Transitions Magazine Spring 2013 - Prescott College

A Parent’s PerspectivePast parent Steve Lockton shares his personal perspective on Prescott CollegeWhat led your daughter to a place like Prescott College?We are a sailing, tennis, and golf family. She heard about NOLSand spent her sixteenth summer exploring nature. It was Elise’s firstintroduction to outdoor life and it changed her. She transferred toPrescott after three years at Colorado State University.Were you aware of the College before she transferred?No. When she applied, we were concerned that she wanted toattend such a small college and that the campus was so limited.How did your feelings about the College change once yourdaughter started?We were impressed with the field offerings and found PrescottCollege to be a perfect fit for Elise. Her desire to explore the worldand nature were reinforced by her time spent there.How did Elise’s experience compare with your other experienceswith post-secondary education?It was completely different. Our sons attended colleges in the eastand one graduated from NYU Business School. Both of them areinvolved in the corporate world, as was I before retirement. Mywife and I both graduated from colleges in the Northeast as well.You were drawn as our Mexico vacation giveaway winnerfor donating to the Annual Fund. Aside from the chance towin, what motivated you to invest in Prescott College?We were not even aware that there was a prize being offered. Webelieve in supporting education and do so for all of our children’sschools.Is there anything else you’d like to share?My daughter wanted to relay her reflections on Prescott College.She says, “I am so thankful for the two years I had at Prescott andthe world of interactive education it exposed me to, and the path Idiscovered along the way.”Interview by Ashley Mains M.A. ’11Lindblad Expeditions in Svalbard Norway, 2012What was the most meaningful part of your daughter’seducation to you?Her ability to stick to a journey and lifeoutside of the ordinary. At first we were hesitantand questioned her chosen field of expertise. Asit happens Elise’s decision to follow her dreamhas been fulfilled.What is Elise doing today?Elise is an international guide. Since graduatingshe has been leading nature-based trips in Alaska,Canada, Latin America, Japan, and Svalbard,Norway. She currently works on small expeditionships for Lindblad Expeditions and leadsland-based trips for Natural Habitat Adventuresand Alaska Wildland Adventures, and she givesprivate tours in/on Kauai, Hawaii, where shelives in the winter.Elise Lockton ’96Do you feel she’s making a difference in the world?She is definitely making a difference in the world. Her pure love forwhat she does is infectious. Her knowledge of nature and sense ofplace for where she lives and works leave her guests with anappreciation and knowledge that opens their minds and gives thema new perspective and understanding of our planet.Is a Prescott College education worthwhile in this dayand age?These days there’s a lot of questioning of the value of liberal artseducation, but I certainly feel there is value in an investment likethis. I’ve recommended Prescott College to prospective students.Transitions Spring 2013 21