Newsletter

Winter 2003

From the Director
By Cal DeWitt

The world has never needed an Institute such as ours more than now.  We have been caught off guard in recent months to have learned that human beings have biogeographically and trophically restructured the biosphere—so much so that our species is now a major geological force on earth.  Not surprisingly, this means that our stewardship —which necessarily extends as far as our grasp—now for the first time extends to the whole of the biosphere.

It is in this context that the Institute is examining itself for its relevance and contribution to society and creation in this new century.  In July we worked to assess the state of earth’s climate system in our forum on Global Climate Change, the results of which have just been published in an inexpensive CD (see page 7).  In March we are assembling a Blue Ribbon Task Force to evaluate the trajectory of the Institute in the context of Au Sable’s history and our productive relationship with 60 participating colleges and universities. We invite you to send in your suggestions and ideas as well.  This self-examination is being done even as a troubled worldwide economic and political situation simultaneously challenges endowment incomes and grants to the Institute, as well as the integrity of creation.  Our work is great and is greatly blessed.  And our work needs your prayers.

I am grateful that, despite circumstances, you are contributing financially to help Au Sable meet the challenge of its mission in the world.  Thus far, you have contributed over $23,000 toward our goal of $65,000 for student scholarships this year, and an additional $20,000 for other projects.  I thank you deeply for this vital and continuing support!  Where does this support go?  To efforts at home and abroad: our new and developing campus on Whidbey Island; our flagship operation in northern Michigan; our ventures in south Florida, east Africa, and south India being done in partnership with ECHO, AISRED, and Heber Au Sable Institute, respectively.

I wish all of you the very best, hoping that you will continue doing good work, welcoming you to drop me a line at any time, and inviting you to ask for any of the items referenced here or in the rest of this newsletter.

With best regards,

Calvin B. DeWitt
Director