Reminder: Gus Speth ’64 On the Eve of Success:

An Octogenarian Views the World

June 13  2025

Hello Classmates:

The next Class of 1964 Zoom event will occur in two weeks, on June 26 at 4:00pm Eastern time. It will feature Gus Speth ’64 discussing a selected compilation of Gus’s poems, published as a PDF on our class website. Download it here. Gus will also reflect on his transition from writing learned books to writing poetry and essays to better influence public opinion.  Bill Woodfin ’64 will moderate the session.  Details below.

Gus is a well-known classmate and esteemed environmentalist who has written many well-received books over the years.  Over the last decade his writing has shifted to essays (some are reprinted on our Class News website) and to poetry which may reach people who have not read his books and alert them to to the threats of climate change and risks to the environment. Gus served in the administration of Jimmy Carter and in the United Nations, before becoming dean of the Yale School of the Environment and subsequently a professor at the University of Vermont.  He also co-founded the Natural Resources Defense Council and was founder of the World Resources Institute.

The session will spend roughly a third of the time discussing Gus’s poetry, a third discussing Gus’s approach and the reasoning behind his transition to poetry, and a third answering your questions.  While not required, please download and read the PDF of his poems and be prepared to ask questions through the chat box. 

Registration for the event is required. You may have already registered for this event in response to my email of May 6 but if you're not sure, it doesn't hurt to register again. Classmate spouses and partners are welcome to join. Register for the event by clicking on the following link:

Register by clicking here

Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to the Zoom meeting. That link will be unique to you. On the day before the event you’ll be sent the link again as a reminder.

Join Gus Speth, Bill Woodfin, and me on June 26. Don't forget to mark your calendar and register!

Peace,