Even after major events such as the dedication of the Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow Center for International and Public Affairs and the State of the University address on Tuesday, USC is still able to provide a warm welcome. President Carol L. FoltOn Friday morning, she was able to speak to about 25 students. An Exploration of Americas National Parks class brought her back into the place that ignited her passion for academia.
Folt explained to the class that I started in the same way as you. I’ve actually served in every single role in universities. Each role was a combination of my love of teaching, my love of being with students and my love for science and discovery.
Folt spoke with the class to discuss her background in biology as well as aquatic environments to prepare for Earth Week. Douglas NobleThe course was created by an associate professor in architecture. It is open to all majors. Noble said that he wanted students, who are passionate about conserving national parks, to approach their research projects in their own unique ways.
Noble stated that having President Folt visit the national park class to express her enthusiasm for our national parks was crucial. The parks truly are America’s best idea, and it is inspirational to see the president of the University of Southern California telling us about the connections between the parks and her research.
When someone speaks passionately about something, you learn so much about them.
Ilana SpindelMaster’s student
The class, which is being offered this spring for the first time, will culminate with each student’s research paper becoming a chapter of a book that will be published at semester’s end. Folt was one among the 30 guests speakers for this semester’s class.
Ilana, a student in Master of Architecture, said that she enjoys the connection she makes with Folt. Spindel stated that hearing someone talk about something they are passionately about can reveal so much about a person. “Of course, President Folt is passionate about teaching and USC, but hearing her lecture on her lifelong passion for the environment and science was invaluable and illuminating.
President Carol L. Folts’ love for nature inspired by a nearby national park
Although she acknowledged that Akron in Ohio is not a paradise for the environment, she said that growing-up on the edge of the wilderness was the best thing. Cuyahoga Valley National ParkHer love for nature was ignited.
I now realize that was probably the most important aspect that connected me with what became a passion for my work, she said.
Folt received her bachelor’s degree in aquatic biology, a master’s in biology, and a doctorate of ecology at the University of California. Folt spoke to the class on the importance of national park aquatic environments, how humans can impact them, and what can be done to preserve what is left.
Folt stated that if we lose these parks, it is a loss of one of our most important spiritual connections to our role of stewards of Earth and our connection with the Earth.
Talking about the environment, is where I get energy and joy, is what she said.
More stories about: Carol L. Folt, Environment, Students, Sustainability
