Earth, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences

06/25/2026

Good afternoon EESS Students and Alumni!
In less than 24 hours, we are almost at 25% of the $5,000 goal Rory McIlmoil (EES 2002) set for us to raise for Nina for her retirement! Y'all are absolutely amazing, let's keep it up!

If you would like to contribute, you can Venmo your gift to Dr. Brannon Andersen, -Andersen. (Be sure to use an e instead of an o in the last name.)

~Dr. Melissa Ranhofer

06/23/2026

A message from Rory McIlmoil (EES 2002)

"Dear EES(S) alumni and friends,

Like I assume was true for all of you, Nina's smiles, encouragement, advice, congratulations, conversation and hugs when I needed them were essential to my success. She was my second Mom during my time at Furman, and it was one of the greatest honors of my life when I introduced Nina to my firstborn.

Equally important was everything Nina did behind the scenes to keep EESS running and support our amazing professors, and by extension our own education and success. While I hope her salary was equivalent to the value of her invaluable contributions, we all know that her commitment to us wasn't for money or fame, but because she is one of the most caring and kind people we've ever known.

I'm asking you to send Nina off with not only a note and picture (do that too!), but a cash gift to help Nina visit someplace she's never been, buy herself something she's always wanted, or start a business selling off the department's surplus rock collection. Whatever her big heart desires.

Let's set a goal of at least $5,000 to send Nina off with. You can Venmo your gift to Brannon Andersen, -Andersen. (Be sure to use an e instead of an o in the last name.)

Thank you, and an eternal gratitude for Nina.

Rory McIlmoil
Class of 2002"

06/23/2026

Dear Earth, Environmental, and Sustainability Science Alumni and Current Students,

The EESS Department announces that Mrs. Nina Anthony will be retiring on June 30, 2026, after working at Furman University for 36 years. One of the things that makes our department so special is the close family feel that it has. As with every family, there is always one individual who is the glue to keep the family together…for our department that is Nina.

Over the past 25+ years, Nina has been the face that greeted everyone the moment they walked into the department. She was always there to congratulate a student on their achievements, to offer a hug (or pep talk) when a student needed encouragement, and to make sure the candy bowl was full to help students with that little extra bit of energy they needed to get through their class.

Nina was often seen working late into the evenings and on weekends printing out student posters, working on travel arrangements, and doing numerous other things to ensure that the day-to-day operation of our department ran smoothly and that the students’ experience was an amazing one.

Nina received a University Service award in 2025 for 35 years of service and in 2019 she was named Furman University’s Staff Member of the Year.
Her presence will be deeply missed not only in our department, but across campus.

If you would like to contribute a photo and best wishes message, I am collecting materials to include in a memory book that will be presented to Nina. Please email items to me no later than this Friday (June 26th). My email is: [email protected]

Sincerely,
Dr. Melissa L. Ranhofer
Lecturer, Department of Earth, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences
EESS Alumni Liaison

05/21/2026

05/20/2026

https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/19/climate/scientists-discover-new-species-oceans-intl?Date=20260519&Profile=CNN&utm_content=1779201491&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawR6q3NleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEyNFlUWTNpQTFOdDhTU1I4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuiHCihtocB5A-71un2VkYax4BQR6V0DuGX1YHvfNu2FgEoCKzcc7DbLtz4Y_aem_rZGTrFjr2JWxMZnVCdy6ow

The Ocean Census project says scientists have discovered 1,121 previously unknown species in a single year. The rush is on to save them as risks to the world’s oceans multiply

05/09/2026

Good morning EESS Seniors and Happy Graduation Day!
We are so very proud of each and every one of you and all that you have accomplished during your 4 years with us!

The EESS Department has a tradition of meeting with Seniors once the graduation ceremony concludes for photos and conversations.

***If you are looking at the stage from the audience, we will meet on the left side of the stage this year***

05/07/2026

Before you use AI on your next search or art project, consider the large environmental cost behind your inquiry...

The water use represents between 1.8 percent and 2.3 percent of the water system’s current average daily demand, according to Spartanburg Water. Most of it will be lost to evaporation. (Full story below.)

05/05/2026

Our first ever EESS Senior Tribute Wall is done!
Be sure to check it out above the recycling station located outside the EESS office door.

Special thanks for Ella Back for designing the class banner!

And CONGRATS again to the EESS Class of 2026!