PORTLAND — A renowned voice in space and science took center stage in Portland Friday to welcome the next generation of Maine’s environmental leaders into the workforce.
Astrophysicist, writer and science communicator Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson spoke at Unity Environmental University’s commencement ceremony to help celebrate the school’s largest-ever graduating class of 1,143 students.
In his commencement speech, Tyson urged graduates to use what they’ve learned.
“Go forth and fix the world. How many people do I get to tell that to? Fix the world,” said Tyson. “Turn it into something the next generation will be proud of because you’re not handing the world down to them, no. Instead, you are borrowing it from them. And when, they get it back, you want them to be proud.”
After the ceremony, Tyson said that accepting the invitation to speak was an easy “yes” because of the college’s mission.
“The graduates of an institution such as this are not just simply going to get a job somewhere,” said Tyson. “They’re going to become leaders in a movement. People who will shift the awareness and the attention of people who otherwise think nothing of the environment, or of Earth, or about our dependence upon it.”
Tyson also touched on some other topics during a gaggle with reporters, including the importance of continuing to support environmental research given funding cuts on the national stage.
“I fear what will happen is that we will recede on the world stage as monies are withdrawn from the frontier of science,” said Tyson. “If we withdraw monies because we don’t think we need it, it’s shortsighted.”
When it comes to politics surrounding the environment, Tyson also said it’s important to communicate directly with the people.
“As an educator, it’s incumbent upon me, if I want to impart upon people the value of science and science literacy and what it has to do with our health, our wealth, and our security, it’s the electorate I need to speaking to, and that’s generally what I do,” said Tyson. “I don’t bad mouth politicians on platforms, as so many people do. I’ve never done that. It’s my fellow citizens who I speak to at all times.”
During the ceremony, Tyson was awarded an honorary doctorate of sustainability science by the university.
Unity’s graduates traveled from all corners of the country for the ceremony, with attendees flying in from places as far as Hawaii, Alaska and California.
This year’s Unity Environmental University Student Commencement Speaker Loma Jones said it’s important to take the time to celebrate the achievement.
“College can be a battle, especially when you’re trying to work a full-time job, or you’re a full-time parent,” said Jones. “And I think it’s important that we celebrate ourselves and everybody else today.”
With her degree in hand, Jones said she will be heading to Miami, Florida for an internship in Tropical Ecology.
Over 200 students attended the ceremony in-person, while hundreds more joined virtually.
“It’s amazing to watch these students come from all over the country to earn their degrees. So many of them, the first in their families,” said Unity Environmental University President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury. “As the president, this is what it’s all about.”
According to the university, 20% of graduates are first-generation college students.
“You’ve got to keep moving,” said Tyson. “Do not stop, lest the world pass you by.”