UConn Sustainable Futures Summit Series

The Sustainable Futures Summit Series includes four focused presentations over the course of Fall Semester 2023, and culminates in an action-oriented engagement session in early 2024. 

Objective: Introduce the new Office of Sustainability vision and mission and explore ways to address Environmental Justice, Planetary Health, and Mental Health.

Kick Off Session

September 20, 2023

Noon-1:30pm

SU 304

Vegetarian lunch provided. RSVP Required.

With an introduction by guest speaker, Terri Givens, the Sustainability Team will give an overview of the Office of Sustainability's new vision and mission while highlighting specific aspects related to environmental justice, planetary health, and mental health. It provides an opportunity for staff and faculty to understand the importance of sustainability in their daily lives and work and is an introduction to future sessions that will take a deeper dive on the specific themes mentioned above. Together with other sessions, this introductory summit will foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards a more sustainable UConn community. 

 

Portrait of Terri Givens

Terri Givens

Terri Givens is a Professor of Political Science at McGill University and formerly the CEO of the Center for Higher Education Leadership. As the author of the book “Radical Empathy: Finding a Path to Bridging Racial Divides,” she is a sought after consultant and speaker on issues related to leadership and inclusion. She has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, politics, international affairs, and nonprofits. She is an accomplished speaker and uses her platform to develop leaders with an understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion, while encouraging personal growth through empathy.

Terri has held leadership positions as Vice Provost at the University of Texas at Austin and Provost of Menlo College (first African American and woman); as well as professorships at University of Texas at Austin, and University of Washington. She was the founding director at the Center for European Studies at the University of Texas and led the university’s efforts in Mexico and Latin America as Vice Provost for International Activities as well as curriculum development.

Terri is the author/editor of books and articles on immigration policy, European politics and right-wing politics. Her most recent published books are “Radical Empathy: Finding a Path to Bridging Racial Divides,” from Policy Press and “The Roots of Racism: The Politics of White Supremacy in the US and Europe” published by Bristol University Press.

 

 

 

Subsequent Sustainable Futures Sessions are planned for October, November, and early 2024.