Class of 2021 Celebration

BS in Environmental Studies

"Class of 2021, you persisted through some unprecedented challenges this semester, and yet still accomplished so much. Changing the world for the better won’t be easy either, but the most worthwhile things in life never are. Use this experience as a learning opportunity to adapt and overcome future challenges you face in your life. Always remember, there is no limit to what you can achieve! Congratulations and best wishes going forward."

"Congratulations! You’ve done it. You are now ready to embark on the next stage of your life. I wish for you many great lessons and exciting adventures. Be good-hearted and strong and make a healthy difference in the world. And, please remember, whatever career path you choose, carry a little bit of the “naturalist” within you….the Earth will always be grateful."

"Earth’s wicked problems need technology, they need understanding, they need teamwork, kindness, and communication, across time and space. This is what we have learned from the virus. While COVID’s legacy will be disastrous, remember that it also brought practitioners of patience and understanding. You have needed to slow down and assess what is really important. What I see, and am incredibly proud of, is a graduating class of 2021 that has been tried and tested, and that wields a skill set unlike any class before it."

Congratulations, Class of 2021! You are resilient and creative, and have shown your ability to flexibly deal with complex situations. Your knowledge and skills will allow you to go far in life!

Congratulations Class of 2021! I hope you celebrate this moment thoroughly, appreciating all that it took to get you here. It has been a privilege to witness the inner spark which drew you to study sustainability. Know that whatever others may tell you, what “success” looks like is entirely up to you, and it may change along with you. Trust the spark.

"We’re inspired by your passion, smarts, and commitment, and we’re eager to see what you do out in the world!  Congrats, graduates!"

​"Dear Class of 2021, I immensely enjoyed working with such an intelligent, conscientious and earnest group of people! These last two years at UB have been the most interesting and rewarding time of my career, and it is sincerely due to nobody but you. I hope that your time here helps pave the way for happiness and success for you and your loved ones. Remember: Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid!"

"Class of 2021, I am so proud of you! I am so happy to have gotten to know many of you over the past year and a half. Best of luck as you enter the next phase of your lives. Always your teacher, Marie Weide"

Dear Graduates in the Department of Environment and Sustainability, the Class of 2021:

As you are celebrating this great day of tremendous achievement and are moving forward to accomplish the next step in the careers of your dreams, I congratulate you on your success. Regardless of the obstacles you had to face in the past two years of the pandemic, you have shown resilience, persistence, and strength in reaching your goals. I hope and wish that in the time of challenges, you can always find your way and go forward to change the future of our great country and the future of our world.  The future belongs to you; embrace it and follow your dreams. Congratulations on your outstanding achievement!

Congratulations graduates! You should feel especially proud of your achievements given the challenging end to your experience here at UB. I hope that the spirit of sustainability and environmentalism stays with you (even after you have forgotten the small details of what you learned!) It has been a pleasure getting to know some of you this past semester and I feel sure you will go on to great things. Good luck out there!

"Congratulations!  Now more than ever we need people like you who understand the complexities of our global socio-ecological system.  I know it is a difficult time, but with great upheaval comes great opportunity.  I hope you can hold your head high knowing that you have the foundation you need to move forward and build a more sustainable future."