Powerful Outcomes
Yes, you will learn how to use a chainsaw…and that’s just the beginning.
You will graduate with a robust résumé, a senior thesis, and a deep, abiding determination to reshape humanity’s relationship with the natural world.
Sterling College’s graduating environmental stewards go on to careers as ecologists, artists, professors, writers, farmers, entrepreneurs, directors of environmental organizations, librarians, city planners, foresters, Peace Corps volunteers, and teachers. They become the doers, thinkers, scholars, and practitioners that will transform the environmental landscape of the 21st century.
of our alumni report that they were employed within 1 year of graduation.
of our alumni report that their employment is related to their area of study.
of our alumni report that they are meeting their career goals.
Competencies:
A Sterling College education builds the skills, knowledge, and experience of its students. Not only will you leave with a paddle that you made from hand, the skills to survive and thrive on a Winter expedition and the inter-personal skills needed to live in a community, you will also be prepared to:
- Live satisfying and productive lives as environmental stewards.
- Understand the ecology of the natural world.
- Understand historical and global cultural contexts of social dynamics.
- Practice both critical and systems thinking.
- Collect, evaluate, and use information.
- Apply theories and concepts to practical situations.
- Communicate accurately and effectively in writing and in speech.
- Work effectively independently and in collaboration with others.
- Demonstrate resilience when facing challenges
- Practice leadership and participate intentionally in communities.
- Develop and appreciate creativity in expression, work, and problem-solving.
- Cultivate curiosity and actively pursue life-long learning.
“Sterling taught me about a life that I had no idea existed. It also gave me the chance to understand myself and feel proud of who I am as a learner.” —Vincent Wisniewski ’11, Science Educator for Alaska Geographic, Denali National Park
Meet Sterling Alumni Environmental Stewards
- Chris Goodwin ’07—Medivac pilot for the Vermont Army National Guard
- Adam Lewandowski ’04—Long Range Planning Manager for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
- Jeff Fournier ’00—Budget and Operations Officer for U.S. Programs for the Institute for Sustainable Communities
- Kate Banyas ’12—Museum Educator and Camp Director at the EcoTarium
- Ian McEwen ’06—South Pole Operations Manager with Lockheed Martin’s Antarctic Support Contract
- Keith Doerfler ’09—Sanctuary Manager at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sierra Le Croy ’13 and Ephraim Parker ’14—Co-owners Butternut Hollow Farm in Starksboro, Vermont, specializing in holistically raised heritage pork, beef, and rabbit
- Julie Wormser ’86, Executive Director, The Boston Harbor Association
