Willamette University defines itself by its service to the local and global community. From its inception as an educational institute on the frontier in 1842 to its present role as one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, the students, faculty, and staff have “walked the talk” of the school’s motto, “Not unto ourselves alone are we born.” Over the past several years, students, faculty, and staff have had an ongoing and constructive conversation regarding ecological and social sustainability, and significant steps towards sustainability have already occurred. As we approach the future, ecological and social sustainability are a focal point for re-conceiving not only our educational mission but also our service to and responsibility for our city, state, and world.

Willamette is not satisfied to conceive of “sustainability” as merely an ecological or economic concept. Without marginalizing the significance of achieving ecological and economic sustainability, the Willamette community is dedicated to advancing a more just society, both now and for future generations.