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Jerry Croft (MA 1963) states, "According to Huber Self : I was the third person to acquire the MA degree in geography from KSU." Dr. Croft is a professor emeritus of geography, Oklahoma State University and currently an adjunct professor of Geography at the University of Iowa.
As a young professor emeritus, he feels fortunate to find interesting part-time work. While his wife, Laurie, works full time in the Belin-Blank gifted education center, at the University of Iowa, he secured an adjunct professorship at the University. Dr. Croft teaches a global studies class each term and in the summer conducts an AP geography workshop for teachers. He gets to spend a month, every summer, at Lake Tahoe, which is his favorite place on the planet. He considers himself a "lucky man," and who would disagree!
Ann Howland (BS 1989, MA 1991) is a GIS database analyst employed by the city of Johnson City. It's been almost nine years since they moved to Tennessee. They still call Manhattan, HOME! " If you're ever in N.E. Tennessee, give us a call. We would love to show you the sites." Ann & Dave Howland
Risto Marttinen (MA 1965) today is an investor. KSU courses in Economic Geography have proven especially useful. He is also a late-stage athlete. Over a three-year period, he ran 70 races. Recently, he was in the Virginia Senior Games, University of Richmond, where he received silver for the 400m dash, and gold for the 200m race. He has two swim medals, 1st, 2nd, 3rd place medals and awards in 3K to 10K races, and has run three-half marathons. His goal is to meet the challenge of a triathlon. Risto says, "Best Wishes to Huber Self, my inspiration and mentor."
Sean Pendley (BS 1969, MA 1998) received his masters in Regional and Community Planning. He is now a city planner employed by the city of Lee's Summit, Missouri.
Douglas Riffel (BA 1970, MA 1973) is a student again! He was laid off from The Boeing Company, "which has really been a good deal." He is getting TAA training money to get his secondary education certification for social sciences of Geography, plus history, and "who knows what else." He also plans to eventually pickup courses and get certification for earth sciences. He will be attending Western Washington University at Bellingham, Washington. This will be at age 54 - - years young!! Douglas says, "It seems that all of my professors are now gone with Dr. David Kromm's retirement. He was my master's professor."
Sam Sawatzky (BS 1993) now lives in Post Falls, Idaho.
Carey L. Smith (BS 1969) lives in Overland Park, Kansas and is a senior adjustor for OneBeacon Insurance.
Patricia (Bennett) Solis (MA 1996) and her husband Dr. Dario Solis proudly announced the birth of their son, Dario Solis III (Trey). He was born Friday, September 13, 2002 at 11:55 p.m. weighing 8 pounds 4 ounces and measuring 22 inches in length.
The family is living in Iowa City, Iowa where Patricia finished her Ph.D. in Geography, at the University of Iowa, and graduated in December 2002. She accepted the position of Director of Research and Outreach for the Association of American Geographers in Washington D.C.
Are you KSU Geography Alumni? Please fill out the Alumni Update Form for inclusion in the 2004 Alumni Newsletter.