes:
So I'm currently spending most of my time in New South Wales doing acupuncture and herbs in the bush. I spent some time in the Panjshir Valley about 5 hours north of Kabul last year, treating women in a small mountain community, where a girl's school has just opened. I'm returning there later this year to take supplies to the school and see my "patients" again. And to collect this rather rare medicinal made from the faeces of a deer that only lives in a remote part of the country. Afghans have used it for generations to treat everything from arthritis to canker sores. Surely there must be some alumnae living in OZ. Do give me a shout.
Derek Clark (RDP '98) writes:
Greetings PC alumni and friends. I am currently living in Portland, OR with my lovely wife Tara. After teaching and living in Seattle for the past four years, we are back in Portland and enjoying our new home. I am currently teaching in a middle school and Tara is working as a speech pathologist at Legacy Emanuel hospital. We hope all is well back in Prescott or wherever you may find yourself in your journey.
Jeff Carlson (RDP '91) writes:
06/17/07
As I write this in mid-June, we’re growing more and more excited in the Carlson household as the release date of my first novel approaches. End-of-the-world thriller PLAGUE YEAR hits stores in August, and my publisher is going gangbusters setting up a small tour up and down California to promote the book. (We live in the San Francisco Bay Area.) If you’re nearby, come and see me. Bring your naked groupies! I’ll be in Roseville, Walnut Creek, San Francisco, Pasadena, Los Angeles, and San Luis Obispo. They’re also sending me to the Decatur Book Festival in Atlanta over Labor Day weekend. Exciting stuff. You can find details on tour dates and locations on my web site at www.jverse.com, along with cover art, a free excerpt of the book, other goodies, and advance information on the sequel WAR DAY, coming in Summer 2008. Oh, and I’m still looking for a lead on Nathan Boston. Natey, where you at? jeffcarlson@astound.net
