We invite the entire Shaver’s Creek community to join us in recognizing the retirement of Mark McLaughlin, Director of Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center. Read Mark’s words below to hear more about what this community and institution has meant to him over the years.
Dear Shaver’s Creek family,
I wanted to share with you all that I have retired from Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center and Penn State after more than 31 incredible years.
As I reflect on my time here, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and pride. My journey here began in 1993, inspired by my wife, Laurie, who had a strong desire to return to Penn State and work for Shaver’s Creek. Together, we embarked on this incredible adventure, and it has been a truly remarkable 31 and a half years.
During that time, there are countless memorable experiences that I cherish. From more than 20 Discovery Trips with SEED students to Outdoor School, which I had the privilege of running for 10 years, and the many others, each moment left an indelible mark on me. The Birding Cup, which started as a simple idea and grew into a successful annual fundraiser, is another highlight. These experiences, along with the mission of Shaver’s Creek — to connect people to people and people to nature — have been the driving force behind my dedication to this wonderful place.
During the past three decades, Shaver’s Creek has achieved significant milestones thanks to the unwavering support of generations of families. We have consistently delivered high-quality programming that has positively impacted countless lives, and the renovation and expansion of our facilities stand as a testament to the strong community backing we have received. The enduring support from families and the community has been the cornerstone of our success.
I am immensely grateful to the many individuals who have supported and contributed to Shaver’s Creek throughout the years. Doug Wentzel, who has been with Shaver’s Creek longer than I have, has been a loyal colleague and friend. Ellen Will and Jen Anderson have accomplished amazing work over the past 25 years. Chris Ortiz has been a longtime colleague and friend since he was a student back in the ‘90s. It has been a joy to watch him grow. Joshua Potter, who also is a former student (and even a former camper of mine!), has been instrumental in the center’s success for many years. I am so appreciative of this trusted group of colleagues.
I’m thankful for Corky Potter, who was the one who hired Laurie and me back in 1993. Corky has been a wonderful mentor for all these many years, and I’m grateful to know that he is proud of all our accomplishments. And, of course, I must thank Laurie, whose dedication and support have been unwavering. Working together for this long is a rare and special achievement.
As I reflect on my time here, I look back to our tagline, “Never Stop Discovering.” This phrase, coined by Paul Brigman and Doug during a late-night conversation over a summer camp campfire, reminds us that there is always something to overcome and challenges ahead. Pursuing a sense of learning and growth, regardless of your field of study or life path, is a wonderful thought to live by.
Another theme is the importance of respecting each other and the natural world. This is embedded in all our programming, and maintaining this mindset is crucial. Shaver’s Creek excels at teaching and role modeling this respect, and it is something I am very proud of.
Looking ahead, the future of Shaver’s Creek is bright. Our planet desperately needs the work that Shaver’s Creek accomplishes every day. There is a critical need for people to understand their interrelationship with the natural world and to work together to keep our planet healthy. Shaver’s Creek will continue to serve as a valuable field laboratory for Penn State and a model for communities across the country. Our mission remains as relevant and vital as ever.
I am so proud of the sense of community we have built at Shaver’s Creek. We have proven that it is possible to have a professional and personal community that overlaps, where colleagues can also be friends. As I move into the next phase of my life, I am excited to travel and spend more time with my family, especially visiting my boys in Vermont and Minnesota.
Thank you all for being a part of this incredible journey. Your support and dedication have made Shaver’s Creek what it is today, and I am confident that it will continue to thrive in the years to come.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Mark McLaughlin