Please read the following statements from the candidates and/or proceed to the ballot.

Natalie Canfield, RDP '03
I grew up in the concrete jungle that is Tempe, AZ. After maneuvering my way through elementary school and high school there, I needed an escape. For some odd reason, I chose Texas as that escape. I attended Texas Christian University for my freshman year and half of my sophomore year. Needless to say, it wasn't a great fit. I spent the second semester of my sophomore year at the Biosphere in Tucson, AZ traveling in vans and getting a taste for what I like to call dirty learning. I couldn't get enough and then I found Prescott College! Why am I telling you all of this? Because like many of us Prescott College grads, our road TO PC was not an easy one and it sure was not a straight road! 

I currently work in the field of higher education as an admission counselor for a small liberal arts college in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Marymount College is similar to PC in that we are a small mission-driven institution. I started my work in admissions at Prescott College! I have made wonderful connections in my profession and I am constantly boasting to my colleagues why Prescott College is the best college in the world. After hearing what programs are offered at PC, and the life-changing experiences that I had, my colleagues are usually pretty sold on PC. After learning about many institutions through my work, I am constantly validated that Prescott College is the best in the country.

Why I would like to be on the board? Just as our paths to finding Prescott College were windy, life after Prescott College is not the straightest road for many of us either. Although I may get off-course sometimes, the guiding point for me is a focus on living my life with integrity and making lifestyle decisions that have a positive impact on the people I have direct contact with every day. Through my education at Prescott College, I know that my actions have an impact on even those who feel my contact indirectly through others. A ripple effect, if you will. I am forever grateful for my experiences at Prescott College.

Through being a PCAA Board member, I hope to stay connected with the Prescott College community and to serve the community as it has served me in the past. Throughout my few years in the world of higher education, I have realized what a gift Prescott College is and I would like to continue to cultivate our community after our experiences at PC. I would also like to bring our alumni community together regionally.  One of my favorite things to do is talk about Prescott College and I can't wait to do that as a PCAA board member!

William Butler Cooper, RDP '91
William Cooper is 41 years old and currently resides on a sustaining farm in Christiana, Tennessee. He is married to fellow alumni Karen Dismukes Cooper (1993). Together they are proud parents of Wills (4.5) and Constance (1) Cooper. As a family they enjoy life and living on the farm. 

William originally reins from Columbia, South Carolina. He enjoys visiting his home state dearly and returns often to spend time in the marsh, sea, rivers, mountains and swamps. 

William is currently an expert in land and land management. Professionally he is a licensed Real Estate Broker and specializes in land and farms. Past professional positions include: guide at American Alpine Institute, Outdoor Director at Brevard College, Outdoor Leader at Heath Wood Hall High School, Adjunct Faculty at Prescott College, Owner of an Import /Export Business, Retail shop owner, Builder, and Owner of a Sea Kayaking Business.

William has been an active member of the Nashville community. He is involved with fund raising for many local organizations. He has served on numerous committees. For example, Sunday and the Park, benefiting Percy Warner Park, Tennessee Land Trust, preserving land for the future, Carriage House Music Series, benefiting Belle Meade Plantation and historical preservation efforts, Mask Ball, benefiting the Nashville Ballet, Spring in Provence, benefiting Magdalene House, for abused women, Business that build Communities, to serve undeserved population, Make a wish foundation, helping children in need, Walden Puddle, helping injured animals, just to name a few. In South Carolina he is very active with the Nature Conservancy and Congaree Land trust. All of his efforts have been well received with success.

William has been an avid outdoorsman since a child. He has a great understanding of Nature and Spirit. As the Lakota Medicine Woman, Barrett Eagle Bear, once said, William has powerful Medicine, that of a Falcon carrying a snake.

William is a proficient climber, hunter, fisherman, gardener, horseman, skier, and mountaineer. He has been on many fantastic journeys. Some of which include: 18 day river trip down the Colorado (in a squirt boat), climbing expedition in Pakistan, summit of Zoroaster's Peak, skiing across artic circle in Scandinavia, exploring the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico, summit of Picacho del Diablo in Baja, Ski mountaineering in the San Juan Mountain Range, and achieving first accents in The Bear Tooth Range in Montana.

Prescott College gave so much to William on his pursuit of the journey. He now wishes to serve on the board in order to help others along their path.  William still cherishes his friends and experiences at Prescott College and would be a GREAT candidate to reunite the forces and continue the connection.

Ethan Hipple, RDP '00
I would be honored to serve on the Board of the Prescott College Alumni Association because I believe that Prescott College simply embodies all that is good in education and I have the energy and unique skills to reach out to and engage alumni from throughout our school's history.

Prescott College not only aids people of all ages in their personal educational journey, but also inspires in people a sense of responsibility to be part of something larger than ourselves. In a world where people are growing further apart from each other, and our nation further apart from others, Prescott College kindles in people a sense of meaning and responsibility so that we can build connections and understanding between people and with the natural world.

