Convened by: Keri Van Camp, Director of the Preserve at Vassar; Jennifer Rubbo, Director of the Vassar Environmental Cooperative; Kenneth Foster, Director of Sustainability; Ariptha Kodiveri, Assistant Professor of Political Science; and Ethan Skuches, Vassar-Kenauk Conservation Fellow.

Abstract

Collaborative work between the Preserve at Vassar, the Environmental Cooperative, and the Office of Sustainability has produced EcoVisions: Finding Your Place in Environmentalism, a three-day conference bringing together professionals across the environmental field. The impetus behind this program is to provide people with opportunities to see how environmental action can take shape in all aspects of life. Over multiple days, people of the Vassar, Poughkeepsie, and greater Hudson Valley communities will have the opportunity to hear from and engage with professionals across various disciplines and walks of life discussing pertinent environmental topics. Spanning the fields of sustainability, conservation, and environmental engagement, participants will be able to visualize and learn firsthand how to bring meaningful action into their lives. Professionals, including Vassar alums and faculty, will engage with students and the larger community. Whether it be through clean energy, land stewardship, or creating a green jobs board, there is space in everyone’s life to engage in thoughtful and meaningful action. Pairing keynote and panel discussions with practical, hands-on showcases and experiences allows participants to hear and learn from our panel speakers and keynotes as well as see some of their work in action. A final keynote will turn the knowledge learned throughout the conference into action, bringing participants together and providing direction within the environmental field. As a Signature Program, EcoVisions showcases Vassar’s leadership in and commitment to environmentalism.