Chemistry Professor James Hornig delivered an Inaugural Lecture honoring his endowment as the Dartmouth Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Studies yesterday.
Speaking to a crowd of about 40 administrators, professors and graduate students in 13 Carpenter Hall, Hornig focused on the integral role of environmental studies in the global agenda and in the Dartmouth education.
He said environmental studies is ideally designed for Dartmouth's liberal arts education. Its interdisciplinary nature allows students to learn "holistically and systematically."
Most environmental problems involve complex political, economic and historical considerations, and are difficult to resolve, Hornig said. One example is the Hydro-Quebec project, which the College divested funds from this past winter.
Hornig said an environmental education need to incorporate the persistent themes of "complexity, sustainability and stewardship."
Hornig acknowledged "the wisdom of the Dartmouth faculty and administration" for its examination, challenge and eventual support of the environmental studies program over the years.
Funding for Hornig's endowed chair comes from an anonymous couple and is part of the Capital Campaign, said Dean of Faculty James Wright.
Hornig has been at the College since 1962. He helped found the Environmental Studies Program in 1970-71, and has played a major role in its development since then. He recently stepped down as chair of the program.
