Press Releases

May 9, 2002
Southampton College Graduates Pledge to Seek Socially-Responsible Jobs

Contact:
Jane Finalborgo (PR@southampton.liu.edu)
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081

More than 100 graduating seniors at Southampton College of Long Island University have signed a "Green Pledge" of social and environmental responsibility, promising to evaluate the broader consequences of any job they take after graduation.

The voluntary statement reads: "I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work."

Students who have signed the pledge will receive green ribbons to wear on their robes at Southampton's commencement ceremonies Sunday May 19 at 2 p.m., and the language of the pledge will be printed in the program.

Southampton College joins more than 100 colleges and universities nationwide that are offering students the opportunity to sign the pledge. The pledge was first conceived in 1987 at Humboldt State University in California. Manchester College in Indiana followed suit in 1988 and in 1996 became the national headquarters of the pledge organizing efforts.

Southampton is the only Long Island college participating in the pledge effort, but other participating colleges in the region include Hunter and Barnard Colleges in New York City. Southampton is nationally known for its programs in marine and environmental science, and many students have a deep commitment to environmental issues.

"This pledge is a way for seniors to express how important these values are to their education and to express a commitment to maintaining those values into the future," said Environmental Studies Professor Scott Carlin, faculty coordinator of the Green Pledge effort. "It is voluntary and meant to enrich a student's graduation day." This is the fourth year that the College has participated in the program. The Student Government Association, the campus Greenprint Committee and the College administration have endorsed the pledge.

The pledge allows individuals to vow publicly to seek out companies or positions that are environmentally "friendly" or whose business practices are non-discriminatory.

"When I leave Southampton College I want to uphold the social and environmental awaeness that I have learned here," said Environmental Studies Senior Sarah Sullivan who has signed the pledge. "I want to declare this, not only to myself, but also to others -- that these values are the foundation of my life."

For more information, contact Neil Wollman at Manchester College, njwollman@manchester.edu, 260-982-5346 or Scott Carlin at Southampton College, scarlin@southampton.liu.edu, 631-287-