Release

University at Albany Celebrates Earth Day with $1.1 Million in Support of Biodiversity Program

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 20, 2007) -- The University at Albany announced today $1.1 million in support of its Biodiversity, Conservation, and Policy Program.
 
The funds will support research and scholarships for students to learn the science of conservation and how to communicate effectively with policy makers. The $1.1 million comes from the combined commitments of five donors: Charles C. Adams and Harriet Dyer Adams Biodiversity, Conservation, and Public Policy Fund; the Helga Karker Biodiversity Scholarship Fund; the Edward L. Osborn Biodiversity Endowment; the Margaret Stewart Biodiversity Fund; and the Lee Family Biodiversity Endowment, established by Anna May Lee.
 
The support comes at a time of growing public awareness about the critical need to preserve biological diversity in New York State, as well as nationally and internationally. The Master of Science program in biodiversity attracts top students, who work closely with faculty to develop a research project on such topics as the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly in its unique habitat in the Albany Pine Bush.
 
"We are pleased with this support," said Provost and Officer in Charge Susan Herbst. "The University is striving as a community to be a model of environmental responsibility, and our Biodiversity, Conservation and Policy Program offers students a firm grounding in conservation and policy, and how the fields interact in the real world."
 
"The program responds to the need for trained professionals who understand fundamental scientific principles and can transfer that understanding into meaningful and effective resource management and public policy," said Gary S. Kleppel, program director.
 
The Biodiversity, Conservation, and Policy Program was founded in 1996 as an interdisciplinary Master of Science degree program offered by the Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Arts & Sciences and the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy.



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