Students are an integral part of The Land Conservancy’s work, assisting our professional staff and infusing the organization with a sense of youthful energy and enthusiasm. We pride ourselves on offering interns a meaningful and active work experience that expands both their résumés and perspectives. And each year one outstanding intern is chosen to acknowledge the significant work they have done for the organization–the Richard M. Sargent Intern. This year, that intern is Chris Lieb.
Our interns are all impressive, but Chris Lieb brought something special. He has consistently worked above and beyond to keep our preserves running smoothly, eager to solve problems as they arise and making himself available wherever he can. A senior at Rutgers University, Chris came to us through Mt. Olive Township’s High School Environmental Club, where he volunteered last summer. He has also worked as a camp counselor and a volunteer for the Seeing Eye, and we have no doubt that he is poised to embark on a valuable and satisfying career when he graduates with an environmental justice degree next year.
Chris says, “I am honored to be this year’s Richard M. Sargent Intern. It has been a pleasure working for an organization that does impactful and promising work for the environment. Working with The Land Conservancy has allowed me to put my passion for environmental wellness into action and play a role in preserving and maintaining the land of New Jersey.”
The Land Conservancy established the Richard M. Sargent, Jr. Internship in 2007 as a sustainable, ongoing internship to hire students to work with our staff, which benefits both the students and The Land Conservancy. This fund provides us with a steady source of funds to attract talented college students to help accomplish our mission of preserving open space lands and protecting water resources in New Jersey.
Dick Sargent was a dedicated conservationist who served on The Land Conservancy of New Jersey’s board of trustees for more than a decade. Dick’s energetic devotion to the outdoors was embodied in his work, and he used his corporate background to support our land preservation efforts. Dick spent his entire career working for the Chubb Corporation, where his lifelong interest in education led to his position as president and CEO of the Chubb Institute.
Congratulations, Chris, for carrying on Dick’s legacy!