Environmental Studies class visits President Obama's grandmother

While traveling in Kenya as part of Associate Professor Rick Peterson's Environmental Studies 399 course "Environment, Health, and Community Development in East Africa," the 11 students in the class participated  in a three-week field lab in Kenya from May 23-June 14, 2010. On June 2nd, the class went to the home of Mama Sarah, President Obama's grandmother. Mama Sarah lives in Kogelo, Kenya and graciously received them at her home. She met with the class briefly, asked about their experience in Kenya, and conveyed her, and Kenya's, great pride in having Barack Obama in the White House.  Buried on the property are President Obama's father and grandfather. The students were Chelsea Amaio, Mike Apple, Katelyn Caron, Brittni Carver, Chloe Crettien, Tom Hinman, Jason Lariviere, Catherine Martins, Abigail Slavin, Amanda Watson, and Laura Williams. Also participating in the trip were Christine Feurt, Ph.D., director of UNE's Center for Sustainable Communities, and Sandra Larned of UNE's International Education Program.