Seniors Give to Exeter, the Green Way

May 16, 2007

Exeter students seated in front of banners they created for Step It Up, a nationwide sustainability event

Every year, in longstanding tradition, the senior class makes a parting gift to Exeter. In a distinct sign of the times, the class of '07 has chosen to donate solar panels.

"We saw the class gift as an opportunity to quickly put into action a real solution to the energy crisis that faces our world," says Dieter, the senior who originated the idea of solar panels. "We decided to leave a mark that will remind future Exonians of the responsibility they have to a planet that has given them so much." The solar panels will be installed on new faculty housing, and will help achieve the goal of a 50 percent reduction in utility consumption (based on energy use in existing, similarly sized faculty housing).

"The class of 2007 ties itself very closely to environmental issues," explains Jennifer Wilhelm, Exeter's sustainability coordinator. "They have been involved in several major sustainability initiatives during their time at Exeter, and have shown tremendous commitment to environmental causes." Four years ago, when the graduating seniors were preps, Exeter launched the Green Cup Challenge, a student-led environmental awareness campaign, which has grown enormously from an intra-dorm challenge at Exeter to a 15-school competition. This year's graduating class includes many of the leaders who helped make that growth possible. The class of '07 has also played a key role in other projects, including this year's Step It Up (a national environmental campaign), the Green Flag Program (an environmental awards initiative targeting schools), recycling and composting. 

Jackson, a senior who has been very active in sustainability efforts, says, "Solar panel technologies – thermal and photovoltaic – will provide the energy of the future. Exeter has always led by example. This should be no exception." Mike, another senior who played a major role in the choice of solar panels, puts it this way: "I am tremendously excited about the gift. Through this gift, we demonstrate the interest students have in an environmentally-conscious school."

In another longstanding tradition, the 50th reunion class doubles the value of the senior class gift with matching funds. The 50th class reunion takes place this coming weekend, and the matching gift presentation will be made at Friday's assembly. Over 100 alums from the class of '57 are expected to attend.

Inspiration for the solar panels gift came in part from an assembly presentation made earlier this year by Tim Wirth '57, when he spoke to students about global climate change. Wirth returns this weekend for his class reunion, and will lead a colloquium entitled, "Climate Change – Is there a Case for Action at PEA?" The weekend's events include additional colloquia on subjects ranging from moral dilemmas in business to the education crisis in America. The 50th reunion alums will also have the chance to interact with Exeter students by attending classes and participating in Saturday's panel discussion entitled "Visions of Exeter: Past, Present and Future."

Interested in learning more?

Read about sustainability efforts at Exeter…
Learn about this weekend's 50th reunion schedule…
See the full list of reunions…