UNITY -- Sustainability and respect for the environment were the themes Saturday during commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2007 at Unity College.

Certificates of degree in the arts and sciences were presented to 100 graduates by college President Mitchell Thomashow.

The student address was given by Stephenie McGarvey, who emotionally remembered her favorite places around campus.

In her address to the class, commencement speaker Janisse Ray, an environmental activist, poet and award-winning author of the book, "Ecology of a Cracker Childhood," said economics based on ecological principles has become the soul of her work.

"Given that we have not been able to uncover the true meaning of life, we are left with the task of figuring it out each for ourselves," Ray told the assembly.

"That search is one of the great joys of life, and one of the crosses we bear: To wonder constantly about the reason why we, in all the universes, have been given consciousness and cognition."

Using poetry as her medium, Ray said that the human race has unlimited resources and the right, even an obligation, to use them.

"Pleasure is the purpose of existence," she said. "The immediate moment is more important than all other moments, past and future. Our minds, meaning science and technology, will be infinitely able to save us."

Ray told graduates that life calls for acts of greatness with a focus on meeting the needs of today, without sacrificing the future.

Embrace nature, she said, and enjoy the simple things, such as gardening, cooking, reading and watching birds.

She said global industrial capitalism is bound to fail because it taxes the earth without replenishing it.

Conversely, she said, Communism has not worked either because it doesn't produce enough for the people.

"Here is the world, my friends," she said in closing. "Thank you for doing the good work of envisioning it more livable, sustainable, simple, just and peaceable -- for passing that vision on.

"Thank you for helping to make the world a better place. Thank you for all you have done and will do. Thank you."

During the presentation of citations Saturday, Unity College recognized the town of Fairfield for its long partnership with the college in the town's economic revitalization.

Clyde Dyar, the town's former director of economic and community development and resident Steve Kierstead were honored for their service-learning approach to sustainable "open space" approach to regional development, according to Mark Tardiff, associate director of college communications.

The men were recognized for collaborating with Unity students for projects at Mill Island Park, the Teague Technology Center and the Town Farm.

Doug Harlow -- 861-9244

dharlow@centralmaine.com