Since graduating from Prescott in 2000, I've spent my life dedicated to running National Service and Outdoor programs. I've worked as a field leader, supervisor and Director for the Student Conservation Association (SCA). I spent 3 years directing the NH Conservation Corps (a program of AmeriCorps) and am currently serving as the Camp Director for the American Youth Foundation's Camp Merrowvista. I believe that the work I do encourages others to connect with each other, to connect with nature, and to serve humbly. In my professional life I've had the opportunity to build expertise in areas such as fund raising, grant writing, budgeting, organizing events and working as a coordinated team—all skills that will benefit the work of the PCAA. I've successfully raised money for capital campaigns, political campaigns and causes and am comfortable articulating to others why we should financially support things we believe in strongly.

And I've managed to stay involved with Prescott over the years as well by serving as an Alumni Recruiting Representative. In that capacity I've hosted prospective student meetings, conducted recruiting visits in local high schools and staffed college fairs in the area. I have relished the opportunity to be part of the Prescott community and talk about the impact it had on me personally and professionally.

Put simply, I want to serve on the Alumni Association Board so that I can help the College grow sustainably, to help Prescoteers connect with each other and to help publicize the message and good work of Prescott College. 

Barbara Goodluck Morgan, MAP '06
Ms. Morgan attended parochial schools from K-12. Ms. Morgan graduated with a Bachelors of Arts from the University of New Mexico in 1987. Later she earned her Degree of Master of Arts in Education: Bilingual Curriculum Development from Prescott College, June 19, 2006. Barbara has taught as a certified teacher for 12 years in New Mexico and Arizona. Although fine arts will always be her first love, teaching Navajo children to become proficient in Navajo and in English (and any other language) is very, very important to her.

Having lost her husband at a young age, it was up to her to raise four children by teaching, substitute teaching, working as a program manager, and selling her art work. Ms. Morgan believes that the Navajo people are presently in need of mentors, role models, and grandmothers to help carry on the traditions of love, trust, obedience, sobriety, serenity, and wisdom building. Her goal as a Navajo grandmother is to see all children educated to the highest standards. Mrs. Morgan believes that education will pull people out of the depths of poverty, destructive addictions, poor health, and ignorance.

Presently Ms. Morgan serves as a Senior Education Specialist at the Office of Dine Culture, language, and Community Services under the Department of Dine Education in Window Rock, Arizona. Ms. Morgan is a historian and an expert in Navajo History and Government. Ms. Morgan will share the message of education that is nationally recognized for its diversity and excellence in higher education. Ms. Morgan believes that the faculty of Prescott College is dedicated to the mission of the journey and that she is able to make this known to prospective students, their parents/guardians, and to the Indian tribes of Arizona.

Delores Noble, ADP '99
Delores was born November 12, 1957 in Fort Defiance, AZ to Harold & Annie T Noble, both Dine. She was raised in Pine Springs and Steamboat, AZ. Ms. Noble graduated from Valley High School, Sanders, AZ in 1976. She graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree in elementary Education (with an emphasis in Navajo language) from Prescott College in 1999. She later graduated with distinction from Northern Arizona University with a Master of Arts in Education in Educational Leadership May 10, 2002. Delores is a certified teacher in Arizona and has taught at Window Rock Unified School District and at the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Hunters Point, AZ. Delores advocates, promotes, and perpetuates the Navajo language and other indigenous languages. In her spare time, Delores likes to explore her creative energy through photography and music.

Ms. Noble is able to read and write Navajo. She believes that all life is sacred and each person has a purpose in life. To seek that purpose is a chance to discover and to understand. If one knows their language, they are wealthy. All indigenous children can learn to speak their heritage language. Through language, one discovers their culture, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.
Delores's statement:
I would like to serve on the PCAA board, so that I can be a spokesperson for Prescott College and be there for students who still seek the missing piece in their lives. I believe that Prescott College has assisted many Native Americans in Arizona to achieve their educational goals. I would like to serve and assist on behalf of the Native Americans of Arizona and abroad.

Gus Tham, RDP '71
As a part of the Prescott College community, I would be honored to have an opportunity to serve as a Director on the Prescott College Alumni Association Board of Directors. I understand the requirements and demands of the position, and feel that I can fulfill what is expected of a Board member.

I attended Prescott College, beginning in 1967, graduating with a BA in Liberal Arts in 1971. I followed my passion and got involved in labor unions, and labor union politics, working as a member of the Teamsters Union in the San Francisco area until 1993. I was a truck driver, a steward, an organizer, and at times just a general ne'er do well during my tenure with the union. They were wonderful years. I left this, and followed a natural progression, achieving an MS in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling, with a specialization in Rehabilitation Counseling, in 1994, from San Francisco State University. With this new training I went to work for the California State Department of Rehabilitation, as a Senior Counselor, working with individuals with disabilities.

Personally, I live in Novato, California, which is in northern Marin County, with my wife Charlene, and our two sons, Paolo, 25, and Michael, 20, as well as our English Bulldog, Knuckles. I am retired, and have been since 2003, but keep my days full. Paolo just played out his college eligibility in baseball, so we have enjoyed him playing year round since he was about ten, and Mikey is a knock-out rock guitarist, so he keeps me entertained and up to date on the scene. When I'm asked about what I do with my time my only response is, "that it is a fulltime job being me."

