While the tradition of holding “get togethers” for Geography personnel goes back to the very beginning of the Department, the tradition of holding a barbecue at the beginning and the end of the school year began when Joel Michaelsen was Chair, 1992-1997. Whatever the pedigree, such events are part of the glue that binds members of the department together by providing a means for old and new faculty, grads, and staff to interact with each other in an informal manner. To paraphrase the cliché, a department that plays together stays together!
Professor Dan Montello and his wife, Violet, hosted this year’s Fall BBQ at Goleta Beach last Friday, and, as usual, Dan delighted everyone with his famous barbecued tri tip (and other offerings). Dan comes from a long line of self-proclaimed “foodies” – just ask him about anything from tri tip recipes and local butchers to brands of kitchen stoves and local restaurants and you’ll get an erudite, epicurean earful! While “Monty” was the master chef, side dish contributions by Violet and members of the department turned the barbecue into a high-class, multi-course meal. And, of course, a keg of beer and a case of assorted wines complemented the fine fare and adjusted the attitude.
The setting was glorious, the weather was kind, the turnout was good, and the company was happy – to quote an Irish proverb, “laughter is brightest where food is best.” Thanks to Dan and Violet, and to everyone else who pitched in, for keeping up the tradition and for making our Fall BBQ a resounding success.
(For more photos, click here)
