"The theme of the 2003-2004 Gloria S. Duclos Convocation is 'Environmental Sustainability.' Members of the Steering Committee propose to inform, engage, and mobilize the University community by asking how we can meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. As a public university it seems particularly appropriate that we search for answers. We will dedicate the year to exploring our prospects for leading more sustainable lives and creating a vision of a promising future.

Through discussion, workshops, film, food, art and interaction with the greater community, we hope to offer opportunities that will strengthen our personal commitments to making more sustainable choices, encourage faculty to integrate the environmental aspects of their disciplines into course work, and showcase USM efforts to move toward a more sustainable future. We plan to celebrate and challenge."(Excerpted from the Convocation Website.)