Author: Don Gogniat

Don Gogniat worked as an administrator for Penn State University and Chancellor for Penn State York before retirement. He served in the Peace Corps and worked as regional planner for the Costa Rican National Planning Office. Gogniat also sailed multiple times on Semester at Sea where he taught geography, global studies, and served as Executive Dean. His hobbies include travel, billiards, hiking, biking, and photography. His photographic work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, and juried exhibits. He plays a fair game of “nine ball.”

Never underestimate the value of students working together

by  on  in Atlantic Cross Currents, Semester at Sea, Travel

When students work together on small projects with new technology it is shocking to see the quality of their work. Here are some examples from the Atlantic Cross Currents projects that students submitted during the fall 2012 Semester at Sea voyage. These students are used only as an example of many fine projects submitted. Global Graffiti Happiness Graffiti and Street Art…

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Excerpt: ‘Toothbrush People’

by  on  in Toothbrush People, Travel

In “Toothbrush People,” American college students participating in the Semester at Sea program reflect on a person they encountered on their voyage that especially impacted them. Here’s one story shared by Christina McQuire on the Spring 2010 voyage. While in Japan, I visited the city of Hiroshima. It was an emotional day — seeing the “A-bomb dome” that is still standing,…

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10 Joyful Travel Tips

by  on  in Crossroads, Tips, Travel

The central focus of “Crossroads: Becoming a Geographer” are 10 Joyful Travel Tips I devised as a way to help fellow adventurers navigate the world more mindfully. In the book, each of the tips are illustrated by personal stories from my own travels. For now, I’ll share the tips with the hope that you’ll pick up a copy of the book…

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Travel Tip: Keep Your Feet on the Ground

by  on  in Crossroads, Geography, Travel

Here’s an excerpt from “Crossroads,” my newly published book about how to become a geographer while you’re traveling (learn more about the book here). Here, I recall a memorable evening in Zanzibar, Tanzania: … With a good friend, rooftop bar in Zanzibar (say it again, it’s fun – Zanzibar!), cold beer after a day of exploration, the Creedance Clear Water…

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