Spirit of Service '76

Spirit of Service ’76 (SOS ’76) had a successful first year by sponsoring a fellowship in the New Orleans Health Department.  Over 100 classmates were involved. We would like to extend and build on the success of this year’s effort by launching a new initiative under the SOS ’76 umbrella.

Sprit of Service '76 Environmental Initiative

Please click here to view the full proposal.

To make a donation to the Spirit of Service '76 Environmental Initiative, please click here.

Why we chose the environment and social entrepreneurship as our focus

Environmental degradation has a direct impact on the epochal problems facing our society, such as energy, security and public health.  We can address threats to our environment by harnessing the power and innovation of social entrepreneurship.  Princeton has strong academic programs in the environment and many student entrepreneurs, thus providing a logical focus for our initiative.

What we plan to do—tap into Princeton’s resources and sponsor a “green” initiative with the following components:

1. Educational activities in environmental and social entrepreneurship

2. The Class of ’76 Green Business Plan Competition

3. Speaker Series showcasing ‘76’ers dedicated to environmental causes

How we will execute—achieving greater impact through collaboration

• The ’76 Business Plan Competition will be supported by our Princeton University partners:

• Princeton Environmental Institute (PEI)  http://web.princeton.edu/sites/pei/
• Keller Center for Innovation in Engineering Education http://blogs.princeton.edu/kellercenter//index.html
• Pace Center for Civic Engagement http://www.princeton.edu/pace/home/

Princeton has strengthened its interdisciplinary approach and is on the leading edge of academic initiatives in environmental sustainability. PEI, Keller Center, and Pace are dedicated to this kind of innovative education in developing the next generation of leaders.  Students learn about entrepreneurship through experiential learning, cooperative research, and preparation of business plans.

• The Class of ’76 Officers, and Princeton University’s Alumni Council, Office of General Counsel, and Development Office have approved our initiative.

How YOU can help make our environmental initiative a reality

• ADVISE students as they develop business plans for our class competition
• SERVE as a judge for the ’76 Business Plan Competition on Alumni Day 2010
• SPEAK to classmates about your environmental work.  Talk about starting your own green company or organization.  Inspire others with your stories and lessons learned.
• RENAME “The Class of ’76 Green Business Plan Competition.” We are looking for a title that is motivating, creative and distinctive.
• DONATE money.  We need your contributions for The Class of ’76 Green Business Plan Competition.  Our goal this year is to raise $20K.  We have extended the deadline to January 22, 2010. There are 3 ways you can make a tax deductible donation:

1. Pay with any major credit card on the Class of ’76 website, www.princeton76.org.  Log in and click “Pay Class Dues.” We are now using PayPal for processing.
2. Pay by check using dues form you received in the mail.  See SOS ‘76 line for donation.
3. Send a check made out to “Princeton University Class of 1976” to Joci Spector, Treasurer, 7202 45^th Street, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.  Write “SOS ’76” on memo line.

For more information, contact Illa Brown ’76 illabrown410@comcast.net or Mimi Murley ’76 murlspiv@aol.com.  Facebook page coming soon so you can follow our initiative’s progress.

Strategic Partners - Spirit of Service '76 Environmental Initiative