News > Strategic Partnerships Being Nurtured at Research Centre
Strategic Partnerships Being Nurtured at Research Centre As the morning sun peaks through the clouds, Captain Ken Ingraham and College of The Bahamas International Relations Liaison, Valdez Russell, cross the tarmac towards the charter plane bound for Andros. The brief eleven-minute flight lands smoothly on the largest island in the archipelago, spanning nearly 2,300 square miles. Upon arrival at the Fresh Creek Airport, Russell is greeted by Sean Grube; his Kansas City counterpart from Rockhurst University. The two had collaborated to arrange service learning projects in Andros for Rockhurst students. Within minutes, they pile into a van for the drive to Stanyard Creek. The long winding roads give way to gorgeous sea views. Twenty minutes later, they arrive at their destination – The Bahamas Environmental Research Centre (BERC), an evolving 'non-profit' research and education hub of The College of The Bahamas. Founded in 1995, BERC focuses on promoting a better understanding and appreciation of the ecology of The Bahamas – and in particular the island of Andros – through teaching and research on the marine, terrestrial, social and cultural environments. In addition, the facility is able to provide a host of community outreach initiatives involving College of The Bahamas faculty, staff and students as well as international colleges and universities. "The College has been actively involved in coordinating service learning projects at the BERC since 2009. These projects allow students from international institutions to visit The Bahamas while assisting in environmental and sustainability projects in partnership with The Bahamas National Trust and The College," explains Russell. Once such partnership involves Rockhurst University, a Catholic and Jesuit university in Kansas City, Missouri, that emphasizes learning, leadership and service. The university is so committed to service that upon graduation students receive two transcripts – one for their academic record and another for their service activities. As the Service Learning Facilitator for Rockhurst, Grube is enthusiastic about the partnership with The College and is already thinking about additional avenues to deepen the relationship. "This is our second trip to The Bahamas and so far and we've had great experiences working with COB. The staff at The College is very responsive in times of difficulty, they are excellent at coordinating these trips," he says. "I think the service trips have been a great avenue for us to work together and I hope we can have opportunities for exchange trips with students and invite some Bahamian students to visit Kansas City and Rockhurst and to have some of our students come to study at COB." The activity at the BERC also supports the economy of Stanyard Creek as visitors to the research centre spend money on meals, lodging, transportation and other necessities. In the most recent service learning project, ten students from Rockhurst University ranging from freshmen to seniors gave the BERC a facelift, painting the facility both inside and out. For many of the students, their trip to Andros was their first time outside of the United States. Christiana Troupe, a native Californian and freshman at Rockhurst, says it was a life-changing experience. "I heard people mention that this was a very good experience," she says. "When I got here [Andros] I thought this was the most peaceful place ever. I would not want anyone to miss out on an experience like this; I think this was life changing." During their week-long service learning experience, the students spent their time between the bustling island of New Providence and the tranquil island of Andros. In their down time, they enjoyed swimming in the pristine waters of Stanyard Creek, explored the shoreline and soaked up the tranquil beauty and rich landscape of the island. David Maddox, a junior from Wichita, Kansas, has an established record of service in the U.S., but he was happy to travel outside the country for the first time. "I've been involved in various service trips domestically. I was really passionate about helping outside of the US. In all the different types of service things I've done, this is the most that I've felt that our work is really appreciated. The people here appreciate the smaller things in life. The children here seemed so happy…it is just a testament to the calmness and the peacefulness here…they are so full of joy," says Maddox. Research and engagements, on both a national and international level, are priorities for The College of The Bahamas as it transitions towards university status. The BERC plays a vital role in that regard, and represents an ideal opportunity to expand investigations into various aspects of sustainability and also foster broad based outreach.
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