Over the past three years I have had the privilege of participating as a volunteer as part of the Prescott College Alumni Recruitment Network, and this opportunity has sparked within me a new pride in Prescott College. To meet, and interact, with many recent graduates of PC has given me an opportunity to see, first hand, what a great institution the College was able to grow into from the seedling that was Prescott College when I graduated in 1971. Who these young adults are that are coming out of PC, and more importantly, the impact that they are making on the world has enkindled in me a respect for my alma mater that I really did not have for decades after leaving there.

Today, as part of the Alumni Recruitment Network, I am able to meet with high school students and their parents, as well as junior college transfers, and discuss the virtues of Prescott College as an option for college. Whether I am attending a college fair, visiting high schools, or meeting a small group for coffee, it has become an exciting part of my life to be able to present Prescott College to my audience. The work all of us volunteers are doing in the network has really paid off, and I think I can say that all who have participated have been able to take something special away from this experience.  

Again, let me again promise you that it would both be an honor and a pleasure to become a board member of the Prescott College Alumni Association. I assure you that my commitment is sincere, and I look forward to the opportunity. Thank you for consideration for one of these open slots on the Board of Directors of the PCAA.  

Susan Elizabeth (Elsa) Thomas, RDP 1970 - 1972
Floundering around a bit as I grew up, before the end I attended several colleges. Over the years it has become clear that Prescott - my first higher education experience and the one I am tethered to - has always had my loyalty and commitment, and that is where the lifelong friends are. Still, I have to say that the other experiences have shown me practical, successful examples as well as proven strategies, and I understand that it's critical to learn from that and then apply the lessons. I spent many years as an alumni advisor for Duke University, meeting with students and compiling interview reports for the Admissions Department. It was sober work, and I took it seriously. So did the applicants.

My employment career has primarily focused on land use planning, for all kinds of governments and agencies, with non-profit agency experience following the bureaucratic model in recent years. The main lesson here is compromise and consensus, "let them build it and they will buy it." That's a pretty good working creed, especially if one is functioning with limited resources. You have to pick both battles and priorities, and it's energizing to realize that you've made choices based on realistic commitments. I've been a member of many boards, and even more, I've staffed them under all kinds of relationships. I value the hard currency of a working board, and I take seriously the obligation to follow through on both the stated objectives and the implied responsibilities.

I have two children 15 years apart in age. One attended a venerable, historic university and the nine-year-old has a lower flashpoint and may need a school like Prescott. I want to be sure that one is available, for her and for all of those other young people who are just like we were so many years ago. More than I can say, it would be a terrible loss to forfeit a most important alternative to something idiotic like insufficient financial support. I will work hard for a good cause.

Personal Background
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and because of Time Magazine and classmate Larry Stevens, I somehow attended Prescott College. Worried about having too much fun and being over-stimulated by the inimitable landscape, I transferred to a conventional university and managed to crawl out with a degree. After graduation I roamed the western U.S. and was drawn back to the Southwest which I found I couldn't really give up. I have come back several times, always glad to be here again. 

Now I'm living in Cortez, Colorado where my younger child attends a 100+ year-old one-room school that continually struggles to survive in our testing-obsessed world, in a remote, historic canyon opening to Aneth, Utah. Almost a third of our small enrollment lives there, and we teach Navajo language and culture to better connect our students to the Four Corners area and culture. My older child has just become a grad student in English at NAU, where he will explores Northern Arizona with his climber/poet father who has made many surprising discoveries about life over the years. I am so happy to have both children solidly rooted in this area that has always been a magnet for me, one that I love and believe in so much.

Mark White, RDP '99
I graduated from the RDP program in Dec 1999 with a degree in Therapeutic Use of Wilderness.  I am currently finishing a Master's degree in counseling and am Project Director of a US Department of Education grant with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.  Sherry Barnes (RDP May '99) and I lived in Alaska for several years post P.C. and now live near Durango, CO.  I also have experience in school development and non-profit fundraising efforts. 

I would like to be on the PCAA board to help forward the mission of the college and raise awareness and support for the school.  Also, the late Glendon Brunk (former RDP instructor) was a huge influence on my life and I'd like to propose a scholarship fund in his honor to support writing as environmental activism at Prescott College.  Beyond that, I live in wonderful Colorado close to the San Juan River and would like to help reconnect alumni to the school through gatherings and wilderness activities.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Thank you for your consideration.

All ballots, phone calls, email, and mail-in votes must be received by June 27th, 2008.
Please vote for only five candidates:  http://pcaa08elect.kintera.org

If you would like to call in your vote, you can do so at: 877-350-2100 X4502
If you would like to email your vote, you can do so at:  alumni@prescott.edu
If you would like to mail in your vote, please write down your selections and mail to:

Prescott College Office of Alumni Relations
220 GROVE AVENUE . PRESCOTT, ARIZONA 86301
877.350.2100 ext 4502 . Fax: 928-776-5228
www.prescott.edu/alumni