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.
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July 1, 2025
Turning up the heat: St. Mike’s alum parlays wilderness experience into service career fighting wildfires
For Ben Mogensen ’24, St. Mike’s helped ignite a passion for service, teamwork and conservation that would grow into a roaring fire. These days he…
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April 29, 2025
A decade of growth and transformative experiences: Farm reaches milestone
A decade ago, the 1.7 acres of empty land behind the Saint Michael’s College observatory began a transformation into what has become a resilient farm…
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