North to Alaska: Course sets sights on new frontiers

The course, “Study Away: Alaska 2012,” is enlightening participants about the 49^th state’s unique natural attributes, in addition to its role in history, agriculture, society and art. CSC students participated in a similar journey  in 2008.

The CSC contingent will depart Wednesday, Feb. 29, representing CSC’s programs in agriculture, art, and family and consumer sciences. They are being led by faculty members Dr. Chuck Butterfield, agriculture and range management, Mary Donahue, art, and Dr. Yvonne Moody, FCS.

While in Alaska, the students will be exposed to lectures, guest talks, guided tours, field experience and discussion. Among the highlights will be the group’s volunteer participation at the starting line of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Anchorage. The students and faculty members will receive dog-handling training for what has officially been dubbed “The Last Great Race on Earth,” and will help the racers get started on their 975-mile voyage to Nome on March 3.

Moody said the trip to Alaska will be educational and help broaden students’ horizons in many ways, and also is excited on a personal level.

“The privilege of being a witness to this historic reenactment and volunteer dog handler for this significant event allows me bragging rights no other teaching experience has afforded me in 35 prior years,” she said. “I’m honored and excited to be a partner with Dr. Butterfield and Mary Donohue in this adventurous trek.”

Course participants have been meeting weekly this semester to become educated about what they will soon experience. During the trip, participants plan to post updates to a Facebook page titled “Chadron State College – Study Away: Alaska.”