CENTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT RECEIVES HISTORIC BOOST THANKS TO FORMER SENATOR PATRICK LEAHY

The Center for the Environment at Saint Michael’s equips the next generation of environmental advocates and stewards with the tools, skills and knowledge to make a positive impact—regardless of academic discipline—in their local and global communities. Through the 360-acre Natural Area, the Teaching Gardens, the Farm at Saint Michael’s, and sustainable campus initiatives at the College, the entire campus is a living classroom for students to hone their skills and become agents of change after graduation. Connections with the greater community, including paid internships, research, and social impact projects, expand the students’ access to immersive, intensive, and applied learning that sets them up for success beyond Saint Michael’s.

Saint Michael’s College students planning careers focused on the environment—or those hoping to better understand humans’ impact on the natural world—will directly benefit from federal funding included in the 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, thanks to the work of alumnus and now-retired Appropriations Committee Chairman Senator Patrick Leahy ‘61.

The $6.5 million appropriation—the largest direct grant ever received by the College—will fund the continued growth and development of the College’s Center for the Environment, which was officially established in 2019. The omnibus bill was signed into law in late December 2022 as one of Senator Leahy’s final achievements before his retirement from the U.S. Senate after almost half a century representing Vermont.

“The College has always been engaged as a leader in service and improving the lives of others,” said now-retired Saint Michael’s College President Lorraine Sterritt in January. “Our Center for the Environment helps prepare students to become advocates and professionals who can help address one of the world’s most urgent challenges.”

“Senator Leahy has long recognized the importance of addressing environmental challenges and the critical role of higher education in molding the next generation of leaders for that task. We are very thankful to the Senator for supporting our community’s work to do well and do good both at Saint Michael’s and beyond.”

More details about the more specific ways in which the $6.5 million appropriation will be used will be shared in the coming months.