President Skorton speaking at the signing of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, 2/23/07
What does our leadership say about sustainability?
Senior Administrators are responsible for setting the tempo, funding, and direction for many of our sustainability efforts. Here's a few speeches that can help guide our efforts:
President Skorton: Presidents Climate Commitment. On February 23, 2007, President David Skorton joined college and university presidents around the country in signing the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. This document commits Cornell to developing a plan to reach climate neutrality. The change in operations and attitudes which will be required to reach this goal will affect and engage all members of the campus community.
President Skorton also announced a new level of institutional commitment to sustainability in his 2007 Reunion State of the University Address.
Provost Martin: The Academic State of the University Address. On March 7, 2007 Provost Carolyn 'Biddy' Martin delivered the first such address of its kind at Cornell. She made special note of the opportunity for academic synergies in the domain of sustainability, and stressed the importance of openness and diversity at Cornell.
President Rhodes: On Coming Home: Reunion with an Elderly Parent. Addressing Cornell alumni visiting their alma mater, Cornell University President Emeritus Frank H.T. Rhodes talked about a reunion with the terra mater, mother Earth. Presenting the annual Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Lecture June 10, 2005 during Reunion Weekend, he urged responsible social policies for the planet.
President Lehman: Sustainability in the Age of Development. During his State of the University Address on October 29, 2004, former Cornell University President Jeffrey Lehman announced sustainability as one of three major challenges the university would address.
President Rawlings: Cornell University and the Environment Statement. On November 14, 1997, former President Hunter Rawlings and members of the Cornell environmental community signed the historic document entitled "Cornell University and the Environment," which pledges participation in the worldwide commitment to sustainable development. The Cornell community pledges to promote sustainable futures through:
- educational activities,
- campus environmental improvements,
- research and outreach activities,
- environmentally responsible stewardship of all the resources entrusted to its care.
