Cast your vote for Liz

Elizabeth Putnum
written by Frederick R. Swan , January 25, 2007

I first met Liz in 1956 when she visited Middlebury College to look for recruits for the first class in Grand Teton National Park. I was impressed by her enthusiasm and sincerity as well as determination to make the program work. I signed on over my father's doubts; my mother thought it was a great idea to get me out of the house and into the world. Of course the experience turned out wonderfully because of the opportunity to learn about the ecology of a national park in the the West, to associate with a brave group of 16 young people, to meet some leading researchers in ecology and to realize that we could be a great help to the park rangers. Since I later became a professor of biology, the SCA experience was a great motivator to interact with the public and to become knowledgeable of ecological science and conservation biology.
I have been especially blessed to spend time with Liz and her husband Bruce since I retired in 1999. She has been generous with her time sharing many memories with me. It has been an amazing experience to know such a dynamic and talented leader.

Liz footsteps changed my life
written by John , January 25, 2007

Ive seen liz at the sca's 50th aniversary in charlestown new hamphsire. It moved me to see the speakers there to speak about this awesome lady who's college essay changed so many lives. Im from pittsburgh working with sca for the first time and ive never heard about it until i got up here (to new hampshire), but i will be sure to spread the word on what her program has done to change my life in so many ways. Thank you for changing my life and millions just like me!

My Meeting
written by Kate Mrakovich , January 25, 2007

I was fortunate enough to meet Liz where it all started: Grand Teton National Park. I was looking for an experience to guide me to a specific field of study after my first semester in college. I was one of the lucky ones chosen to work with a back country ranger at Yellowstone National Park. That summer they held a 45th SCA Anniversary Party near the Tetons in Jackson, WY. Although I only met with her briefly, I was amazed by the amount of charisma and drive that Liz still has about her work. She helped me realize that I should continue in the environmental field and make a difference. The fact that she had enough determination when she was just out of college to establish the SCA shows anyone they can do anything that they put their mind to. When I got back to college I changed my major to Natural Resources Management. Today I am a Regional Park Ranger with a county park system. Thank you Liz from myself and all of the SCA alumni who you helped to lead to our callings!

Ms
written by Megan Tylka , January 10, 2007

I had the fortunate opportunity to work for the SCA, the nonprofit organization Liz started while she was in college. Not only did I hold two positions in National Parks for the SCA, I was also a recruiter, so I travel to colleges and inspired young people to continue Liz’s vision and volunteer to better our world. Before I went out on my first trip to recruit I got to meet Liz. Never in my life have I met someone with so much passion, inspiration, and optimism in my life. That one meeting over sandwiches in New Hampshire changed my life. Before I met her I was already impressed by her for starting this organization from her Senior Thesis and having it grow into what it is today, but meeting her in person was much more impressive. The energy coming out of her obviously came from her soul. Growing up in this world fighting for environmental wellbeing can be challenging, depressing, and you can loss hope. Liz change my life for me that day by showing me hope is never lost if we always keep trying. If there is just one young person I inspire to work for a better environment there will always be hope. I am now a Graduate Student in the ecology and environmental science program at the University of Maine and I see a long career for me in the environmental field. I know that the meeting between Liz and I will always be important to me because I know I will never lose hope for protecting the environment.