Reflections for PC’s First Chemistry Professor – Philip L. Churchley (Part 2 of 3)

Peninsula College Alumni Association

Philip L. Churchley taught chemistry at Peninsula College from September 1961 to June 1996. For 35 years Mr. Churchley pushed and encouraged his students to broaden their horizons and ask questions. Phil brought passion and great showmanship to his teaching and we are happy to get to share some of that with you on this interview.

Churchely exploding a H2/O2 balloon using a candle and ten-foot pole.

“It was really an honor to teach Chemistry for 35 years at Peninsula College. I have had a chance to meet some very wonderful people. Just imagine how many have improved their lives because Peninsula College is here. And I have had a marvelous place to live filled with many pleasant memories hiking with my family in the Olympic National Park. Some years ago I saw a TV program entitled “The Living Treasures of Japan” which describe some artists in Japan that received small government stipends because of their extraordinary talents. One gentleman was an artist that made exquisite pottery. This potter surrounded himself with the beauty of nature because he felt that this beauty would flow into his soul and out into his work.

I do wonder if this is what happens to us in our community surrounded by this lovely environment – the glistening snow tipped rugged Olympic mountains, the towering magnificent Douglas firs, the lovely deep blue Lake Crescent, the billowing white clouds scintillating reflections on the Strait of Juan de Fuca – Does this natural beauty percolate into our souls and bubble out through our personalities producing more positive attitudes and more caring relationships. I think so!! “

Thoughts by Phil Churchly

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Click here to listen to Part 1