The Patrick '61 and Marcelle Leahy Institute for the Environment
Developing environmentally conscious citizens as leaders, advocates, scientists, artists, humanitarians, thinkers & business people.
Our Mission
Through research, contemplation, and action, the Institute for the Environment strives to...

Prepare students to think and act critically and creatively by combining their intellectual pursuits with immersive experiences to tackle the world鈥檚 most complex issues as environmental leaders - locally and globally.

Evolve the culture of sustainability on campus and in our community to have a social impact and leave a legacy for future generations.

Foster connection between students and career experts to create career exposure and structure learning experiences such that students leave with essential workforce skills, career preparedness, and purpose.
We Teach, Learn, and Steward
We envision the Institute as a hub. A place to engage. A place to grow. A place to find purpose and make an impact.
In Our Living Laboratories
Across six classrooms to impact the greater SMC and VT communities. Exploration of these areas happen in the traditional classrooms and our campus-wide living laboratory.
Student Opportunities
Connections with the greater community expand students鈥 access to an immersive learning experiences.
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January 15, 2026
Healing communities: MLK Convocation speaker talks environmental justice, community building in nurturing our ‘World House’
Saint Michael鈥檚 College is celebrating its 34th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation with a full week of events and experiences, starting on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day […]
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August 1, 2025
Learning outside the classroom: St. Mike鈥檚 students dive into summer academic trips in Wales and Ireland
Saint Michael鈥檚 College and the Study Abroad Office offer numerous opportunities for students to leave the classroom and explore various countries through internships, traditional semesters abroad, academic study trips, and […]
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January 20, 2026
Community & Networking Event: Dale Bell and the Journey of the Black Farmer from Sharecropping to Black Farmer Prosperity
Dale Bell is the Associate Programs Director for Comprehensive Community Development at Edmundite Missions in Selma, Alabama. He invites the Vermont farming and food community to gather to build connections […]
January 29, 2026
Branching Out Symposium
The Leahy Institute for Environment is hosting the inaugural Branching Out Symposium鈥攁n evening of presentations and celebration focused on Teaching, Learning, and Leadership in, for, and about the environment. The […]
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