Smiles, laughter, and inspiration filled UCSC in April, when more than 400 Natural History Field Quarter (NHFQ) alumni came back to campus to celebrate the program’s 40th year.
Alumni from as far as Alaska, Germany, and Belize came to share memories, reconnect with friends, and honor retiring Professor Steve Gliessman who taught NHFQ for 30 years.
Many of the attendees commented that Natural History Field Quarter had changed their lives and how they view the natural world. Graduates of NHFQ have gone on to influential careers as scientists, land managers, and educators throughout California and the world.
In addition, NHFQ alumni generously donated over $10,000 to be used immediately by the Environmental Studies Department to offer NHFQ in spring 2013 and over $30,000 to the Experiential Learning Endowment earmarked for future NHFQ courses. Natural History Field Quarter alumna Lauren Fieberg donated a $400 scholarship to help a spring 2013 field quarter student to pay travel and housing costs during the course. Lauren, a high school teacher, takes her students on a mini-field quarter trip each year, passing on the skills she learned.
Many thanks to all the generous NHFQ alumni! If you would like to support NHFQ, please follow this link.
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The Santa Cruz Sentinel reported on the reunion as well:
As UCSC Natural History Field Quarter alumni gather for reunion, program faces uncertain future
