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Dear alumni, friends and members of the Saint Joseph’s community,

Our academic year ended with a flourish and another beautiful commencement in Alfond Center. It is truly a joy to see the many beaming faces of our graduates as they walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.

Another gorgeous summer in Maine has arrived, and it gives us all pause to reflect on the natural splendor of our beautiful campus. This is a time to enjoy not only the magnificent views of Sebago Lake and the White Mountains, but also to reflect on how this can all be preserved for future generations.

Saint Joseph's College cares deeply about the environment and how we can sustain our lakes, forests, woodlands and meadows. One thinks of the words of Pope John Paul II, when he wrote in Peace With God the Creator, Peace With All of Creation: “…an education in ecological responsibility is urgent: responsibility for oneself, for others, and for the earth.”

From our recycling programs to our food service provider, Bon Appétit, which uses local, organic produce and free-trade products whenever possible, Saint Joseph's is committed to do all we can to protect our natural environment. Our sponsorship of The John Paul II Center for Theology & Environ- mental Studies is another expression of this ongoing commitment, in accordance with our mission as a Catholic liberal arts college in the Mercy tradition.

From the outset, Pope John Paul II consistently included the relationship between humans and the environment in his analysis of the crisis of humanism that characterizes the modern world. His personal example of love of the outdoors, and his teaching about nature, environmental awareness and ecological responsibility, constitute a distinctive aspect of his legacy to the Church and the world –
a legacy that The John Paul II Center for Theology
& Environmental Studies will promote, articulate
and develop.

I hope you enjoy reading about this new Center
and our hopes for its future.

Sincerely,
David B. House, Ph.D.
President

President's message
John Paul II Center
The Secret Garden
Monks in motion
Just in case
Talk with Olivia Wann
Say Yes to Education
Blog on
Maine to Princeton
Fr. John reception
Homecoming 2006
50 years on the lake
Graduation
Alumni news
Class notes
Royal Blue Club
Alumni profile
Campus scene