A large-format map created by Penn State students now hangs in a California theater as a tribute to conservationist David Myers, while also reflecting the growing impact of donor support on the Department of Geography's GeoGraphics Lab.
Commissioned by Penn State alumnus and donor Bob Myers in honor of his late brother, the piece traces the reach of the Wildlands Conservancy, the nonprofit David Myers founded to protect natural areas across the American West and connect people to those landscapes through recreation and environmental education. The map now anchors the David Myers Donor Lounge at the Ruskin Group Theatre in Santa Monica, California.
For Bob Myers, a map felt like the right way to honor his brother's life and work.
"When he died a year ago, I thought one of the ways to honor him was through a map," Bob said. "The breadth of the Wildlands Conservancy properties throughout California, Oregon and Utah dictated a geospatial tribute, because the number of properties that have been preserved is impressive. A map seemed like the anchor point for the tribute and the Ruskin Group Theatre's new arts center the perfect display venue given David's connection to it."
Michael Myers, producing artistic director of the Ruskin and Bob's son, said the new arts center would not exist without the lessons he learned from his uncle.
"Having this map of David's life's work displayed in our donor lounge feels especially meaningful because his mentorship is woven into the very fabric of this theatre," he said.
