Thomas Gilbert:
CLASS OF 1968
South High SchoolClass of 1968
Grand rapids, MI
Michigan State University - AgricultureClass of 1972
East lansing, MI
Thomas's Story
Since age 12, I wanted to be a National Park Ranger. So after high school, I attended Michigan State University and earned a Bachelor's Degree in park administration. During the summers, I worked as a seasonal park ranger in the Michigan State Parks--two summers at Wilderness State Park and one summer at Burt Lake State Park.
During college, I learned that National Park Rangers had become law enforcement officers. I had no interest in that role and definitely didn't want to carry a gun. So I changed my thinking and hoped to become a Michigan State Park Ranger. But Michigan's economy took a nose dive in the early 1970s (and really hasn't recovered), and the DNR had no plans to hire new permanent staff.
I looked at recreation-related federal jobs and eventually secured one working as an Outdoor Recreation Planner for the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation regional office in Ann Arbor. The Director of the Bureau at that time was a not-yet-very-well-known character named James Watt. Nine years later he became Secretary of the Interior and his first major decision was to abolish our agency and merge it into the National Park Service.
I was happy about finally working for the National Park Service, but their regional office was in Omaha, Nebraska, and my wife and I had to move there in 1981.
Working for the National Park Service, I was assigned to write development and management plans for the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the North Country National Scenic Trail, and the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. After completing the plans, I was put in charging of carrying them out.
In 1990, my bosses decided to locate the trail administrative functions in Madison, Wisconsin. I once again had to move. The staff of 2 initially grew eventually to a staff of 10. The Lewis and Clark Trail function was split off in 1999 and moved back to Omaha. I was offered the opportunity to return, but decided to stay in Madison with the Ice Age and North Country Trails. I retired May 2, 2011. We decided to stay pu...Expand for more
t in retirement.
The biggest change in my personal life and philosophy came while at college in 1970. A fellow student shared with me some different interpretations of the Bible than I had learned, which out of curiosity I then investigated and studied. (I have investigated a number of different lines of Christianity over the years.)
Among these new interpretations--God does not have a place of eternal torment for the wicked. The purpose of Christ's return is not to destroy the earth, but to restore the earth and mankind to their original perfection, establishing everlasting peace and harmony.
I believe this because a more thorough knowledge of the Bible convinces me it is true, it agrees with the character of God that I have always been taught (hell fire is totally contrary to that character), and it presents a more positive perspective on our future.
I have become a teacher in this Bible Students fellowship and travel around the U.S. from time to time giving presentations/lectures/sermons on various Bible topics. In recent years I have given a series of sermons entitled, "The Essence of the Christian Faith." The topics are: Grace, Truth, Reconciliation, Compassion, Peace, Unity, and Love.
Having been a Scout in my youth, including my years at South High School, and earning the Eagle Scout Award, I re-engaged with Scouting when my sons became eligible age. I have been a Scout leader for the past 33 years. The focus of my role is working with Scouts who are themselves working to earn the Eagle Scout Award. That now includes girls as well as boys.
In my community, I volunteer to drive seniors to their medical and other appointments.
My wife, Jan, and I are actively involved in organizations locally and statewide working on criminal justice and prison reform, including the racial disparities in these systems. Wisconsin is the worst state in our nation for incarcerating African-Americans. Wisconsin incarcerates a higher percentage of its African-American population than any other state.
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