"My heart is in the Highlands, my heart is not here;
                                     My heart is in the Highlands, a-chasing the deer."         Robert Burns

DR. CHRISTOPHER AND MRS. JIMMIE COCHRAN PRATT

Ms. Jimmie Leigh Cochran of Asheville, NC and Dr. Christopher G. L. Pratt of Natick, MA were married on July 21, 2000 in the Church of Scotland, in the Highland village of Arrochar at the head of Loch Long, Strathclyde, Scotland. The bride is the daughter of Howard D. Cochran and the late Mable B. Cochran of Canton, NC. The groom is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. Brenton Pratt of Natick. After a picnic while photos were taken in the ancient Highland church yard, under the view of the Cobbler, and following a true Scottish scramble, the reception was held at the Lodge on the Loch, on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. We had a beautiful warm, sunny day for our wedding, and only the bride was more beautiful, although the groom looked pretty good too. It was a storybook wedding. A marriage among old Scottish families, including clans Grant, Bruce, Ross, Scott, Burnett and Cochran. We had such dear good friends from Scotland there, and bagpipes filled the air, a joyous day. The bride and groom were joined by Carole McCormick, Matron of Honor and Duncan Reid, Best Man and Best Piper! The wedding was followed by wonderful long Highland days and short nights filled with love and adventure in the Highlands of Scotland, on Skye, in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and Wales. We love Scotland, it will always be our special place, as welcoming for us every time we visit there as the first time. We even managed to camp in Shiel Bridge at the head of Loch Duich near Eilean Donan Castle and on Skye above Staffin Bay near the Quiraing where we have enjoyed Scotland as much as anywhere. This time we also discovered the beautiful mountains, castles and lovely people of NW Wales and recommend them to everyone to visit. The couple spent their first year in Natick, Massachusetts, and are moving to Manhattan in September, 2001 to work together at Columbia Univerisity.

CHRISTOPHER PRATT, EdD

DEAN, CAREER SERVICES, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Dr. Christopher Pratt will become Dean of Career Services at Columbia University on September 1, 2001. In this new role Chris will lead programs, staff and services for the career development of students in Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, The School of General Studies, The School of the Arts, and The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

DIRECTOR, CAREER SERVICES AND PREPROFESSIONAL ADVISING
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Prior to going to Columbia, Chris served as director of the Office of  Career Services and  Preprofessional Advising at MIT from 1998 - 2001.  In 1999 he was also asked to lead the Freshman/Alumni Summer Internship Program, and most recently received an appointment as a Lecturer in the School of Engineering through the Integrated Studies Program.

Dr. Pratt is the recipient 1999 Dean Herman Schneider Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Advancement of Cooperative Education Philosophy and Practice presented at the World Association for Cooperative Education / Cooperative Education Association, International Conference on Cooperative Education in Washington, DC July 7th.  This is the ultimate prize in the field and Chris is deeply honored by this special recognition from his colleagues.

Chris is also the recipient of the 1993 Cooperative Education Association Ralph W. Tyler Award for Outstanding and Distinguished Research, Procedures and Outcomes for Students in Cooperative Education, at the 30th CEA Conference in Newport, RI, and presented at the 32nd CEA Conference, Minneapolis, MN in 1995, and at the Ninth International Conference on The First-Year Experience, 1996 at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland.

Previously, Chris directed Career Services at Seton Hall University since 1979.  He led the development of comprehensive Career Services including: career development, cooperative education, internships, graduate study preparation, employment recruiting, training and related programs for undergraduates, graduate students and alumni at numerous institutions.  He was also a leader in the introduction of Mobile Computing at Seton Hall University, which included the provision of IBM ThinkPads to entering Freshmen and faculty.  He holds a doctorate from Seton Hall University, a master’s degree from Bradley University, and a bachelor's degree from Northeastern University.  He has thirty years experience in experiential learning, strategic planning and outcomes assessment, and has directed the Atlantic Cooperative Education Training and  Resource Center
(ACET&RC) since its inception in 1987.  Returning to MIT is a bit of home coming as he worked in the Industrial Liaison Office in 1967 while a student at Northeastern University.

