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New Elizabeth Moore Fund for Global Sustainability

TAMPA (July 29, 2021)

The Patel College of Global Sustainability (PCGS) at the University of South Florida announced the creation of the Elizabeth Moore Fund for Global Sustainability. Elizabeth Moore’s initial gift designates the focused and impactful research at PCGS in support of its vision, which is to encourage the natural interconnections among groups on campus, by addressing ecology, economics, politics and culture. Additionally, PCGS works to foster and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can coexist in productive harmony, fulfilling the social and economic requirements of present and future generations. Recent climate disasters have increased the urgency of this work.

Philanthropist and conservationist Elizabeth Moore, the fund’s namesake, is a recognized leader and advocate of environmental conservation and sustainability. A resident of Sarasota, Moore shared, “I am excited to support PCGS students as they discover innovative ways to incorporate sustainability and resiliency into their communities. My wish is that these students grow into brilliant problem solvers having benefitted from the knowledge and wisdom of the inspirational faculty and unique curriculum at PSGS. This will secure a positive outlook for our local community and our planet’s future.” At the USF PCGS field classroom which Elizabeth visited, and where PCGS faculty Drs. T.H. Culhane and Thomas Dorsey work, where the idea of the gift sparked, students learn innovative interdisciplinary techniques to turn theories into a unified field praxis.

The Elizabeth Moore Fund for Global Sustainability is making possible expanded support for the education, research and cutting-edge experiential learning activities of the Patel College of Global Sustainability. Such work is led by Dr. T.H. Culhane, Faculty Director of Climate Change & Mitigation and National Geographic Explorer, and Dr. Joseph Dorsey, Faculty Director of Food Sustainability and Security; they bring their combined expertise in international sustainable development gleaned from work with the Peace Corps and the Clinton Global Initiative. Drs. Culhane and Dorsey’s students’ work includes 3D mapping, creation and maintenance of waste-to-energy bio-digesters, hydroponic and aquaponics gardens, and building solar powered vehicles. These projects hold the promise of growing self-sustainable communities.

Elizabeth has clearly established herself as a prominent community leader in the Sarasota-Manatee region since moving to the Suncoast from Massachusetts 12 years ago. She immerses herself in supporting a variety of important local and global conservation and philanthropic causes, including placing a 1,100-acre conservation easement on her Triangle Ranch, which abuts Myakka State Park. She also is serving as chair of the 2021 USF Sarasota-Manatee Brunch on the Bay, a large community event that raises funds for student scholarships and will be held on Nov. 7. “We are grateful to Ms. Moore for her thoughtful generosity,” says PCGS Dean Govindan Parayil. He further adds, “This will facilitate the hands on field work and innovative teaching we conduct at the College. This shows, we are a ‘do tank’ as much as a think tank.”

Students at PCGS have the opportunity to earn Master of Science (MS) and Master of Arts (MA) degrees in global sustainability with specializations in sustainable energy, water sustainability, food sustainability and security, climate mitigation and adaptation, sustainability policy, sustainable tourism, sustainable transportation, sustainable business, and entrepreneurship. Students can also earn Graduate Certificates in eight of these concentrations.

View more information about Patel College of Global Sustainability.

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