A Letter from the Dean
In the very first course catalog of the College of Natural Resources—published in September 1974—Acting Dean L.L. Sammett emphasized the strength and potential created by bringing together the complementary programs of the College of Agricultural Sciences and the School of Forestry and Conservation. The philosophical direction of the new College, he wrote, lay in the belief that “our renewable resources must be used in ways that are at once productive, conservative of those resources, and protective of environmental quality.”
Half a century later, Rausser College of Natural Resources remains grounded in that belief and is a leader in cutting-edge research, exceptional educational opportunities, and creating connections between science and society through outreach, policy, and community engagement. The College is committed to a renewed vision of creating equitable, efficient, and innovative solutions that address the climate crisis, promote ecological and economic sustainability, responsibly steward natural resources, and improve human health and well-being.
In this anniversary issue of Breakthroughs, we celebrate the many achievements of the College in the past 50 years and also look ahead. We highlight groundbreaking research, share anecdotes and little-known facts, and spotlight some of our many changemakers and trailblazers. Beyond these pages, we’re publishing more commemorative pieces on our website all year and are excited to present a special anniversary event in the fall semester.
I’d like to thank everyone in our community—alumni, students, faculty, staff researchers, and donors—for your hard work and continued support. We’re grateful for all you have made possible, especially throughout the campuswide Light the Way campaign. We also welcome the chance to hear your stories; email your photos or remembrances to breakthroughs@berkeley.edu to help us celebrate our first fifty years and prepare to make the next half century even more impactful than the first.
David D. Ackerly
Breakthroughs magazine is published twice per year by Rausser College of Natural Resources at the University of California, Berkeley.
Masthead
Dean
David D. Ackerly
Editor
Julie Gipple
Associate Editor
Mathew Burciaga
Creative Director
Arnaud Ghelfi
Copy Editor
Laura Deck
Contributing Writers
Mathew Burciaga
Julie Gipple
Mary Ellen Hannibal
Kara Manke
Austin Price
Kristin Baird Rattini
Contributing Photographers
Mathew Burciaga
Design & Production
l’atelier starno
www.starno.com
Online Director
Joseph Bunik
Online Production
Magaly Santos
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Contact us at breakthroughs@berkeley.edu.