First Meeting of the Ramapo College Environmental Studies Alumni Association Steering Committee

Current students and alumni alike were excited to be gathering together last Thursday night for the very first meeting of the Environmental Studies Alumni Association Steering Committee. They gathered in the Sharp Sustainability Education Center (SSEC) to discuss the structure, purpose, and intentions of this newly formed group. While the Environmental Studies community at Ramapo boasts a 200-member Facebook group, annual reunions, and numerous campus events, there has never been a group of people dedicated to the connecting, networking, inspiring, and sharing necessary to enrich and enliven the environmental programs Ramapo has to offer. And so, during an Environmental Studies reunion last year, the Alumni Association Steering Committee was born.

First on the agenda? A name! It was agreed by the group that a fitting name would be voted on at the next meeting. Additionally, the group agreed a mission statement would be required. As a result, a robust conversation about the goals of the committee ensued. The primary discussion centered around communication and connecting – using social media platforms as well as email and events to bring past and current students together.

Beyond bringing the Environmental Studies community together, the committee agreed that they should play a supportive role in promoting and enriching the current programs Ramapo has to offer in the Environmental Studies field. The unique perspective of the alumni in the group could provide the support these programs need to continue to flourish and grow. Additionally, it was agreed that committee members should be active and engaged in facilitating, promoting, and attending events held on campus.

It was clear by the conversation in the room that the value of creating a strong Environmental Studies community beyond graduation could not be understated. Whether a current student looking for career potential or an alumnus looking to stay involved and continue their education, a lively and engaged Environmental Studies community, the group agreed, is essential. The Environmental Studies Alumni Association Steering Committee intends to promote, support, and maintain this lively community in whatever capacity they are capable. At the conclusion of the evening, the group left feeling energized and inspired, ready to bring ideas to the next meeting to put these intentions into action.

Written by Grace Whitney ’13, Healthcare Sustainability Specialist, Stericycle

Categories: Sustainability