Unity College Alumni in the News
February 9, 2021
Greetings!
This week’s letter highlights the accomplishments and work of several Unity College alumni who have been in the news recently. Our alumni are the manifestation of the Unity College mission, and you continue to put your skills and knowledge into practice doing important work in the areas of environmental sustainability, conservation, and more. Some of you work out in the field collecting data and conducting research to help us gain further insight into our planet and its inhabitants. Others are working to connect people to our planet by way of interpretation and education. Many of you bring your environmental and sustainability education into an existing organization, informing how they do business and helping to change their practices.
We know that a Unity College education is applicable to a wide range of career paths, as many of you have proven to be true based on the responses we’ve received to the alumni survey. It is always a source of pride when one of you is recognized for the work you do, whether it be through a career path you chose during your time at Unity or a path that chose you later on.
This week, please join me in celebrating the following Unity College alumni on their media recognition:
Environmental Conservation Police Officer Darryl Lucas Honored as Top New York Wildlife Conservation Police Officer
Darryl Lucas ‘88, was recently honored with the Wildlife Officer of the Year Award from the Shikar-Safari Club International. “On behalf of DEC, I congratulate ECO Lucas for receiving this prestigious award,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “ECO Lucas exemplifies the tireless efforts DEC’s law enforcement officers exhibit each day to enforce New York’s environmental laws and ensure New York’s environment and natural resources are protected for generations to come.”
14-year-old Earned a Master’s Degree and Now She’s an Environmental Scientist and Entrepreneur
Dorothy Jean “DJ” Tillman ‘20, garnered national attention when she received her master’s degree from Unity College in sustainable science and environmental planning at 14-years-old. Now, the Chicago teen is breaking into entrepreneurship by exposing more youth to opportunities in STEAM. She’s giving more Chicago youth a head start in life by showing them what’s possible.
Maine couple lives off the land, teaches others through their primitive-skills school
Colby Smith ‘13 and Hannah Rhea ‘14 are living life on their own terms. For the last three years, the Maine couple has been living on their 50-acre spread in Blue Hill, less than a mile from the ocean where they fish for mackerel, collect seaweed and harvest salt. Hannah and Colby met at Unity College and worked at other primitive skills schools before creating their own called ‘Way of the Earth.’ They teach students how to make clothing from animal hide, tools from bones, friction fires, and efficient shelters with no equipment.
Tyler Sirois ‘19, was recently interviewed by Unity College about his path to a career with Maine Marine Patrol
Growing up in Maine, Tyler Sirois knew from a young age that he wanted to work outdoors. “I never wanted to be stuck behind a desk,” he said. By the time he was in high school, Tyler had set his sights on a career as a game warden and started to look for a college program that was focused on not just criminal justice, but conservation law enforcement. He heard about Unity College from his best friend and decided to apply. Now, as an officer with the Maine Marine Patrol, Tyler can draw a direct line from his experience at Unity College to his successful career.
As always, please contact us at development@unity.edu, with any questions or comments you may have.
In Unity,
Dr. Melik Peter Khoury
President
President
