The Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies will confer 148 degrees at its 111th commencement on Monday, May 21, at 12:30 p.m. on the Kroon Hall south courtyard.
Eighty-seven students will receive a master’s degree in environmental management, 32 a master’s in environmental science, 11 in forest science and nine in forestry. Nine students will receive doctoral degrees. In addition, 22 joint degrees will be granted in business administration, international relations, divinity, religion and law.
Twenty-one countries and 26 states are represented in the graduating class. Women comprise 54 percent of the class, 16 percent are U.S. minorities, and the average age of the graduates is 27.
“This class has been extraordinarily active,” said Joanne DeBernardo, director of student services. “They’ve done research around the world, participated in international conferences and have taken environmental stewardship to another level at the school, all while finding the time to have fun. This is one of the most involved, committed and dedicated classes I’ve seen, and I’m going to miss them.”
The ceremony will feature remarks by Dean Peter Crane and class speakers Renee Kaufman and Emily Schosid, and the presentation of faculty and staff awards. In addition, the Loggerrhythms, a student singing group, and the bluegrass band, New Haven County Killers, will provide musical accompaniment.
James Saiers, professor of hydrology and associate dean of academic affairs, will present the Strachan Donnelley Student Award, which recognizes a graduating master’s student who has promoted environmental sustainability through his or her research and coursework. Donnelly was a long-time advisor, friend and benefactor of the school.
Brian Goldberg, who received a master’s degree in environmental management in 2003 and is vice president of the alumni association board, will welcome the graduates into the alumni community. A reception will follow at 1:30 p.m. for the graduates and their guests.
