Professor Tommy Dickey just sent the editor a photo of one of his prized Great Pyrenean Mountain Dogs “handing out” academic awards to his Geography 3a students: “Attached is a picture of one of my three Great Pyrenees dogs, Theodore Nansen (“Teddy”), and me presenting Theodore Nansen Achievement Awards to Geography 3a (Ocean and Atmosphere) students. A record setting six students had perfect scores on the first mid-term. These included Kurren Virk, Trevor Mauk, Rohan Viajar, Trevor Morris, Matthew Conway, and Allie Lombardi.”
The achievement awards have become a tradition in Dickey’s undergraduate classes, and they include a commendation letter and a monetary prize. “I have enjoyed using lots of ways of educating students. The most fun for me is to combine a variety of topics and interests with students who are having a lot of fun and unknowingly learning when they least expect it – thanks to big, fluffy Great Pyrenees – Assistant Professors of Geography!”
Tommy adds that “It should also be noted that Teddy recently became a certified therapy dog as part of the Love on a Leash program in recognition of his passing of several tests and his many visits with the elderly and with Special Olympics athletes. He has also received American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen and Novice Rally titles. Teddy will be on campus for Finals Dog Therapy Day in the quad outside Davidson Library the afternoon of December 6.” Dog Therapy Day is held during Dead Week each quarter as a UCSB Health & Wellness program to provide some public therapy for all UCSB students in preparation for finals.
Editor’s note: Also see the March 6, 2012 article, “Big, Fluffy Assistant Professor of Geography Hands Out Theodore Nansen Academic Award” and the January 3, 2011 article, “Great Pyrenees as Canine Assistant Professors of Geography.”
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