The University is launching an initiative to help better understand the role that research universities can play in addressing issues related to the environment.

This project represents the beginning of an environmental initiative that will shape the educational programs, research and operations of the University related to the environment. It will become one of the defining interdisciplinary programs at the University.

Browner is the longest-serving administrator in the history of the EPA (January 1993-January 2001). During her tenure, she partnered with business leaders, community advocates and all levels of government heads to promote common-sense, cost-effective solutions to the nation's most pressing environmental and public health challenges.

She successfully built broad bipartisan support in Congress to pass two pivotal modern environmental laws — the landmark Food Quality Protection Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act.

She is a principal of The Albright Group LLC, a global strategy firm.

Reilly has long been at the forefront of global conservation. Except for his four years with the EPA, Reilly has been associated with the World Wildlife Fund, the preeminent international conservation organization, and its predecessor organization for 25 years.

As EPA director from 1989-1993, he championed integration of the nation's environmental and economic agendas, earning praise and respect from Republicans and Democrats alike.

He continues his commitment to the environment as founder and chief executive officer of the investment group Aqua International Partners.

A second Environmental Initiative program, concentrating on science and the environment, will be held at 3 p.m. Oct. 9. Speakers include Nobel laureate Mario Molina, who has a joint appointment in chemistry and in earth, atmospheric and planetary sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Jane Lubchenco, an environmental ecologist and marine biologist at Oregon State University.

— Mary Kastens