How We Choose to Live
President Pelton Declares April Sustainability Month at Willmette University
March 31, 2005
Last November I wrote to you to regarding the centrality of social and environmental sustainability to our mission here at Willamette, and announcing the formation of a university-wide Sustainability Council charged with promoting the study and teaching of sustainability as well as its practice within our community. As I noted then, the Council and the sustainability initiative generally should be seen as yet another sign of our commitment to our motto, “Not Unto Ourselves Alone Are We Born.” To date, the work of the Council has been vigorous and productive, examining not only opportunities presented by our unique situation here in Salem but also exploring what is happening elsewhere – at our peer and aspirant institutions as well as outside academia. It is heartening to see how once we commit as a community, Willamette can move swiftly and deliberately to make a vision into reality. Indeed, this is just one of many traits which make Willamette truly exceptional, and bodes well for our common endeavor of advancing distinctive centers of excellence.
To this end, it is my pleasure to declare April as Sustainability Month at Willamette. In the weeks to come, members of the extended Willamette community will have many opportunities to learn more about sustainability, discuss ways to incorporate sustainability into the fabric of our community, and celebrate the accomplishments of our students, staff and faculty.
First, on Monday, April 4th, one of our campus partners in sustainability, Bon Appetit, hosts the traveling “Making Waves” forum, featuring experts from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The program begins at 7 pm in Alumni Lounge, and focuses on the state of our ocean fisheries and steps we as individuals, citizens, and members of the Willamette community can take to assure the sustainable management of our oceans for future generations.
Also, I want to encourage you to attend the lunch-time forums sponsored by the Sustainability Council. The series kicked off this past Wednesday with Professor Robin Morris Collin’s thoughtful discussion of sustainability and social justice. It continues this upcoming Tuesday, April 5th at 11:30am in the Alumni Lounge, when Dr. Judy Walton, Executive Director of Education For Sustainability-Western Network describes the unique challenges and opportunities sustainability presents for teaching and research in academia. The series will continue on Tuesdays throughout the month, featuring speakers on student initiatives, sustainable economics, and sustainable design.
On Saturday, April 16th, Willamette has the honor of hosting Dr. Jane Goodall and over 600 secondary school and college students from throughout the Northwest involved in Dr. Goodall’s Roots and Shoots program. The activities begin at 11:00 in Smith Auditorium, with Dr. Goodall speaking at 12:30.
The week of April 18th through April 22nd, is Earth Week, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the first Earth Day, April 22nd, 1970. Throughout the week, Willamette students will be hosting daily activities spotlighting issues of waste, climate change, water conservation, and food production. On Wednesday, April 20th, this year’s Student Scholarship Recognition Day will feature several student projects examining campus and community sustainability, and outlining challenges for the years to come. Finally, on April 22nd, the Sustainability Council will host a special TGIF forum, including a fun and lively discussion Willamette’s sustainable future and featuring the best in sustainable foods and beverages courtesy of Bon Appetit.
I encourage you not only to participate in these great Sustainability Month events but also to get involved in the creation of Willamette’s sustainable future. Also, watch for announcements of other sustainability-related events, opportunities, and accomplishments as the month progresses, including the launching of Willamette’s official Sustainability website, sustainability workshops, and new grant opportunities. These are indeed exciting times, and with your help and participation, we can continue to make Willamette a truly wonderful-and sustainable-place to work and learn.
Sincerely,
President M. Lee Pelton