A Pomona alumnus from the class of 1961, Ralph Bolton found his passion for anthropology after spending three years in Andean villages as a Peace Corps volunteer. He received his BA from Pomona in International Relations, spent a year at MIT doing graduate work in Political Science, and received MA and PhD degrees in Anthropology from Cornell University.
He accepted a teaching position here in 1971 in order to work with intelligent, motivated students and to carry on his research in a congenial atmosphere. Some of his favorite field projects have been: living in Peruvian villages near Lake Titicaca for six years; leading Pomona student research groups to both Peru and Norway; and, doing participant observation research on sexuality and AIDS in Belgium.
During the summers, Ralph spends his time with his partner in Santa Fe. They have rennovated an historic estate into one of the city's finest bed and breakfast inns.
His advice to aspiring anthropology students: find a deep and passionate interest in a particular field and work hard to develop expertise in that area. Also: Enjoy every day! Know when to take life seriously, and when not to.
NOTE: Professor Bolton teaches Anthropology 52 (Human Sexuality) each Spring term, and alternates his other courses: 164 (Seminar on Global Gay Rights Issues), 168 (Seminar on Gay and Lesbian Ethnography) and 162 (Andean Cultures).