Joanie Mahoney
And just like that, another academic year ended and we’re gearing up to welcome new first-year, transfer, and graduate students.
It is always surprising how quickly we move through fall and spring – and before we are ready, we find ourselves saying goodbye to another class of impressive ESF graduates. It is truly a privilege to be surrounded by the passion, curiosity, and hard work that our students exemplify every day.
ESF might be small, but we are mighty – and there is strength in our numbers. This May, we welcomed 47 associate, 409 bachelor’s, 55 master’s, and 16 Ph.D. recipients as official ESF alumni! This year’s graduates join a family of more than 24,000 alumni worldwide. While it’s sad to see our graduates go, we can’t help but feel hope, excitement, and optimism knowing they are ready for this next step in their journey.
At Commencement, I spoke to the class of 2024 about how they can transform the world through environmental leadership. If we can see beyond the mistakes of the past – and take actions to bring new visions to life – we can make powerful changes, like so many of our alumni have done and continue to do.
Paul Hai ’00 is one example. Paul is leading the Timbuctoo Climate Science and Careers Summer Institute. This transformative program exposes high school students from systemically marginalized communities in New York City to green spaces and environmental career exploration.
David Gerber ’88 is another example. As Senior Vice President of Arcadis, he began his career at a time when the environmental engineering field was just beginning to take shape – he was a pioneer in an industry propelled by new governmental regulations.
You can learn about even more alumni serving as environmental leaders in the Class Notes section.
We are proud of the ways you put into action all that you have learned at ESF. We hope that you cherish your memories from your college, and when you come across a young person with a passion for the environment, please tell them about your experience. The world needs more Mighty Oaks!
Wishing you a wonderful end to summer and start to fall.
