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’s 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’ access to an immersive learning experiences.
News See more news
January 15, 2026
Healing communities: MLK Convocation speaker talks environmental justice, community building in nurturing our ‘World House’
Saint Michael’s 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 […]
Learn more
August 1, 2025
Learning outside the classroom: St. Mike’s students dive into summer academic trips in Wales and Ireland
Saint Michael’s 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 […]
Learn moreEvents See more events
January 29, 2026
Branching Out Symposium
The Leahy Institute for Environment is hosting the inaugural Branching Out Symposium—an evening of presentations and celebration focused on Teaching, Learning, and Leadership in, for, and about the environment. The […]
February 10, 2026
Living Laudato Si: Climate Literacy through The Lenses of Vulnerability & Inclusion
The second event in the ‘Care for Our Common Home” Lecture Series – This lecture from Dr. Lesley-Ann Dupigny-Giroux, Distinguished Professor at the University of Vermont & Vermont State Climatologist, […]
March 4, 2026
Proctor Maple Research Center Site Visit
Join Institute for the Environment staff for a tour of the oldest maple research center in the world, in Underhill, VT. March 4th, 2026 | Meet in the Institute for […]
Follow the Institute for the Environment on Instagram