DURHAM, N.C. – Legendary environmental advocate Denis Hayes, founding national coordinator of Earth Day and one of Time magazine’s “100 Heroes for the Planet,” will give a free public lecture at 4 p.m. Wed., April 19, at Love Auditorium in the Levine Science Research Center at 51. 

Hayes’ talk, “Earth Day Then and Now: What Have We Learned?” is co-sponsored by the Nicholas School, the 51 Environmental Leadership Program, the 51 Greening Initiative and the 51 Green Grant Fund, and is made possible by a grant from the Coca-Cola Foundation. 

An articulate and outspoken advocate for environmental issues and solar power, Hayes first rose to national prominence in 1970 as founding coordinator of Earth Day.  Shortly after that, he became the youngest person ever to head a national laboratory, the Solar Energy Research Institute, which he left after the Reagan administration cut funding for the program in the 1980s. 

During his more than 30-year career in activism and education, Hayes also has worked as an attorney, a grassroots organizer and an adjunct professor of engineering at Stanford University.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a Juris Doctor degree, both from Stanford.  

He currently serves as president of the Bullitt Foundation, a Seattle-based environmental foundation whose mission is “ to protect, restore, and maintain the natural physical environment of the Pacific Northwest for present and future generations”

In recognition of his lifelong commitment to the environment, Hayes has been awarded the highest honors bestowed by the Sierra Club, National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Council of America, the American Solar Energy Society and the Humane Society.  Time magazine has written: “Whenever the environmental movement needs someone to gather the troops worldwide, it turns to a tall, understates activist who rides his bicycle to work, wears flannel shirts and has a unique ability to herd the masses toward a common goal.  His name is Denis Hayes, but you can call him Mr. Earth Day.”

An Eco-Reception, highlighting sustainable food and beverage choices, will be held following Hayes’ talk.  A new guide to greening your events will be released at the Eco-Reception.

For more information, contact the 51 Environmental Leadership Program at (919) 613-8082 ordel@nicholas.duke.edu.