Prestigious Environmental Scholars

April 8, 2010

J. Sarah Sorenson and Blair Braverman, both juniors majoring in environmental policy, were named 2010 Udall Scholars April 8 by the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation. Eighty scholars nationwide were selected from 537 candidates on the basis of their commitment to careers in the environment, health care, or tribal public policy. Leadership potential and academic achievement also are criteria.

Sorenson and Braverman each will receive a scholarship of up to $5,000 for their senior year. They will participate in a Udall conference Aug. 4-8 in Tucson, Ariz., where they will receive their awards and meet with policymakers and community leaders in environmental fields, tribal health care, and governance.

Environmental Studies Professor Philip Nyhus said the two awards are national validation that “the Colby Environmental Studies Program is attracting and nurturing some of the nation’s most talented, passionate, and ambitious students.”

Sorenson is a member of Colby’s Environmental Advisory Group, which counsels the president on sustainability initiatives. She helped manage a Green Graduation program last year and is leading an effort to reduce drastically the use of bottled water by the College. “She has been one of the most active and involved students engaged with sustainability issues,” said Nyhus.

He described Braverman as a student “dedicated the changing the world through the pen.” She has studied and written about environmental issues from Alaska, Norway, and Namibia. She was invited to attend a conference in Chile on private land conservation, with all her expenses paid, based on a essay she wrote about land conservation and the Iditarod.

“These students are the future environmental and tribal leaders of our world, and the Udall Foundation is proud to help them advance their education,” said Terrence L. Bracy, chair of the Udall Foundation’s board of trustees.

More information and a list of Udall Scholars are online at www.udall.gov.