2004 Carol A. Ratza Memorial Scholarship
To recognize outstanding achievement and vision in electronic communications technology

Barbara Barrett Lucas, a master's degree student in the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan, is the recipient of the 2004 Carol A. Ratza Memorial Scholarship. With concentrations in land use planning and environmental education, she is pursuing a career that will facilitate the interface between environmental knowledge and action.

Lucas is currently interning with Metrocom International, which produces documentaries for WKAR's Public Television show "Michigan At Risk." Upcoming programs will focus on mass transit and the Emerald ash borer.

"Television and the Internet are the two media in our society that reach the greatest number of people," Lucas says. "I believe that using these communication channels more effectively could motivate many more people to take actions to help the environment." She suggests that cross-linking documentary television and Internet resources would be a great place to start to enhance public awareness, as well as the audiences of both media.

Lucas holds prior degrees in anthropology and occupational therapy and is a Margaret Dow Towsley Scholar and a Rackham Non-traditional Student Fellow.

About the Carol A. Ratza Memorial Scholarship
The scholarship is in memory of Carol A. Ratza, a veteran employee of the Great Lakes Commission and a dedicated advocate for the protection of the Great Lakes. With unique vision, Carol created and led numerous influential communications projects, the most notable being the Great Lakes Information Network (GLIN) and the Great Lakes Regional Air Toxic Emissions Inventory. These groundbreaking initiatives applied the latest information technology to Commission priorities, changing forever the way our region communicates and does business.

Although Carol's career was cut short by her death in 1997, the Great Lakes Commission, and the region as a whole, continues to benefit from her creative thinking, high standards and human grace.

Questions and comments about the Carol A. Ratza Memorial Scholarship can be directed to Commission Program Manager Christine Manninen at manninen@glc.org