Jack, sophomore (top)
Environmental studies major/environmental policy concentration
Led the nation in three-point shooting (2011-2012 basketball season)
I was recruited by GMC to play basketball, and that’s what got me looking seriously at the academics. I was especially impressed with the environmental mission. A lot of schools talk a big game when it comes to environmentalism, but GMC is a place that is truly trying to change the world for the better. Once I visited and experienced the beautiful campus and community atmosphere, I knew this was the place for me.

The most important lesson I’ve learned at GMC is that every one of us can make a difference in the world. “Actions speak louder than words” is a lesson our professors constantly instill in us. They show us that if you feel strongly about something, nothing can stop you from going out and changing it.

Chelsea, senior (bottom left)
Biology major/chemistry minor
Played varsity soccer, basketball, and softball
Like every other school, GMC has plenty of scenic photos on its website. Even so, I wasn’t prepared for how beautiful the campus was when I saw it for the first time. But what made the biggest impression on me was how friendly everyone was. Students, faculty—everyone—went out of their way to say “hi” and make us feel welcome. It was my first trip to GMC, but I was pretty sure I’d found my home for the next four years.

On the academic side, GMC does a great job integrating science and humanities with action learning. One of my favorite courses was Fins to Fingers. The class links biology and art and is co-taught by Meriel Brooks, a biology professor who teaches both undergrad and grad students, and Jen Baker, a visual and performing arts professor. We learned detailed observation skills by illustrating different organisms. I had never taken an art class in my life, and I was amazed at how it expanded my scientific understanding of vertebrate evolution.

Kim, senior (bottom right)
Philosophy major/environmental studies minor
Played varsity soccer all four years
I came to GMC fired up about playing collegiate soccer, but being here has ignited a lot of other passions—including my love for the environment and concern for the well-being of animals. In fact, I was so inspired that I helped launch a campaign to create a new academic program.

It all started in a public policy class with Sam Edwards. He was lecturing about animal law, and it occurred to me that a minor that addressed animal ethics would be a perfect fit for me and for GMC. So my classmate Lacie and I joined forces and started a campaign. We lobbied outside the dining hall, circulated petitions, and created surveys.

Before long, we had a faculty committee helping us turn our idea into an academic discipline. We put together a sampling of classes based on programs at leading law schools and helped the committee document student support for an animal studies minor. With the minor approved, it will be a key stepping-stone on my path for the future.