Senior Speaker: Environmental & Natural Resource Economics

A message from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences:

Each year, our graduating students in every major select a student to speak on behalf of their area of study. Because we are a large college, the time allotted to our ceremony does not allow for each speaker to appear on stage. However, these speeches have been recorded for your viewing pleasure. 

At its core, our College supports open and free inquiry and debate about the most weighty and consequential subjects that face us all. Each student was given a minute to speak on whatever topic they think will be meaningful to their peers. Some of the contributions are lighthearted, others are serious, and some may inspire some people and conflict with the values and beliefs of others. But that is the nature of free inquiry and debate: it should challenge us and make us think. We are proud of every one of our graduates, whether or not we agree with the views they express here.

Transcript: 

Good evening, fellow graduates, faculty, families, and friends.

Today, we celebrate a milestone, not just in our academic journeys but in the paths we are carving for the future. As students of Environmental and Resource Economics, we have spent our time at UMass Amherst grappling with some of the most pressing questions of our time: How do we balance economic growth with environmental stewardship? How can we ensure a sustainable future for all?

These are not small challenges, but they are the challenges of our generation. And in this room, I see a cohort of problem-solvers, visionaries, and changemakers ready to take them on.

Our time here has taught us more than concepts like resource allocation, cost-benefit analysis, or the intricate dance of supply and demand. It has instilled in us a sense of responsibility—a duty to think beyond ourselves and work toward solutions that benefit communities, ecosystems, and economies alike.

And let's be honest, it hasn’t all been serious. We've bonded over group projects that turned into marathons, class debates that got way too passionate.

But those experiences have shaped us into the resilient, resourceful individuals we are today. We leave UMass Amherst not just with degrees, but with the tools to make a difference. Whether we find ourselves in boardrooms, on farms, in labs, or in the halls of government, the principles we've learned here will guide us.

As we step into the world, let's remember that every small action we take—every thoughtful decision, every innovative idea—contributes to a larger impact. Together, we have the power to redefine what progress looks like.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025. Let’s make the world greener, fairer, and better, one step at a time.

Thank you.