What was once the country's only self-proclaimed "environmental college" now finds itself closer to the mainstream as the ecological consciousness of everyone else grows.
And this weekend, Unity College inaugurated a new president, Mitchell S. Thomashow, who has the skills and background to lead this young and edgy institution into the next phase of its development.
"As educators," said Thomashow in his inaugural speech, "we wish to perpetuate a deeper understanding of the ecological circumstances of our lives. Why? Deep down inside you know that such understanding breeds appreciation. You have faith that appreciation cultivates gratitude. You sense that gratitude conveys a response. And you hope that response prompts action."
From learning through appreciation and gratitude to action -- that just about sums up a good college education. For what we learn should help us all make the world a better place. Congratulations to Unity College, its new president, its faculty and students as they embark, together, in pursuit of this noble goal. We will all benefit from what they accomplish.