By Rachelle Boudreau |
A desire to introduce students to “the wonderful world of geography” spurred the creation of a generous new award that helps undergrads gain valuable hands-on experience. The Colthart McCalla Field Studies Course Assistance Award—the first of its kind at Saint Mary’s University—will be given to one or two undergraduate students in geography or environmental studies who want to participate in a field study course but lack the financial ability to do so.
The award was made possible by donors Dr. Robert and Peggy Colthart McCalla, loyal and long-standing members of the Saint Mary’s community. They arrived on campus in 1975, with Dr. Bob as one of the founding members of the geography department and Peggy as the department’s first cartographer/map librarian.
The pair met as geography students at the University of Western Ontario, where field studies were an important component of their learning and made a lasting impression. “We went on field study courses often during our undergrad,” says Dr. McCalla. “And throughout both of our careers, we have seen the importance of field studies for students. We always wanted to see such courses implemented at Saint Mary’s, and we’re excited to see that now underway.”
Dr. McCalla’s interest in geography began as a child travelling North America by car with his parents, “appreciating what I saw out of the car window.” And Mrs. McCalla’s eyes were opened to the subject by a grade ten teacher who worked on the Oxford Atlas. “I was inspired that someone could study both the earth’s landscape and the human element,” she says.
With a focus on the interactions between landscape and humanity, geography lends itself well to experiential learning. The McCallas are enthusiastic supporters of helping students gain in-the-field experience.
Dr. Steven Smith, Dean of Science, says that the award will make a difference. “Dr. Bob and Peggy’s gift will help offer more students the real-world experiences they want and need, to support their learning and better prepare them for when they graduate.” Mrs. McCalla says their goal is to make it easier for students to access these courses and defray the costs. “Field study courses are a bonding experience for professors and fellow students, and they add so much to their awareness and application of geography.”
