By: Lindsey Schmidt, Eco-Journalism and Blogging Intern
On May 31st, former member of WMEAC’s Board of Directors and longtime supporter of the organization, Dr. Karel Rogers, passed away at age 75. Karel served on the Board of Directors from August 2001 through 2007, which included serving as Chair of the Board, and was an active supporter of WMEAC for nearly two decades. WMEAC recognizes and appreciates Karel’s substantial contributions to the organization as well as her devotion to environmental advocacy.
Karel’s interest in the environment was backed by a series of degrees awarded to her from Michigan State University, including a Bachelor of Science in Vertebrate Zoology obtained in 1969, a Master’s in Herpetology obtained in 1972, and a PhD in Vertebrate Paleontology obtained in 1975. Following the completion of her doctoral pursuits, Karel served as a professor at Adams State University in Southern Colorado from 1976 to 1994. While living in Colorado, Karel spearheaded an effort to obtain safe drinking water in a neighborhood in Alamosa, CO. Also in Alamosa, Karel took charge of the regional science fair and led the fundraising efforts for the restoration of a local swimming pool. Following her time in Colorado, Karel served as the Dean of Science and Natural Resources at Lake Superior State University and taught at Grand Valley State University as a Professor of Biology.
During her professorship, Karel conducted research in paleoclimatology, paleontology, and climatology. Her research included, but was not limited to, examining geologic and climatic evolution in the San Luis Valley, analyzing the physiology of modern and fossilized Colorado toads, and studying two distinct herpetofaunas in Northeast Nebraska. Her research took her all around the country and the world, including three trips to Madagascar. Karel’s other travels included taking a trip to Rio de Janeiro for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit, which was held in 1992.
Karel’s research and experience with environmental advocacy culminated in her 2010 book, Thinking Green: Ethics for a Small Planet. In her book, Karel urges readers to be more conscious of their place on earth and their impact on nature. In her own life, Karel put this idea into practice by advocating for improved zoning requirements around the siting of factory farms in West Michigan. She was also an avid animal lover, and her household, in addition to her two children, included iguanas, snakes, parakeets, turtles, and a yellow-naped parrot. As such, she was passionate about advocating for improvements to habitat quality for diverse species.
Dr. Karel Rogers was an extremely well-qualified, intelligent woman who was passionate about improving the quality of the environment for all walks of life. WMEAC was lucky to have her as a donor and a member of their Board of Directors for so many years, and we send our condolences to her family.
