News 2016: UMass Dartmouth welcomes world-renowned conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall April 7

News 2016: UMass Dartmouth welcomes world-renowned conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall April 7
UMass Dartmouth welcomes world-renowned conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall April 7

Engagement of young people in sustainability efforts and establishment of Roots & Shoots chapters among the goals

Dr. Jane Goodall with chimp
Jane Goodall with rescued chimpanzee LaVielle at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Republic of the Congo.* (Photo Credit: Jane Goodall Institute/Fernando Turmo)

World-renowned ethologist, conservationist and UN Messenger of Peace Dr. Jane Goodall will visit UMass Dartmouth on Thursday, April 7, 2016. Dr. Jane Goodall is best known for her landmark study of chimpanzee behavior in what is now Tanzania beginning 55 years ago. Through her work at Gombe Stream she redefined the relationship between humans and animals, shedding light onto the little known world of wild chimpanzees.

In her speech, Gombe & Beyond, Dr. Jane Goodall will bring her audience into the world of the Gombe chimpanzees―from her early observations and experiences to the latest news and stories from the field. She will also share her latest publication, Seeds of Hope, which examines the world of plants, exploring interesting anomalies about the natural world and how people can protect the planet.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jane Goodall to campus to not only speak, but also engage with young people throughout the SouthCoast,” UMass Dartmouth Acting Chancellor Gerry Kavanaugh said. “Given our own green campus initiatives and the wide-ranging impact of our faculty’s research in areas related to sustainability, we are honored to be a gateway for our community to learn more about the global environmental and humanitarian work of Dr. Jane Goodall and the Jane Goodall Institute.”

Prior to Dr. Jane Goodall’s talk scheduled for 7 p.m. at UMass Dartmouth’s Tripp Athletic Center, the University, in collaboration with local school districts, is offering several opportunities for elementary, middle school, high school and college students to be involved in this special visit including an essay contest, a green fair, and attendance at Dr. Jane Goodall's evening talk.

In addition, UMass Dartmouth and the Buttonwood Park Zoo in the nearby city of New Bedford are working toward the development of local chapters through Dr. Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program, the Jane Goodall Institute’s (JGI) global youth-led community action program. Comprised of thousands of young people inspired by Dr. Jane Goodall to make the world a better place, the program builds on the legacy and vision of Dr. Jane Goodall to place the power and resources for creating practical solutions to big challenges in the hands of young people.

“Our collective commitment to the environment is essential to the sustainable future we strive for on behalf of our region, our nation, and our world,” Assistant Director of Campus Sustainability and Residential Initiatives Jamie Jacquart said. “The work of Dr. Jane Goodall, the Institute, and programs such as Roots & Shoots, offer a shining example of the role each of us can play in preserving the world around us.”

Dr. Jane Goodall's visit to UMass Dartmouth will inspire young people—from elementary schoolers to university students—to protect the natural world, to help animals, and to care for other people.

A special thank you to all who have made this event possible:

  • The Tatelbaum Family
  • The Jane Goodall Institute
  • Leduc Center for Civic Engagement
  • Office of Campus Sustainability and Residential Initiatives
  • Buttonwood Park Zoo
  • The UMass Dartmouth Foundation & Advancement Office

More about the Jane Goodall Institute

In 1977, Dr. Jane Goodall established the Jane Goodall Institute, which continues the Gombe research and is a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. The Institute is widely recognized for innovative, community conservation and development programs in Africa, and Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, the global environmental and humanitarian youth program. To learn more about Dr. Jane Goodall and the Jane Goodall Institute, please visit www.janegoodall.org.

More about Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots

Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots is the youth-led community action and learning program of the Jane Goodall Institute. The program builds on the legacy and vision of Dr. Jane Goodall to place the power and responsibility for creating community-based solutions to big challenges in the hands of the young people. Through the program, young people map their community to identify specific challenges their neighborhoods face. From there, they prioritize the problems, develop a plan for a solution, and take action all while developing the skills and attitudes to become part of the next generation of Dr. Jane Goodalls.

Advance sales for the UMass Dartmouth community (students, faculty, staff and alumni) begins today, February 16 through February 29. A very limited number of tickets for the general public will be on sale beginning March 1. For complete information on ticket purchase and pick-up visit www.umassd.edu/janegoodallevent/tickets/. Please note seating is limited.

*Dr. Jane Goodall and the Jane Goodall Institute do not endorse handling or interfering with wild chimpanzees. The chimpanzee featured in the photo is a rescue chimpanzee living at the Jane Goodall Institute's sanctuary.