To the Memory of Dusty Hardy
[ photograph of Dusty Hardy in Death Valley with Dr. Camille Holmgren's class ] We in the Department of Geography are shocked and terribly saddened to report the death in December 2007 of Mr. Dusty Hardy, a Geography student at CSULB during 2006-07 and Fall, 2007.

Dr. Camille Holmgren writes:

I am deeply saddened to hear of Dusty's passing. I had the chance to get to know Dusty when he took my paleoclimatology course at CSULB a few years ago. Dusty was one of those wonderful students that would often drop by my office (even long after the semester ended) to chat and he was always up for great conversations about myriad topics in Environmental Studies and Geography, scuba diving, the impact of the breakwater on currents and pollution along the coast of Long Beach, his work teaching swimming and diving, and his future goals. He was so enthusiastic about his studies and the opportunity to pursue his college education. He was also a joy to have on the field trip I led to Death Valley in spring 2006, where his excitement and curiosity about the natural world was an inspiration to me and all the students on the trip. He will be missed by all.

Dr. Deborah Thien recalls:

It is with deep sadness that I have learned of Dusty's death. Dusty attended two of my geography classes at CSULB. In addition to his regular contributions during class, I had the pleasure of conversing with Dusty before and after class and during office hours. Dusty was a passionate individual with a keen interest in and awareness of the world around him. ... he wrote for my classes about such topics as the LA freeway system, emotions and mental health, and the diversity of the Long Beach Community. Dusty's bravery and positivity will be well-remembered.

Dr. Paul Laris adds:

Dusty was an engaged student, the kind of student I like to have in my classroom. He was the kind of student who was not afraid to question the ideas presented in the classroom (whether those of the instructor or those of another) nor did he shy from challenging the status quo. Dusty's presence will be missed.