Magazine
Fall/Winter 1999

Cyril Welter ’72
environmental planner, Burns and McDonnell,
Kansas City, MO

What is the most significant event that has occurred in your profession or field of study during the 20th century? What lesson do you take away from that event?

The passage of the National Environmental Policy Act in 1969 defined the practice of environmental planning. Most state requirements, and even the requirements of most other countries, are modeled on that act.

Personally, what is the most meaningful life lesson you have taken from your vocation or avocation?

The most meaningful lesson from environmental planning is recognizing the need for balance. In school, much of the literature we read stressed zero growth and the need for more protection. The clients sometimes consider regulations a nuisance. Our role is to try to find a way to develop a project without creating serious social or environmental impacts.

What person(s) or mentor(s) have had the most significant impact on your life? Can you describe how that person affected your life?

Dr. Ben Rogge and Dr. Robert Petty probably had the greatest impact on my philosophy. As an economics major, I had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Rogge's humorous but effective lectures. His libertarian philosophy echoes the idea of treating others as equals, capable of making their own decisions. Dr. Petty was a strong humanitarian who conveyed his respect for our environment, and the people and other life that all share it.

In your experience, what is the greatest misconception the public has about your vocation (or field of study) or the people in that vocation?

The most significant point that people may misunderstand about the act is that it does not mandate that the preferred alternative for a project must be the one with the least environmental impact. The point of the act is to present all of the potential impacts related to the alternatives before the final decision is made. The final decision is based on the need for the project as well as the potential social and environmental Impacts.

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