In the newest installment of The Voice’s “One Day Apprentice” feature, you’ll find one alum’s story of how her experience with Academic Civic Engagement at Carleton laid the foundation for her current career as the Superintendent of Pipestone National Monument
For her Carleton comps project, Lauren Blacik ’09 explored the factors that lead to UNESCO World Heritage designation in the United States. Her research took her to several parks, including Pipestone National Monument in southwest Minnesota.
When she interviewed Glen Livermont, then Pipestone’s superintendent, she couldn’t have imagined that, a decade later, she would be in the position herself.
For setting her on this path, she credits Adrienne Falcon ’89, a Carleton staff member who at the time was building the college’s Academic Civic Engagement program, focusing on how classroom learning can be applied in the real world. Blacik recalls Falcon’s thoughtful approach to balancing effective policy with compassionate humanity, recognizing that the two go hand in hand.
With Falcon’s encouragement, Blacik applied for and received a Student Conservation Association internship at Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico. Her six-month stay led to a two-year position as an interpretive ranger. Blacik later became visitor services manager at Aztec Ruins National Monument, also in New Mexico, where she was responsible for overseeing ranger programs, educational outreach, and community engagement.
After a few years working at the National Park Service’s Midwest office, Blacik took a temporary role as Pipestone superintendent in March 2018, then accepted the position permanently in May.
Find the rest of the story in the Fall 2018 Issue of The Voice. Have a story to share about how your experience with community and civic engagement has impacted your life after Carleton? We’d love to hear from you at ccce@carleton.edu.