Dave

Peter Brennan is the program director; more on him later. Peter’s partner in crime, the Sustainability & Environment program’s second in command, is Dave. He drives us around in the bus, handles logistics, and serves as Peter’s buddy. They hang out and chat when Peter isn’t teaching or supervising us in some way. Dave is a songwriter, cook, gardener, father, and all around interesting guy. He is friendly and soft-spoken, and his Australian drawl makes him even more approachable than his easy-going demeanor. Dave is a simple man; he is content with a red Gatorade, newspaper containing a crossword and sudoku, and a pack of cigarettes. Smokes and number games seem to be his vices of choice. Dave used to surf, as most Australians have at one point or another in their lives, but stopped about a year ago when he hurt his back. Wading into the waves, you can almost see a wistful look in his eyes as he regards the ocean with a reverent smile. Always aware of the nearest bottle shop and ready to recommend a full-bodied, Australian brew, Dave is my new friend. Dave is now what I think of when I think of an Australian.