Editor:
Jocelyn Robinson

robinson@antioch-college.edu

Contributing Writers:
Rachel Moulton '97
Crystal Kelliher '03
Fred Kraus
Jocelyn Robinson
Callie Cary '84

Photography:
Dennie Eagleson ’71
Jack Palmer
Joe Neal
Shalini Deo '03
Jocelyn Robinson

Recent Alums Follow Rich Environmental Tradition

By Fred Kraus

It’s 142 steps up and back to Peter Townsend’s office. That’s vertical steps, as in stairs, a climb Peter and his colleagues who have offices on the fourth floor of the venerable Science Building may make several times a day. “I view it as an investment in fitness,” the Professor of Environmental Science and Geology said cheerfully, citing a study which noted that one commonality of extraordinarily long-lived residents of New York City was that they lived in walk-up apartments located on the third floor or above. Over the years, a high percentage of Antioch alums have emerged from the Science Building – built in 1930 through the generosity of brilliant inventor and philanthropist Charles F. Kettering – to step up into varied and fulfilling careers in the sciences. The science program is alive and well, said Townsend. Such a positive outlook typifies the attitude found among the faculty members of Antioch College’s Environmental Science Program, which includes Townsend, entering his thirty-second year of teaching here; Tom Ayrsman ’79, Assistant Professor of Botany and Environmental Science; and Jill Yager, Professor of Biology and environmental Science (currently conducting research in Mexico on a Fulbright Scholarship). Supporting disciplines such as chemistry, physics and mathematics remain integral to the success of the program. Ayrsman quickly agreed with Townsend’s positive assessment. Very much so. Emphatically so. “Of course, I’m a little biased,” said Ayrsman, “since I’m a product of the program.” Ayrsman added, “But we do have an excellent faculty and an excellent curriculum, especially our environmental science program.” Ayrsman said he reviews the programs of the 12 liberal arts schools in the North American Alliance for Green Education, of which Antioch is a member and Ayrsman is the Executive Director. “And of those, none features the range and diversity and depth that we have,” he said. The accomplishments of graduates of the program certainly stand as a testament to its success. Such positive outcomes speak volumes. “Another thing to consider is that Antioch College was one of the first – if not the very first – to offer a degree option in environmental science,” said Townsend. “The Antioch science department faculty put together a curriculum which offered environmental science as a major concentration option in 1967,” he said. But what is it that over the years has produced such outstanding graduates – graduates who have gone on to graduate school, graduates who have realized successful medical careers, graduates who have become distinguished faculty members in the field of higher education, graduates who become scientists contributing to our world’s body of knowledge? (Please see accompanying sidebar of recent graduates.) One big plus is having – and utilizing – area resources. Glen Helen continues to be a valuable site for research, with its rich ecosystem. So much of the students’ work in the science program has practical applications – good training to prepare them to be productive in the real world. Learning the ability to solve problems, to come up with solutions – this is what stays with them, said Townsend. “Often, our students find that in order to see a project through, they have to invent various means to get them to the ends they seek, cobbling together a bit of this and a bit of that. Antioch students learn how to cobble,” he said.

“If you really want to immerse yourself in an environmental program, sitting in the classroom is not always the best way,” said Ayrsman, who cited the value of the Antioch College Environmental Field Program. The EFP is a 30-year-old intensive, traveling, summer study term, which examines social and environmental issues in a different bioregion of North America every year. Recent programs have included the US/Mexico Border, British Columbia, the Southwest, the Mississippi River, and the Great Lakes. It is widely recognized within the community of liberal arts colleges, as one of the best, oldest, and most unique academic programs in the country. The program is facilitated by two recent Antioch graduates and takes 9 to 11 Antioch student participants. Traveling is done in two vans that act as a library, a kitchen, and on some rainy nights, even a community bedroom. It truly becomes a home away from home. This interdisciplinary program merges the natural and social sciences. The primary teachers are field faculty who provide immediate knowledge and experience in the fields of study. Consultants include representatives from government agencies, grass-roots organizations, cultural organizations, mines, agriculture (commercial and organic), power plants (traditional and alternative sources), colleges, logging companies, and unions. On EFP, learning takes place in a variety of settings: with consultants from diverse backgrounds, in small group discussions, through readings, and by completing course work that ranges from academic papers to community service. “EFP becomes one of the experiences they never forget,” said Ayrsman. “Many students end up forging long-term friendships and acquaintances. And, curiously, we end up creating quite a bit of interest in science from students who take EFP who are not science majors. Our program cultivates this interest. And certainly the field studies are more dynamic than the classroom.” Field trips form another facet of the program that builds interest. “They are so influential in our curriculum,” Ayrsman said. Recent trips have included excursions to the Pioneer Forest of Leo Drey ’39. (See accompanying story on Leo and Kay Drey ’39.) “The summer block system really benefits us as far as field trips go,” said Ayrsman. “With students taking one intensive course at a time, they can take these field trips without concern for rescheduling other classes.” Another distinguishing characteristic of Antioch’s program is the way courses are taught. “We encourage self-motivation,” said Townsend. “We teach as if science is an exploration in trying to find the answers. The answer that is correct now may turn out to be a different answer in the future. We teach the students to challenge the answers. “Occasionally, while in class, I will intentionally explain things with a ridiculous explanation – to encourage students to process or challenge what I or what anyone else says,’’ said Townsend. “I think that our students graduate with an ability to not just accept what is presented. It’s not so much about being disrespectful as it is being interactive with the material. I think it’s the only way to give a good education,” he said. “And if we can help teach students how to think, that’s a lesson whose value can’t be overestimated.” It certainly is a great step for students as they clamber into the world, following the footsteps of a long tradition.