I remember how excited I was when I first heard about SNR (as it was then called.) I’d left a small co-ed college in Illinois a few years earlier and had been waiting on tables for over two years in Ann Arbor. When I read about SNR, I was riveted. I hadn't been a part of Earth Day but the concept of addressing environmental problems in college really appealed to me.

My first job was with Williams Furniture Co., a large furniture manufacturer in Sumter, SC. All of my training in wood technology was very useful in this job. Sumter was my hometown. After helping solve a manufacturing problem, (the return of a carload of plywood from GE slated to be used for TV cabinets), I was moved to assistant to the CEO & President of the company. This was fine but there was no increase in salary?

The thing that has most influenced my life is a research doctorate from the University of Michigan. The great joy of my life was doing the PhD under the direction of Steve Spurr, Sam Graham and Bob Zahner. There was summer living in the late 50's at the Biological Station and Camp Filbert Roth. We trotted after Spurr exploring ancient shorelines, interesting woods on Bois Blanc Island and Canada's boreal forest. Und aspen uber alle. Arguing with Sam Graham kept me vigorously alive, and a high note was the time at the Station when I beat Spurr at Chinese checkers.

I was extremely fortunate to arrive at the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources in 1958 and to obtain my M.F. in 1959-50 years ago.  And then to receive my Ph.D. degree there in 1972.  I am still fortunate to be able to continue active field research projects. The University of Michigan allowed me to follow a unique path, based on my interests, field experience and emerging recreational use pressures that I observed and experienced as a forest manager.