April 15, 2004

CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine (724) 738-4854; e-mail: gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

‘CAREERS IN SUSTAINABILITY’ EVENT AT SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY HIGHLIGHTS THE PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF SRU ALUMNI

     SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Students and community members interested in learning more about careers in sustainability and the environment are encouraged to attend “Careers in Sustainability” from 2 to 5 p.m. April 23 at the Ski Lodge on the campus of Slippery Rock University.

     Participants will learn that environmental careers are both profitable and meaningful, said SRU’s Dr. Steven Doherty, assistant professor parks and recreation/environmental education. The career fair includes forums and panel discussions with SRU graduates, an optional tour of the 83-acre Robert A. Macoskey Center for Sustainable Systems Education and Research, a reception and dinner.

     Dr. James Quilligan, director of The Brandt 21 Forum, will deliver a keynote address “Integrating Macro-Economics and Sustainable Development” at 7 p.m., following a dinner and reception. All events are at the Ski Lodge.

     Sustainability refers to the necessary connection between sound environmental and social policies. It is now understood that current economic and development practices based on non-renewable resources, outpace the ability of the environment to supply necessary materials and assimilate humankind’s wastes, Doherty said. A move toward sustainable practices may bring a greater balance between economic growth and environmental health. The Master of Science in Sustainable Systems Program at SRU helps prepare students to meet these pressing agendas.

     “Students are concerned about the current state of our environment and society. But they are also understandably concerned about getting a good job,” Doherty said. “Many would like to work in an environmental field, but don’t know if you can make a good income and a big difference. The answer is yes! We have more than 20 professionals representing business, not-for-profits, industry, local, state and federal government, education, community supported agriculture, cooperatives, community groups, advocacy, governmental commissions and more -- all committed to making our world a better place.”

          Information will also be available from the Macoskey Center ,Jennings Environmental Education Center, and McKeever Environmental Learning Center.

     This forum is a chance to talk with MS3 alumni, SRU graduates, and other professionals working in environmental fields. And it’s an opportunity for alumni to share with our students and community their career choices and professional experiences in sustainability and to encourage them to pioneer new pathways for positive social and environmental change.

     Narratives of MS3 alumni profiles will be compiled into a resource booklet documenting their important professional contributions in sustainability and environment, with printing scheduled for fall 2004.

       Careers in Sustainability is sponsored by the Master of Science in Sustainable Systems Program, SRU Alumni Relations Office, College of Health, Environment and Science, School of Business, department of government and public affairs, the Institute for Community, Service-Learning and Non-Profit Leadership and the Macoskey Center.

     For more information, call Doherty at 724-738-2622 or the Macoskey Center at 724-738-0606.

Professional affiliations of participating alumni include:

Executive director, Green Building Alliance, Pittsburgh;

Restoration coordinator, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy;

Grazing specialist, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Clarion;

Director, Allegheny Conservation District, naturalist, Beechwood Farm Nature Reserve, Fox Chapel;

Contributing writer, Mother Earth News magazine, co-founder, Green Revolutions;

Staff editor, Passages Newsletter, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture;

Environmental education coordinator, Pennsylvania Resources Council, Pittsburgh;

Sierra Club - Regional Conservation Organizer;

Executive director, Construction Junction, Pittsburgh;

Co-owner, Fox Hollow Seed Co., founder, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Two Farms - community supported agriculture;Senior natural resource specialist, Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Montgomery County, Md.;

Civil Engineer Hydraulic, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Meadville;

Governing board member, Beulah Land - Environmental Learning Center, Petrolia; owner, Sustainable Home Designs, Rochester;

Planner, Pennsylvania Organization of Watershed Resources, Harrisburg;

Compost coordinator, Pennsylvania Resources Council, Pennsylvania Allegheny County Backyard Composting Project;

Restoration Scientist, Aquascape - Environmental Consultants, Grove City;

     Other area professionals participating in the forum are:

Park manager, Moraine and McConnell's Mill State Park;

Author, Humanure Handbook, Slate Roof Bible, Balance Point; Owner, Jenkins Slate Roofing

Owner, Three Sisters (Organic) Farm, BioShelter, Sandy Lake;

Director, Meadville Community Energy Project, Allegheny College, Meadville;

Director, Urban Farming Initiative, Pittsburgh.