We were saddened to learn of the death last week of long-time college friend Evanne Jardine of Bishop, California. Evanne and her husband John have been enthusiastic friends to the college ever since they moved to the Eastern Sierra two decades ago, and we have enjoyed their company at campus events and public speaking over many years. Their devoted support of our educational goals has made a very positive impact on the life of the college. John has shared the announcement of Evanne’s passing, below. We extend our deepest sympathies to John and all of their family.

Evanne Hays Jardine, 3/12/40 – 12/10/2016

On December 10, Evanne Jardine, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, ended her two years long fight with pancreatic cancer at her home in Bishop. She will always be our champ, now at rest and content with her life and achievements, centered in her indomitable spirit and held in the steadfast love and joyful memories of family, friends and colleagues.

From 1966-95, Evanne taught English composition and literature at Santa Barbara City College, with an emphasis on American literature. After retiring with her husband John Cunningham to Mammoth Lakes, she continued writing poetry and fiction as she always had, participating in two writing groups. She returned to her earlier practice of art, joining plein air classes and groups, her work frequently exhibited in Bishop and Mammoth. Her book of recent poems and watercolors, chiefly of the Sierra, Learning to Weave, was published in October, 2016 and is available through Bishop Art Supply and Spellbinder Books in Bishop. It is also available at http://stores.bishopartsupply.com/

Evanne, an avid hiker and skier, also taught courses in the history of the Eastern Sierra. With grace and humor, she demonstrated strength of character, a lifelong love of learning, appreciation of beauty, and spirit of adventure. She and John traveled the world and, with their dog Sophie, camped all over the West and Mexico.

Evanne is survived by her ever-loving husband John, her son Sean, stepchildren Barbara and Michael, and grandchildren Eamonn, Kyle, Brian, Henry and Clara, as well as her sister Debbie and her brother John Edward, known as Jed.

We let go, but we never lose sight . . . . ”All Light is Beautiful.”

Memorial service to be announced later.

Over the Fourth of July weekend, the college welcomed the new students of Deep Springs Class of 2016. Hailing from across the United States as well as Canada and South Africa, this is the 100th new group of students to arrive in the valley since Deep Springs was established in 1917. (While the first arrivals in 1917 had to sleep in tents and assist with building the college from the ground up, the latest arrivals have it somewhat easier.)

Just one week after the graduation of DS’14, the new first-year students arrived on Friday for dinner, then  convened their first Student Body meeting with the second-years on hand. On Saturday, the entire group embarked on the traditional hike up Chocolate Mountain peak, camping overnight. On Monday, Summer Seminar commenced the seven week term with its first class. In addition to the academic course work and self-governance meetings, the first-years will attend weekly “sense-of-place” lectures with staff around the ranch, farm and desert to become familiar with Deep Springs’ unique surroundings and program. Over the course of 100 years, Deep Springs has matriculated just over 1100 individuals. We’re excited to reach this milestone.

The alfalfa farm at Deep Springs has begun the process of shifting to organic operation. This spring, farm manager Ben Munger switched to organic fertilizer and seed for the current growing season. First inspections from CCOF (California Certified Organic Farms) will take place this summer and results from that survey will be used to establish protocols for future inspections and a fertility plan going forward. If all goes well, the college farm will be able to sell hay certified as organic by the fall of 2018, commanding a higher and more stable price than afforded by the regular commodity market. The college is also investigating options for switching the cattle herd to 100% organic but needs to find organic alternatives for dietary supplements to prevent bloat. Beyond pricing and environmental improvements, engaging in organic farming provides students hands-on experience with questions of stewardship in this increasingly vibrant area of modern agriculture.

As we approach the 100th anniversary of Deep Springs’ founding in 2017, many alumni naturally want to revisit the campus. We expect a large gathering that will require careful planning so as not to overwhelm the campus community of forty-five. The Centennial Reunion dates have been set for Friday, June 30 – Monday, July 3, 2017. Information about the weekend’s events will be sent with invitations for alumni, their families, and former faculty and staff in late summer of 2016.

Lodging Information

Download the Deep Springs, CA area lodging list.

Go to the Bishop Area website for more information and listings.