On Saturday, the Nicholas school held its recognition ceremony for the graduates of 2008.   Around 130 students crossed the stage, a day away from erasing the word candidate and student away from their academic status; they weren't officially "graduates" until the commencement on Sunday.  Among them, approximately 100 were MEM (Master of Environmental Management) graduates, 30 were Ph.D graduates and  there were a few DEL (Duke Environmental Leadership) graduates. 


David Orr, the keynote speaker, graced the audience of students, families and faculty with a speech highlighting the challenges of climate change ahead and the importance of hope.  It was a appropriate reminder of why we all came to Duke to pursue higher education in this field. 


It was ear candy to watch all of the candidates walk across the stage, with their masters project and Ph.D dissertation topics announced.  In Nicholas school fashion, the final projects and dissertations crossed many fields: fisheries, energy, watershed management, species habitat restoration, business plans and policy recommendations, etc.   Multiple projects actually were based in North Carolina and benefited North Carolina organizations, highlighting the fact that Duke and the other nearby universities are a valuable asset to the state.  For us first years in attendance, it was exciting to imagine ourselves on stage a year from today.  It was also a reality check, reminding us that we have a lot of work to do in the next 12 months.


One memorable event at the ceremony was the unveiling of the Nicholas School Sustainability Pledge.  Two graduating master students Itai Shelem and Carol Guy crafted the pledge after the Duke honor code.  As Itai pointed out in his remarks, while intellectually we can talk about how important it is to environmentally and socially conscious, we need to be able to walk the walk.  This pledge is voluntary and is open to all staff and students at the Nicholas school to sign.  It was one of the best gifts the class of 2008 could have given to the Nicholas School.  It reads:

Members of the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences community are committed to protecting the world's natural resources and promoting environmental sustainability. Therefore, we pledge to uphold the principles set forth by the Nicholas School Sustainability Pledge.

To uphold the Nicholas School Sustainability Pledge:

1. I will consider my personal impact on society and the environment in all that I do;
2. I will challenge myself and others to make lifestyle choices that minimize social and environmental harm; and
3. I will work to educate myself and others about socially and environmentally responsible behavior.

While on the topic, the Nicholas school did walk the walk at the ceremony.  With a approximate attendance of 800 people, the waste management team reported only one bag full of trash.  The majority of waste including the cups, plates, napkins, utensils and food were collected for compost.  Thanks to Nancy Kelly and Joseph Grinnell for coordinating and the rest of the waste management crew.