The Rachel Carson Distinguished Lecture has been canceled

The Rachel Carson Distinguished Lecture has been canceled.

Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner Mary Oliver unexpectedly canceled all public appearances, including the Center for Environmental and Sustainability Education (CESE) signature event, which was scheduled for Friday, Feb. 17 on Sanibel Island. Also effected is the Master Class with Florida Gulf Coast University students that was scheduled on campus Thursday, Feb. 16.

The Eighth Annual Fundraising Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 5:00-8:00pm on Sanibel Island will continue as planned.

Below is the official statement from the CESE:

Dear Friends of the Center for Environmental and Sustainability Education,

We write to share difficult news concerning poet Mary Oliver.  We have learned that Oliver has just received an unexpected diagnosis of a very serious illness.  Unfortunately, her aggressive treatment plan requires no travel and no public appearances on doctor's orders.  She had been greatly looking forward to delivering the Rachel Carson Distinguished Lecture at the Center for Environmental and Sustainability Education.  We hope that you will join us in sending prayers, healing thoughts, and well wishes to Mary Oliver at this difficult time.  We encourage you to spend time reading her poetry aloud.

After considering a variety of options and out of respect for Mary Oliver, we have decided to cancel the Rachel Carson Distinguished Lecture that was scheduled for next Friday, February 17, 2012 at Saint Michael and All Angels Church on Sanibel Island. We have also cancelled the Master Class with Florida Gulf Coast University students that was scheduled for Thursday, February 16, 2012 on campus.  We apologize and appreciate your understanding.

We will go forward with the Eighth Annual Fundraising Celebration on Saturday, February 18, 2012, 5:00-8:00pm on Sanibel Island.  As you know, Mary Oliver was not planning to attend this event.  Hosts Peter and Mallory Haffenreffer wish to have the evening honor Mary Oliver.  Poet Alison Hawthorne Deming and Center Board Co-Chairs Mary Evelyn Tucker and David Orr will celebrate her contributions to the literary arts and the spirit of Rachel Carson with their remarks.

The Eighth Annual Fundraising Celebration is now fully subscribed.  If you replied that you were coming to the party and have sent a contribution, please join us as planned.  If your contribution did not arrive before the party filled, we will call to see if you would like to be added to the waiting list.  We will call before cashing your contribution check.  

We are, of course, willing to refund contributions made to reserve seating at the Rachel Carson Distinguished Lecture for those who were not planning to attend the party.

For further information, please visit the Center's website at www.fgcu.edu/cese.  We will also be happy to receive questions or comments at cese@fgcu.edu.

We greatly appreciate your understanding and support at this difficult time.