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One of the first things you’ll realize about Katie is her friendly, quiet confidence.
Sitting in the lobby of New Hampshire Hall on a Friday afternoon, there’s not a single person passing by that doesn’t say hi to her, smile at her, or ask her how she’s doing. Katie is obviously an active student member and has a presence in the lives of her Outdoor Education classmates.

This senior Psychology minor almost didn’t attend college. During her senior year of high school she grew disinterested in class and became eager to start something new outside the academic world. College was something she just didn’t
want to do. She contemplated getting involved with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) or Americorps instead. It wasn’t until her mom told her about the
Outdoor Education (OE) major at UNH that Katie decided to send in her one and only college application. Not only did she get accepted early, but she also received a scholarship.

To say Katie’s engaged with her academics is an understatement. For 13 straight summers, Katie has participated as a camper or worked at Camp Takodah in Richmond, NH. Last summer as the Leadership Development Guide, she has helped shape the camp into what it is today by developing protocols for staff training on the ropes course. Last semester she did a practicum at Seacoast Science Center in Rye, NH working with youth programs and environmental education. Currently, Katie is a teaching assistant at the Browne Center for the OE Challenge Course Management class, which she took sophomore year. She has also been the
teaching assistant for Rock Climbing and Water-Based Experience Canoeing. Some day she hopes to work full-time doing something similar and “loves the idea of teaching the teachers.”

Katie is a student that completely immerses herself in her education. She will fondly remember the conversations she’s had with friends about a class lecture once she leaves UNH. She reminisces about walking from class to the residence hall discussing a subject and continuing it for hours. During her time studying in the OE major, Katie has discovered strong interests in the social and moral development of children and educational and teaching philosophies. There are areas she hopes to pursue in the future.

When asked about an influential faculty or staff member at UNH that has affected her college career, it is a very easy
answer for Katie. Laurie Gullion is her advisor, teacher, mentor, and friend. “Laurie is pretty much my idol. I’m
able to relate to her on a personal level and a student/pupil level. She’s an amazing teacher and facilitator, and I
learn from the intensity she brings into every situation.” Katie also recognizes Deb Sugarman and Jay Miller as
other OE faculty who have made a lasting impression on her.

OE and academics are not the only things Katie is involved with at UNH. She’s been an active member of UNH Alliance (UNH’s GLBTQQIAF student organization) for four years, holding the DiversitySupport Coalition Representative position last semester. Katie also co-planned the annual Drag
Ball last fall. This spring she performed in the Vagina Monologues.

Katie also has a very unique talent. “One of my goals is to break the Guinness Book of World Records for hoola hooping.” A few years ago she picked one up and has been hooked ever since. Katie can hoola hoop with 23 hoops. She can dance, run, and play Frisbee while hoola hooping. She’s even made her own hoop. Now all she has to do is hoola hoop for 92 hours straight. With her
determination, passion, and abilities, it’s in the bag.