Yale School of the Environment Celebrates 125 Years of Impact

The Yale School of the Environment is marking a significant milestone this year as it celebrates its 125th anniversary. Founded in 1900, the school has evolved from its origins as The Yale Forest School into a leading institution for environmental education and stewardship. The anniversary serves as a moment of reflection on the school’s long-standing commitment to educating future leaders in forestry, conservation, and environmental science.

Located in Kroon Hall, a building constructed from sustainably sourced materials, the school stands as a testament to its mission of environmental stewardship. Dean Indy Burke expressed her pride in the school’s legacy, noting that alumni are currently holding leadership positions in 80 countries. “Commemorating our 125th Anniversary has been a source of inspiration and hope for all of us who care deeply about the environment,” Burke stated in an email to the Yale Daily News.

The reunion weekend, held from October 24 to 26, brought together alumni and current students, fostering connections that underline the school’s community spirit. Terry Baker, president of the school’s Alumni Association Board and a graduate from the class of 2007, highlighted the emotional impact of the gathering, particularly as the class of 1975 celebrated its 50th graduation anniversary.

The history of the school began on September 29, 1900, with a report on the establishment of the School of Forestry, initiated through a donation from James Pinchot. His son, Gifford Pinchot, the school’s first president, led a modest program that started with just seven students. Over the years, the institution has adapted to the changing environmental landscape, leading to its renaming in 1972 to the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

Throughout its history, the school has expanded its resources and reach. By the time of its 30th anniversary in 1930, it boasted a collection of 30,000 forestry-related volumes and over 1,300 acres of demonstration forests. Today, Kroon Hall, which opened in 2009, is known for its energy-efficient design, consuming 50 percent less energy than comparable buildings.

The alumni community reflects on their impactful experiences at Yale. Bryan Garcia, a member of the class of 2000 and now president and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank, shared that his time at Yale transformed him into a multi-disciplinary thinker prepared to confront complex environmental issues. “I entered as an environmental education interested student, and I left as a multi-disciplinary thinker who was prepared to confront environmental problems,” Garcia remarked.

Fellow alumna Charissa Leising, who graduated in 2013, emphasized the diverse perspectives that enriched her education. Initially focused on conservation biology, she has since transitioned to studying industrial ecology, contributing to sustainability initiatives at companies like Apple and Albertson’s. “You have some of the most diverse and creative, innovative thinkers,” she noted, highlighting the lifelong connections formed during her studies.

As the Yale School of the Environment looks toward the future, it remains committed to addressing pressing global challenges like climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. The upcoming years promise to further the legacy of environmental stewardship that has been cultivated since its founding, continuing to prepare students to lead in the crucial work ahead.