Ally Duffy

Ally Duffy ’23, biotechnology

Things look a little different these days, but ESF’s Annual Fund callers remain hard at work during the academic year. These dedicated students connect with ESF families and alumni raising money that supports ESF’s Annual Fund. During the fall ’21 semester, our students spoke with more than 1,300 alumni and friends of the College and secured nearly $108,000 in gifts to the Annual Fund.

Calling provides a great opportunity for students to share news and stories of life at ESF while getting to know alumni and friends of the College.

“I really liked hearing how ESF has changed over time from the alumni. I also like to hear their advice,” said Jack Gill, a sophomore studying environmental science.

Our phonathon donors have a big impact. Their gifts provide versatile, immediately available funds that support College-wide priorities and over 500 scholarships annually. These donations ensure the success of ESF now and in the future, and help the next generation of environmental stewards receive an outstanding education.

We hope you will answer the call when our phonathon begins again this spring! You can also support the Annual Fund anytime by visiting esf.edu/donate/.

SRC Gift Supports Ph.D. Student Research 

SRC — a not-for-profit research-and-development company that develops solutions to “impossible” problems in the areas of defense, environment, and intelligence — has donated $150,000 to support ESF Ph.D. students. Over the next four years, SRC will partner with ESF on projects of common interest. Satellite images will be used to understand how the environment is changing. Automated methods based on artificial intelligence will be developed to quickly scan large geographic areas. 

“It’s hugely beneficial and exciting for ESF to collaborate with SRC. Partnering with a company of this magnitude and recognition allows us to not only develop new research, but accelerate it into implementation,” said Giorgos Mountrakis, professor in the Department of Environmental Resources Engineering. 

“SRC is thrilled to be supporting the research of Ph.D. students at ESF. For 65 years, we’ve been developing innovative solutions to critical challenges and these exceptionally bright minds will undoubtedly help us continue our mission to keep America and its allies safe and strong,” said Kevin Hair, president and CEO of SRC. “We look forward to working with ESF through this partnership.”