March 2, 2001

Andrew W. Mellon Foundation awards

grant to Middlebury College for environmental studies

program

MIDDLEBURY, Vt.—The Andrew W.

Mellon Foundation has awarded a $284,500 grant to Middlebury College

for the purpose of supporting its interdisciplinary environmental

studies program. The College will use the funds to strengthen a

required capstone course taken by senior environmental studies

majors, present results of student research on local environmental

issues to the community, improve the science component of the

curriculum, expand student research, and create internship

opportunities for environmental studies students abroad.

Nan Jenks-Jay, Middlebury College

director of environmental affairs, said, “Among academic

institutions, Middlebury has established itself as a leader among

liberal arts colleges in its curricular and co-curricular approach to

teaching about the environment. This grant will help us strengthen

our academic program and share with the larger community—in town

and across the state—what our students and faculty learn about

environmental issues and sustainable practices in real-life

circumstances.”

In 1965, Middlebury became the first

undergraduate liberal arts college in the country to offer a major in

environmental studies. In 1994 President John McCardell identified

the study and awareness of the environment as a peak of excellence

for which Middlebury would seek national leadership in undergraduate

education. Middlebury operates composting and recycling programs, and

has adopted environmentally sensitive construction

guidelines.

Environmental studies is now the

fourth largest major on campus—an average of 50 students

graduate each year with a degree in this field, which represents, on

average, nine percent of the senior class.

According to Chris Klyza, professor

of political science and environmental studies, students often

complete research projects in their senior seminar that are of

significant interest to the community. However, at the end of the

course, students graduate or move on to other courses, faculty teach

other classes, and the results of the projects are not shared with

local residents. “We’re excited that this grant gives the

College the funds to rectify this situation,” he said.

The beauty, quality and diversity of

the Vermont landscape that surrounds the College provide an excellent

location for learning about the environment and conducting research.

We’re fortunate to be in these surroundings, ” said

Klyza.

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