April 30, 2010
Many government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, and grassroots groups work with faculty, staff, and students in the Nelson Institute to accomplish mutually beneficial goals. Interim director Gregg Mitman cited representatives of six of them at the institute's Earth Day conference last week as the institute's first group of Community Fellows. "Just as our Community Environmental Scholars Program recognizes and cultivates students interested in community engagement around environmental issues, our new Community Fellows Program honors leaders from the community who are allies of the Nelson Institute and champions of the environment," said Mitman. "Our first group of Nelson Institute Community Fellows is typical of those with whom we have the privilege of working. Their commitment forms the backbone of our partnerships." The six are: * Jorge Mario Garcia Sierra, New Routes Adolescents coordinator at Centro Hispano of Dane County * Nathan Larson, education program director for Community Groundworks at Troy Gardens * Anne Lacey, sandhill crane and whooping crane projects manager at the International Crane Foundation * Sue Jones, watershed management coordinator at the Dane County Office of Lakes and Watersheds * Randle Jurewicz, conservation biologist at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources * Lynn Hobbie, senior vice president at Madison Gas & Electric Company "I offer our deepest thanks to every one of you � and to all of our dedicated community partners � for your continued support. Our work is not possible without you," Mitman told the new fellows. He also introduced the first group of Community Environmental Scholars at the Earth Day conference.