Unity Environmental University Launches “60 for 60 Years” Fundraiser to Raise $6 Million for Student Scholarships
Unity Environmental University Launches “60 for 60 Years” Fundraiser to Raise $6 Million for Student Scholarships
Unity Environmental University has announced the launch of its “60 for 60 Years” fundraising effort, aiming to raise $6 million for student scholarships in honor of the institution’s 60th anniversary. The goal is to expand funded financial aid for students dedicated to environmental studies, ensuring that cost is not a barrier for those aspiring to become environmental leaders.
This endowed scholarship fund, currently at $205,000, stands poised for significant growth through the ‘60 for 60 Years’ initiative, enabling more financial support for aspiring environmental leaders. As the urgency of climate change, biodiversity loss, and other sustainability challenges continues to mount, ensuring broad access to environmental education has never been more critical.
Over the years, Unity has established itself as a national leader in sustainability, sparking a nationwide 40 trillion dollar movement as the first U.S. college to divest from fossil fuel investments. Now, the University is breaking new ground as an accessibility pioneer as an environmental-based science institution, earning the top spot among private universities for social mobility in the United States.
“Solutions to environmental challenges that are negatively impacting the climate can’t wait, and neither can the education of those who will solve them,” said Dr. Melik Peter Khoury, President of Unity Environmental University. “By expanding access to education, our donors are investing in a more sustainable future for our planet. As traditional models of higher education become increasingly out of reach, and in some cases obsolete, our innovative Enterprise approach opens doors for low socio-economic populations, empowering those who may have never had the opportunity to pursue an environmental science degree. This is exactly why the University has guaranteed to keep the cost of tuition flat until 2030 and hopefully beyond.”
Unity’s students and alumni are already making tangible impacts in environmental fields around the world. For example, one scholarship recipient traveled repeatedly to Rwanda on conservation grants to help save endangered Grey Crowned Cranes, experiences that inspired her to broaden her impact as a wildlife field biologist. Another Unity graduate, recently named the 2024 Sagadahoc County Teacher of the Year, earned a Fulbright Scholarship to conduct research in Morocco, where she aims to empower young women in STEM education. These real-world achievements exemplify how Unity students translate their learning into global action by tackling urgent food, wildlife, horticulture, environmental engineering, and sustainable business challenges far beyond the borders of a traditional campus.
“Unity students are passionate, innovative, and determined to build a more sustainable world,” Dr. Khoury added. “Providing these additional resources is one of the most important investments we can make to ensure a sustainable future. When we remove financial barriers for these students, we empower bright minds that will create solutions for environmental challenges that affect us all.”
Unity Environmental University is calling on environmental supporters, foundations, alumni, and philanthropic partners to join the “60 for 60 Years” movement. A contribution of $60, one dollar for each year of Unity’s impact, or any amount will help the University reach its $6 million goal and directly support students committed to safeguarding our planet. To donate or learn more about the campaign, please visit https://unity.edu/give/environmental-stewardship-fund/.
Please enjoy this video, which features our president, and is done to celebrate the joy that comes from fundraising for our students.
