Jeannie (Price) Verderame ’78

“On each of our three trips, we would go to bed at night saying, “What a phenomenal day! How can we ever top that?! And yet, the next day we would!.”
- Jeannie Verderame ’78

What was a highlight from one of your trips?

There were so many highlights it’s hard to narrow down. The most unique one took place in Tanzania. Our LC professor, through his friendships in Eastern Africa, arranged the rare opportunity to camp and interact with the Hadzabe, one of the last remnants of a hunter-gatherer society, who have inhabited the Lake Eyasi basin for well over 8,000 years. There are no words to accurately describe the privilege of entering the world of a people who have existed for thousands of years untethered to our way of life. They were very gracious to us as we gathered honey, dug for tubers, hunted, ate, sang, and danced together with them. There are very few people today who have shared such an experience.

In your mind, which aspects of the LC Travel program were unique? 

The platform itself is unique in that the group is lead by a staff professor whose area of expertise is specific to the travel destination. Most often they have previously lead student groups to the same region, and we are allowed special access to in-depth cultural experiences not afforded most travel groups. I like the small group size (18-20) and the accompaniment of a local liaison.

Can you talk about the interactions you had with your LC faculty member? 

I found the professors very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about all things trip-related! Having open access to the professors for lectures, small group discussions, and one-on-one interactions created excitement and enhanced the whole experience. I also want to mention the amazing job the LC support staff did in taking care of our needs, especially if any unexpected glitches arose

What do you like best about traveling with LC?

Each trip has been phenomenal! Fun fellow travelers, wonderful leaders, educationally and culturally centric. Most impressive is the knowledge and personal connections the professors have of the local area, as well as the support of decades of experience from LC’s study abroad programs. Traveling always changes one’s worldview, but for me, LC’s multi-dimensional approach has blown it wide open.

How do you feel more connected to the LC community after your trips?

I realize how fortunate I am to have attended LC and now travel with LC alumni. It is so refreshing to be surrounded by people who have a thirst for knowledge and engage in thoughtful conversation. Relationships built with fellow travelers has rekindled my enthusiasm for the college. I realize what a beautiful treasure Lewis & Clark is, and I want to be a part of promoting it.