Summary:
– Today, Millbrook hosted the first annual Alumni Summit with the theme “Stewards of the Natural World” to promote stewardship and engage with former students working in conservation.
– Keynote speakers included Dr. Robert Bierregaard ’69 and Dr. Hollis Stewart, who shared their experiences in wildlife research and conservation.
– The event was a big success, with alumni inspiring students and faculty, and a huge thanks to all participants and the school’s staff.
Today, Millbrook hosted its first-ever Alumni Summit, bringing together former students who have dedicated their careers to being stewards of the natural world. The summit, with the theme “Stewards of the Natural World,” aimed to promote stewardship and engage with the alumni community. This inspiring and educational event allowed the students and faculty to learn from experts and reconnect with their peers.
The summit welcomed back 21 alumni from the 1960s to the Class of 2019. These alumni, who have pursued careers or interests centered on the stewardship of the natural world, presented on various topics during the conference-style summit, providing unique insights and perspectives.
Among the alumni presenters were two keynote speakers with deep ties to the Trevor Zoo. Dr. Robert Bierregaard, a member of the Class of ’69, started the day with a captivating talk about his years at Millbrook and his subsequent research in the Amazon. Dr. Bierregaard had the privilege to be mentored by Dr. Thomas Lovejoy, a member of the Class of ’59 and a renowned conservation biologist. His talk highlighted the importance of experiential learning and how it shaped his career path in wildlife conservation.
Another remarkable keynote speaker was Dr. Hollis Stewart, a wildlife veterinarian and former Trevor Zoo Veterinary Fellow. Dr. Stewart shared her fascinating career journey, focusing on her current work with the Florida Panther Project, a critical initiative to conserve the endangered Florida panther population. Her passion for wildlife conservation and dedication to making a difference were truly inspiring for the students and faculty in attendance.
The Alumni Summit created a unique opportunity for alumni to engage with the current students and faculty. The event fostered discussion, learning, and the exchange of knowledge and experiences. It was encouraging to see so many dedicated alumni return to campus and share their expertise, inspiring the next generation of stewards of the natural world.
The event was organized into four presentation sessions, providing a diverse range of topics for attendees. Alumni speakers covered conservation biology, sustainable agriculture, marine ecosystems, and environmental policy. Each presentation offered valuable insights, and attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, further enriching their understanding of the subject matter.
The reunion of alumni with their alma mater also allowed for conversations outside of the formal presentations. Students had the chance to engage with former students, gaining valuable advice and having meaningful discussions about their shared passion for wildlife and the environment. These interactions provided valuable networking opportunities and fostered a sense of community and support among attendees.
We cannot understate the importance of the event’s success, which would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of Millbrook’s faculty and staff. Their efforts ensured a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants. Their commitment to fostering a love for nature and promoting environmental stewardship is commendable.
In conclusion, the Today Millbrook Alumni Summit was an unquestionable success. The “Stewards of the Natural World” theme resonated with the alumni community, who returned to campus to share their experiences and inspire the next generation. The summit showcased the incredible work being done in the field of wildlife conservation and demonstrated the impact individuals can have on preserving our planet’s biodiversity. It was a truly uplifting and educational event, motivating attendees to continue their journeys as stewards of the natural world. Millbrook School and its alumni should be proud of their collective efforts in promoting environmental stewardship and nurturing a community of passionate individuals dedicated to conserving our planet’s precious natural resources.
*****
Source Description
Today, Millbrook hosted our first annual Alumni Summit, and this year’s theme was Stewards of the Natural World, tying in with the year’s focus on stewardship. We welcomed 21 alumni from the 1960s through the Class of 2019 to speak with students and faculty in a conference-style summit. Alumni presenters, all with careers or interests centered on stewardship of the natural world, presented on topics of their choice during four presentation sessions.
We were thrilled to welcome two keynote speakers with deep ties to the Trevor Zoo. Dr. Robert Bierregaard ’69, whose mentor was Dr. Thomas Lovejoy ’59, started the day by discussing his years at Millbrook and subsequent research in the Amazon. Dr. Hollis Stewart, a wildlife veterinarian and former Trevor Zoo Veterinary Fellow, spoke about her fascinating wildlife conservation career and current work with the Florida Panther Project.
It was inspiring to have so many dedicated alumni return to campus and engage the student body. A huge thank you to all who participated and Millbrook’s faculty and staff who made the event successful.
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