Gaylord Nelson '39, Founder of Earth Day
Gaylord Nelson
Alumnus of San José State University ‘39
Founder of Earth Day
Gaylord Nelson’s idea for Earth Day sprouted in 1962 when he recognized that the environment was a non-issue in the politics of the country. Nelson reached the country with his concerns, and Earth Day, the modern environmental movement, was declared on April 22, 1970. Earth Day has continued 39 years later. Nelson graduated from San José State University from the College of Social Science in 1939.
Read more on Wikipedia about Gaylord Nelson
I am an alumnus of SJSU Spring 81. Gaylord Nelson’s work has sprung a strong sense of environmental consciousness amongst people in the Philippines and Malaysia, and I’m sure it has so in other parts of the globe as well.
The Philippines has been ravaged by pollution of its waters and air by wanton neglect and reckless abandon. It has suffered deforestation from greed and lack of government intervention. Thanks to environmentalists, civic clubs and the media Gaylord’s objectives are now being embraced by the populace and the government. It has moved cause oriented groups into action and cooperation by the communities, and continues to improve the lives of marginalized city dwellers and rural folks. There is still much work to be done here, and Gaylord’s ideals will continue to spark the impetus for social change.
It makes me proud to know that he is a product of our alma mater.