"Real learning gets to the heart of what it means to be human. Through learning we re-create ourselves. Through learning we become able to do something we never were able to do. Through learning we reperceive the world and our relationship to it. Through learning we extend our capacity to create, to be part of the generative process of life. There is within each of us the deep hunger for this type of learning. This, then, is the basic meaning of a “learning organization” -an organization that is continually expanding its capacity to create its future.....”generative learning”, learning that enhances our capacity to create." - Peter Senge

Chris is particularly interested in understanding how institutions pursue learning as the core of higher education.  Many institutions find it valuable to focus on learning and a learner centered environment across the campus, in the classroom and outside the classroom.  Integration of learning is a learner responsibility, but it is essential for us as educators to facilitate this common value.  The focus needs to be on how we contribute to creating this environment, and to incorporating the needs of the learner and those who will be served by our graduates.  This is measured by how well our graduates are prepared to do more than just jobs, but to contribute to civilization.

"Career Management is seen as an ongoing problem-solving process in which information is gathered, awareness of oneself and the environment is increased, career goals and strategies are developed, and feedback is obtained. This process can help individuals deal with the tasks and issues they face in various stages of their careers." - Jeffrey H. Greenhaus

Above all else, career development is a generative process which provides a foundation for achieving goals throughout life.

Chris is often asked to consult with institutions of higher education, business and government internationally.  He has been called a insightful, animated and uplifting speaker.  He has published more than 20 articles and conducted program consultations and evaluations of Cooperative Education and Career Services at nearly 100 institutions. He has been Vice President of the Cooperative Education Association for Reseach and Information, the Chair of the CEA Awards Committee, a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Cooperative Education, the Research Committee, and the Leadership Advisory Council.  He has also been a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), and a contributing author to the new Career Plan It website, and the annual Job Choices, Planning.  He is also an active participant in the AAHE Teaching and Learning Technology Roundtable, TLTR.   He was a member of the Seton Hall University faculty in Management and Psychology.  Undergraduate and graduate courses taught by Dr. Pratt included: BMGT2501 - Principles   of Management, Management and Organizational Behavior, Gender and Diversity Issues in Management, Business Ethics, PSYC1217 - Psychology of Careers, Career Development and Information, Seminar in Research Methods.

Chris was recently elected to the Vestry of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Natick, MA. Chris has also been Games Commissioner for Massachusetts for the Clan Grant Society, and a proud member of Scottish Heritage USA, the National Trust for Scotland, and the Scottish National Party.  In addition to a passion for all things Scottish, he is an avid cyclist, both road touring and mountain biking, and he enjoys backpacking and camping, mountain climbing, sailing and soccer.  He was coach of Women's Soccer at Seton Hall, 1990-1993.  Cheers for the 1999 US Women's Soccer Team as World Cup Champions, for the perennial Scottish Champions and European Cup Contenders, Glasgow Rangers, and the great Heart of MidLothian!  Pure, dead, brilliant, cheers aye!

JIMMIE COCHRAN PRATT, MPA

Jimmie holds a master's degree in Public Affairs from Western Carolina University, and a bachlor's degree from Mars Hill College. Prior to moving to Massachusetts to be married, she was faculty associate for experiential learning at University of North Carolina Charlotte. She coordinated and advised students on a variety of out-of-classroom experiential learning opportunities to facilitate the successful transition of students into the workplace or graduate school. She also recruited employers to participate in international student exchange program, and team taught Introduction to Engineering I and II. She also served as liaison for College's alumni association. Jimmie successfully developed and facilitated an international student exchange program for both inbound and outbound students. She planned, coordinated and led a faculty trip to Spain, France, and Germany to promote the international exchange program among universities and employers.

Previously, Jimmie was the Director of Cooperative Education and Recruitment at Haywood Community College in Clyde, NC. She led the development of the Co-op program from 1994-1999. She managed all aspects of cooperative education program and experiential learning, including communicating with regional employers to develop co-op jobs for students, and counseling and lecturing students on career choices, job availability, job search skills. She established college's first cooperative education program, managed Title VIII Federal grant program to ensure compliance with the Department of Education Act of 1964, and developed first job services internet-based job search program.

Jimmie was Director of Resource Development for the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe Counties, Asheville, NC , 1993-94. In this role she successfully developed plan, directed volunteer effort to raise $4 million in annual campaign to fund 50 health/human service organizations in Buncombe County. She monitored/developed training program for 2,000+ volunteers and staff, and recruited/developed/trained/supervised Loaned Executive volunteers. She cultivated community support through CEO calls, scouting visits, and public relations contacts with organizations, businesses and industries. She raised over $4 million in contributions for 1993 campaign, an all-time record for Buncombe County, established and enhanced agency rapport with key employers in Buncombe County. Jimmie was also Key Accounts Associate from 1989- 1993 during which time she developed and maintained year-round United Way program in companies with 100+ employees to increase awareness, volunteer involvement, and support. She also designed and developed coordinator kits, campaign and marketing materials. She successfully maintained giving levels in 1992 despite national United Way controversy. She increased assigned divisions by 15% annually for four years, and produced 66% of total contributions for 1992 ($2,640,000) from accounts. she developed first United Way at Work program with 75 top employers in community to increase awareness. And Jimmie developed and implemented Operation Helping Hands for victims of Hurricane Hugo.

