Wangari Maathai

It was with great sadness that we learned this morning of the passing of Wangari Maathai. Her work in eradicating poverty, improving the environment, women’s rights, climate justice and fighting government corruption led to her recognition as a Nobel Laureate. Her writings, particularly her most recent book, Replenishing the Earth: Spiritual Values for Healing Ourselves and the World, demonstrated her leadership in weaving together the various strands of sustainability in to a whole life. She has been an inspiration internationally but especially in Africa and her home country of Kenya where millions of trees as well as people bear witness to her courage and dedication to a better world. We have lost a world leader. As we pause to hold dear our appreciation of this great person, we invite you to send your condolences to her organization and friends and family in Kenya and throughout the world as we mourn the loss of one of the world’s great sustainability advocates.

As many of you know, Dr. Maathai was scheduled to be the opening keynote at AASHE 2011: Creating Sustainable Campuses and Communities. Last week, when we heard the news of her hospitalization and cancellation of her travel, we moved forward asking Majora Carter to provide the keynote address and she has accepted our invitation. A known advocate for advancing sustainability within inner-city locations, Ms. Carter founded and led Sustainable South Bronx from 2001 to 2008, when few were talking about sustainability in places like the Bronx. By 2003 Majora coined the term: “Green the Ghetto” as she pioneered one of the nation’s first urban green-collar job training & placement systems and spearheaded legislation that fueled demand for those jobs.

About the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) 

AASHE, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future. Our mission is to empower higher education to lead the sustainability transformation. We do this by providing resources, professional development, and a network of support to enable institutions of higher education to model and advance sustainability in everything they do, from governance and operations to education and research. More information about AASHE, including membership can be found at www.aashe.org.  Detailed information on the AASHE 2011 Conference & Expo can be found at www.aashe.org/conference  Follow AASHE on Facebook and Twitter (@aashenews).

Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)

Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)

AASHE is helping to create a brighter future of opportunity for all by advancing sustainability in higher education. By creating a diverse community engaged in sharing ideas and promising practices, AASHE provides administrators, faculty, staff and students, as well as the business that serve them, with: thought leadership and essential knowledge resources; outstanding opportunities for professional development; and a unique framework for demonstrating the value and competitive edge created by sustainability initiatives.

AASHE defines sustainability in an inclusive way, encompassing human and ecological health, social justice, secure livelihoods, and a better world for all generations.

AASHE is an independent 501(c)(3). Institutional membership in AASHE includes every individual at an institution.

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