Development eNews

17 posts

The Environment eNews web pages are hosted by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations (ODAR) at the Nicholas School of the Environment to provide alumni and friends of the school up-to-date on the latest news and events happening at the Nicholas School and across the USA.

Natural Resources Finance Initiative celebrates a year of accomplishments

Over the last several decades, a shift has taken place in the business of forestry. Once valued strictly for timber, forestlands are now recognized for their impact on carbon emissions, water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitats. These shifts have created global demand for individuals who possess strong knowledge and […]

100+ alumni hear how Nicholas School turns ideas into new business ventures

More than 100 Duke alumni and friends gathered at San Francisco’s Exploratorium on Tuesday, Dec. 3, to hear how Nicholas School faculty and students are developing a robust technology commercialization platform for scalable products and services that will benefit the planet, help people live better lives, and create economic value.  […]

The Duke Aquafarm: Supporting Local Ecosystems and the Local Economy

There are only so many things you can learn about aquaculture in a classroom. At the Duke Aquafarm in Atlantic Beach, N.C., students are wading into the water to conduct hands-on research that will help determine the best conditions for oyster farming. Their work has the potential to support farmers […]

Family surprises environmentalist Mary Mapes with fellowship fund in her honor

When Mary Mapes visited Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment on Friday, May 3, she thought she would be listening to her husband, Tim, participate in a panel discussion. Instead, she was greeted on the Grainger Hall rooftop with champagne and hugs from her family. Mary, an avid environmentalist who […]

For Marshall Field V and Abby Gerry, philanthropy and environmental stewardship run in the family

Giving back to support the environment is a family tradition for Marshall Field V and his daughter, Abby Field Gerry, T’02. Marshall served on the Board of Visitors of the Nicholas School of the Environment from 2000 to 2009, and ultimately served as board chair. When he left the board, […]

Nicholas School welcomes Board of Visitors, Alumni Council for Spring Meeting

Nearly 50 members of the Board of Visitors and Alumni Council met in Durham, N.C., on Thursday and Friday, March 21-22, to learn about ongoing research and initiatives at the school. The Nicholas School Alumni Council began the day at Grainger Hall with a welcome message from Council President Kira […]

Antarctic researchers Chuck and Maggie Amsler give back to place that drew them to the water

Chuck Amsler, T’80, met Maggie O’Leary while they were both undergraduates spending the summer of 1978 at the Duke Marine Lab. She introduced herself when she saw him carrying scuba gear, and they soon arranged to go diving together. When Maggie badly cut her leg on an oyster shell during […]

Chan Smith, BA’72, MEM’75, gives back to school that helped shape his future

Chandler (Chan) Smith’s journey from an environmentally conscious undergrad at Duke to a pioneer in environmental management is a testament to his passion for the field and his commitment to giving back to the community that helped shape his future. Chan graduated with a BA in 1972, just before embarking […]