Monday, June 2, 2008
Peggy Sampson had never experienced anything like this.
Sampson has worked at the University of Kansas for six years as a coordinator for the University’s Audio-Reader program. But on May 21, Sampson stood in a sunny field in Scott County and watched a curious buffalo protect her calf.
Craig Freeman, associate scientist with the Kansas Biological Survey, left, and Paul Selden, Distinguished Professor of Geology, look out at the horizon on the ranch of Scott and Carol Ritchie in Lyon County. At left is Ann Manzardo, research assistant professor at the KU School of Medicine.
Don Steeples, vice provost for scholarly support, center foreground, explains the inner workings of a grain elevator in his hometown of Palco, Kan.
“They looked at us pretty suspiciously,” Sampson said.
How’d Sampson find herself just feet from a herd of more than 100 buffalo? Sampson was a first-time participant in the University’s annual Wheat State Whirlwind tour, a five-day tour through the state of Kansas from May 19 to May 23. More than 40 KU faculty participated in this year’s tour and in its 11th year, the tour was designed to give faculty members an up close look at some overlooked parts of Kansas.
Margey Frederick, a special events and visitor services coordinator for University communications, helped coordinate the tour.
“It’s a way acquaint our new faculty and staff with where our students are from, and with rural Kansas,” Frederick said.
Frederick said the tour tried to expand beyond the usual Kansas landmarks along I-70.
“This trip is something I’ve always wanted to do. In my work, I travel a lot, but mostly it’s up and down I-70,” Sampson said.
The tour’s itinerary included a stop at the Brown v. Board of Education Historical Site in Topeka, and visits to Landoll Corp. in Marysville, Lake Wilson, the historic African-American pioneer community Nicodemus, Fort Larned, the Underground Salt Museum in Hutchinson, the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center near Yoder and, of course, an afternoon with a buffalo herd at Duff ranch in Scott County.
It only took a few moments for Debra Hedden, an associate professor in music education and music therapy, to confirm that the Buffalo were, indeed, the best part.
Hedden has been at the University for five years, but she had never been a traveler on the tour before.
“It was a fabulous trip,” Hedden said.
Hedden said the trip was culminated with a visit to the Highland Ranch in the middle of the Flint Hills.
“It’s one of the most idyllic spots I’ve ever been,” Hedden said.
Sampson said the tour also helped her become acquainted with her colleagues.
“It’s amazing to hear what these people do on a regular basis,” Sampson said.
Sampson said she would remember the kindness of the people she met along the way and of course — the buffalo.
“You only see stuff like that in westerns,” Sampson said.
— Edited by Mike Nolan
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