The Environmental Studies (EVST) program at the University of Montana began with one simple concept: clean air. This spring, it will celebrate its 50th anniversary around one central theme: Facing the Fierce Urgency of Now.

The founding of the program in 1970 coincided with the inaugural Earth Day when UM Faculty members specializing in botany, chemistry and natural science came together to address air pollution in Missoula. The city sits at the convergence of five valleys and is known for its inversions and poor air quality.

EVST professor Neva Hassanein is one of the coordinators of the 50th anniversary celebration. She notes the program’s evolution has mirrored social movements across time. In the 1980s, many students were active in Earth First; stories about students doing jail time for their environmental activism were not uncommon. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the program evolved into professional approaches to advocacy with a focus on collaboration.

Today, the program is known for its roots in activism and creating engaged and thoughtful citizens. Tom Roy, director of the Environmental Studies program from 1983-2007, brought his background in social work and organizing to the program. He felt it was important that students understood humans and culture so they could present science to the public. He believed relaying this information could ensure industries were regulated and governments were held accountable.

Roy thought it was important to create a program where students could learn how to bridge the gap between science and policy. Students would learn science without having to be research scientists. They would understand language and methodology while harboring an interest to inform the public and help the governments and communities respond to environmental challenges.

In looking to the next 50 years, Roy believes EVST should direct its focus to worldwide social justice issues while addressing the hypocrisy of climate change and the inequalities in the world. He believes acknowledging the imbalance of power and consumption could help society address climate change at its roots.

EVST has been a part of the environmental movement since its inception. The upcoming celebration will address the past, but the focus will on the future and the urgency of now. “We need to address these emergency environmental and social justice issues,” says Hassanein. She hopes the celebration will renew commitment and inspiration moving forward.

With over 1600 EVST alumni, Hassanein expects alumni from around the country to attend the celebration in May. The weekend has a packed schedule: a panel with keynote speakers (a wide-range of alumni), poster presentations and field trips. There will also be breakout sessions and brainstorming to revitalizing the approach to creating change.

Hassanein has hope for the future but believes it needs to be coupled with the urgency of now. She hopes the celebration can reignite the fire in everyone’s bellies. “It can feel overwhelming,” she says. “But we’ve never let despair stop us.”

The artwork for the celebration poster featuring trumpeter swans was created by EVST alum Clare Emery. Trumpeter Swans were threatened with extinction, but their recovery represents a sign of hope.