Dr. Tom Evans, President of Carroll College, Dr. Anne Perkins, Chair of the Anthrozoology Department at Carroll College, Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
HELENA – Carroll College is pleased to announce that renowned wildlife ambassador, Jack Hanna, will deliver the college’s 2015 commencement address on May 16, 2015.
Frequently referred to as “Jungle Jack” Hanna, Hanna’s enthusiasm and hands-on approach to wildlife conservation has won him widespread acclaim as a conservationist, television personality, author and Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and the Wilds.
Carroll College Board of Trustee members Paul and Mary Ann Milhous, who have known the Hannas through their frequent visits to western Montana, first introduced Jack Hanna to Carroll College. During Hanna’s initial visit to campus last August, he met the faculty and students involved in Carroll’s Anthrozoology program. The Anthrozoology major at Carroll College is the first degree program of its kind in the nation.
“I am very pleased to have been invited to participate in Carroll College’s commencement exercises,” said Jack Hanna. “Carroll is clearly a college that puts their students first and they are creating some really innovative educational opportunities that don’t currently exist elsewhere in the country.”
This April, Carroll President Dr. Tom Evans, his wife Lisa, the Milhous’ and Dr. Anne Perkins, chair of the Anthrozoology department, visited Hanna at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Columbus, Ohio. Along with a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility, they spent the visit discussing ways in which Carroll's Anthrozoology program could partner with the zoo on research and internship opportunities.
“I am thrilled that our students, faculty and parents will hear from such a dynamic individual who is clearly passionate about his life’s calling,” said President Tom Evans. “In addition to his well-known expertise with animals, Jack Hanna’s tireless efforts and savvy business acumen created a world class organization in Columbus.”
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to over 11,000 animals representing over 600 species and sees over 2 million visitors annually. The zoo operates its own conservation program, donating money to outside programs as well as participating in their own conservation efforts. Annually they donate over $2 million of privately raised funds to more than 70 projects in 30 countries. The zoo also has a close working relationship with the Wilds, a 10,000-acre animal conservation center located in southeast Ohio.
Hanna has created three of his own nationally syndicated television programs Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures, Emmy Award-winning Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild, and most recently Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown. Also, as one of the most visible and well respected animal ambassadors in the world, Hanna has made countless television appearances on shows such as Good Morning America, CNN’s Larry King Live, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Fox News Programs, and the Late Show with David Letterman.
In addition to providing the keynote address, Hanna is partnering with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ Montana WILD Outdoor Education and Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and their staff in Helena to share some of their ambassador wildlife animals during commencement.
Carroll College will confer degrees on approximately 300 students on May 16, 2015 in the Carroll College P.E. Center.