Amidst the stark white and grey palette of NYU’s Gould Welcome Center auditorium, the topic of discussion was of a much greener nature.
Dr. Mitchell Thomashow, President of Unity College in Maine, spoke to NYU students and educators Tuesday. In his lecture titled “The Nine Elements of a Sustainable Campus,” Thomashow shared his experience as President of an environmental college to educate audience members seeking to create a similar green atmosphere at NYU.
“The way we look at it, we’re training a new generation of sustainability leaders leading by example,” Thomashow said in his lecture to NYU students and faculty.
Founded in 1965, Unity College is a leading environmental college of just over 500 students. The curriculum at Unity is focused entirely on the environment elements of traditionally broad based majors, and the campus itself is committed to sustainability.
Thomashow shared his insight on Unity’s efforts in green architecture, campus gardens, composting and recycling projects, and the harnessing of solar and wind energy.
Though Unity is a small rural college, Thomashow urged NYU students that sustainability is just as feasible on a large urban campus.
“Every school is different. I’m interested in sustainability as an integrative theme for every campus,” said Thomashow.
NYU students appeared excited and inspired by Thomashow’s speech.
“I think this is important because in X amount of years our planet is going to die if we don’t do something about it,” said Sonya Kumar, 19, an NYU student in the Environmental Studies Program.
Dr. Mitchell Thomashow, Union College President, addressed eager audience members from behind the podium of NYU's Gould Welcome Center Auditorium.
NYU students and faculty members alike took notes and listened attentively to Dr. Thomashow's inspiring advice on taking steps today to create sustainable campus environment for tomorrow.
Jeremy Friedman, Manager of Sustainability Initiatives at NYU, ensured a worried student that a movement toward a Green campus is just as feasible in a large urban environment as it is in a small rural one.
Dr. Thomashow was receptive to questions from students and faculty members, inspired by the tremendous effort demonstrated by those living and working at Unity College.
Dr. Thomashow supplemented his speech with a vibrant powerpoint presentation featuring photos of the students and grounds of Unity College.
"Amidst the stark white and grey palette of the Gould Welcome Center auditorium, the nature of Mr. Thomashow's talk was of a much greener nature."
ReplyDeleteThat is a great line! I think the WSN people would J in their pants if you submitted writing like this to them. You've got talent Ellen, you should use it and get some experience!