President’s Message
Summer 2025 Issue
President’s Message
Dear Friends,
As we watch the world change at an unprecedented rate, we are called to answer complex questions about our future.
How will we respond to a changing climate, diminishing resources, and social and economic inequity? How will we alter our habits and adapt our lifestyle in ways that allow humans to thrive while also treating each other — and our planet — with respect? In short, how will we live sustainably?
These challenges are complex. They are global. They require reliable data and high-tech
analytics, innovative thinking and creative solutions, and a deep understanding of
the relationship between humans and the natural world. These challenges are big.
The solution requires ESF. And ESF gets the big things right.
Since its founding in 1911, ESF has focused on advocating for our environment. Students come to ESF because they want to be part of the solution. Their passion is improving our world and they know ESF will provide the tools they need to turn that passion into action.
ESF has a strategic plan to position ourselves more competitively by growing enrollment, expanding funded research, and increasing online education opportunities. Philanthropy has an essential role to play in the success of these initiatives.
As a state institution, ESF’s mission includes making higher education affordable and accessible to all. To achieve this, we depend in part on funding from the state. But in these challenging times, state resources are stretched to meet innumerable needs. If we are to thrive, we must enhance our other avenues of support.
In addition, the critical research ESF conducts in climate science, ecosystem restoration, renewable energy, and sustainable forestry faces growing uncertainty. Recent reductions in federal funding pose a significant threat to this essential work. These cuts undermine long-term research projects, threaten to slow scientific progress, limit student access to research experiences, and affect our ability to contribute to urgent environmental challenges. To preserve ESF’s role as a leader in environmental science and education, it is more important than ever to cultivate new partnerships and strengthen philanthropic support.
ESF has earned accolades for the value of its education. But it is not inexpensive. Labs, studios, and field stations are essential pieces of the ESF student experience, but they are costly. Our students seek an ESF education because it is affordable and of the highest quality. Their state-set tuition dollars cover a portion of the cost, but not all. We must rely on philanthropic support to attract the best students and make sure that finances don’t stand in their way.
We can do it, but we cannot do it alone. We need the help of our alumni, advocates, and friends. Your support will enable our students and their families, as well as our faculty and staff, to do their best work on behalf of our shared future.
Please join us as we work together to be mighty.
Sincerely,
Joanie Mahoney
President
