ESS History Snapshot: Program Founders
Dr. Samuel S. Harrison ’63 was a second generation graduate of Allegheny College. After obtaining his doctorate at the University of North Dakota, he returned to his alma mater and worked for many years in the Geology and Environmental Science Department in Alden Hall as a professor. He did so much more than just teach classes, however, including giving birth to the Environmental Science (Aquatic Environments) program/major in 1972-73.
Harrison and Dr. Tom Dougan worked together to create this new major after which Dr. Dougan continued to focus on geology and Dr. Harrison focused on environmental science and geology. He poured himself into this major for over 15 years as he believed strongly and correctly it would be of great benefit to our world’s future.
Harrison was always very proud of Allegheny and endeavored to do as much as possible to bring excellence, creativity, and relevance to his department as well as the college as a whole. Many of his former students stayed in contact with him, seeking his further advice, sharing their successes, and crediting him for their success in this field and others.