Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to speak during Earth Week at Vassar College, April 15

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., founder of the New League of Conservation Voters, will speak at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, in the Chapel at Vassar College. The lecture is sponsored by the Vassar Greens in celebration of Earth Week at Vassar College.

The lecture is free and open to the public but tickets are required and seating is limited. A maximum of four tickets per person may be obtained in person at the College Center information booth from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, beginning Monday, April 3.

Kennedy serves as chief prosecuting attorney for Riverkeeper, Inc. and senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council. Kennedy has worked extensively in the Hudson Valley with the Riverkeeper, an organization leading the battle to restore the Hudson River and to save New York City's drinking water supply. Kennedy's reputation as a resolute defender of the environment stems from a litany of successful legal actions. Over the last 15 years, his work has led to the apprehension of close to 200 polluters and recovered $200 billion in damages.

Kennedy also is a clinical professor and supervising attorney at the Environmental Litigation Clinic at Pace University School of Law. Earlier in his career he served as assistant district attorney in New York City. He has worked on environmental issues across the Americas and has assisted several indigenous tribes in Latin America and Canada in successfully negotiating treaties protecting traditional homelands. Among Kennedy's published books are "The Riverkeepers," "New York State Apprentice Falconer's Manual," and "Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr.: A Biography." His articles have appeared in the New York Times, Atlantic Monthly, The Wall Street Journal, Esquire, The Village Voice and other publications. Kennedy's talk is co-sponsored by the Office of the President, the American Culture Program, the Vassar Student Association Speakers' Bureau, and the new Environmental Studies Program.

Also on April 15, there will be additional activities to celebrate Earth Week at Vassar. Among other activities planned are papermaking and mural workshops for children. Various musicians will perform throughout the day and food will be available.

For additional information, contact the Office of Campus Activities at (845) 437-5370. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Cathy Jennings at (845) 437-5370, as far in advance as possible to request appropriate and reasonable accommodations.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Saturday, April 15th, 2000.