Jimmie was also Region One Director for 19 counties with the American Heart Association in Chapel Hill, NC, from 1986-89. She managed all volunteer activities and training for 19 AHA county boards. She monitored and maintained community awareness and public relations through special projects, speaking events, and media presentations. She established heart-healthy programs with public school systems, and acted as staff liaison between state organization, volunteers, and general public. She successfully introduced and expanded heart-health educational programming in region, increased giving by 15% in region, and learned the geography of region while establishing relationships with employers and volunteers.

Jimmie has also been active professionally in the American Society for Engineering Education, and she presented at Conference for Industry and Education Collaboration, 2000. She is a member of the Cooperative Education Association, and serving on the Awards committee 1996 - present; a presenter at CEA/WACE International Conference, July 1999; and the North Carolina Cooperative Education Association, member; nominating committee chair, 1995-1996; publicity chair, 1996 - 1997, program committee; 1999 National Association of College and Employers; member Southeastern Regional Cooperative Education Conference; member of planning committee, 1995 North Carolina Community College Student Personnel Development Association, member; program committee, 1996 - 1998 .

Jimmie's community involvement is extensive including active membership in the Rotary Club of Haywood, as president, 1996-1997; secretary 1995-1996; member, 1994 - 1999 Rotary District 7670, "On to Singapore" chair, 1998-1999; the American Lung Association, Western Region, board member 1994 - 2000; secretary 1998-99 Haywood County Chamber of Commerce Business and Education Committee, member 1995-1999.

JIMMIE & CHRIS

Jimmie and Chris' personal Celtic Passages began long ago.  Jimmie is a Cochran and her grandparents were Burnetts. Chris being a Pratt of Clan Grant, Grantown-on-Spey and the Grampian Mountains, he also has grandparents who were of Clans Ross, Scott and Bruce.  Jimmie and Chris have traveled extensively throughout Scotland and plan to return again, and again, including leading others there to discover the land and its people.  They have traveled from Glasgow to Stirling, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Grantown-on-Spey, Inverness, John O'Groats, Orkney, Ullapool, Skye, Harris, Lewis, Ft. William, Glencoe, Inverary, Kilmartin, and the Trossachs.  Among their greatest pleasure are backpacking, camping and climbing in their ancestral homeland.  However, as many have noted these adventures also lead to another of their joys which is spinning stories about the great land that made the grand people of Scotland: the Picts and Celts, Fionn and Flora, Keledie and Romish, highlanders and borderers, clans and septs, Wallace and Bruce, chieftains and kings, warriors and workers, crofters and coalers, engineers and healers, Burns and Scott, poets and painters, pipers and dancers, sailors and saints, and most of all the families and children, the fine fair folk of this land God blessed with heather and stone.  They are, as you can well see, delighted to do this, and with the fare of a wee dram of the water of life will gladly commence.

We have two fine sons, Scott Patrick, and Adam James.  Both share a passion for the land of their ancestors, and are frequent participants in highland games from Bonnie Brae, NJ, to Loon Mountain, NH, Stone Mountain, GA and Grandfather Mountain, NC. Scott lives in Charlotte, NC and works as a medical devices sales representative. Scott is an avid skier. Adam and his wife Lisa, and son Grayson live in Budd Lake, NJ. Adam works as an environmental engineer with the Clayton Group. Both boys have been firefighters.

Jimmie is also one of five with older brother Mike and his wife Martha and their son Cameron and his wife Andrea, and daughter to be soon, Anna in Waynesville, NC; sister Sharon and her husband Butch Dietch and their son Colin in Reidsville, NC; sister Robin; and brother Shane who both live in Alexandria, VA.

Chris and Jimmie are often seen at Highland Games in the US and Scotland, and at Blue Grass and Country Music Festivals. They especially love Celtic music from Atlantic Canada including favorites The Rankins, Natalie MacMaster, and Howie MacDonald. They love Nova Scotia and Newfoundland as Scotland in west of the Hebrides.

Stand Fast!

CAMBRIDGE, MA,  02142 USA  Voice: 617-253-4733,  FAX: 617-253-8457
cpratt@mit.edu  or  http://web.mit.edu/cpratt