Be sure to catch the season premiere of “The Wonder List” on CNN, which captures the story and life of Doug Tompkins ‘57. More information on the premiere can be found here.

More information on the premiere can be found here.

Doug, who co-founded The North Face and Esprit clothing companies, had dedicated his life to land conservation in Chile and Argentina with Tompkins Conservation. He was a strong advocate for sustainable economies that balance human needs with those of the environment. He passed away in southern Chile in 2015.
In 2009, Doug visited IMS for the first time since graduating in 1957 to share his vision with students and faculty at a morning assembly, tour his old campus, and visit with fellow alumni Stone Ermentrout ’57 and John Whitman ’57 over a lunch in the Ingle Conference Room. Doug inspired our students with details of his many projects, his love for the outdoors, and his determination to make a difference for the planet. His photos of the farms and animals in South America helped our students grasp the importance of creating sustainable agriculture where healthy and happy plants and animals produce healthy food. He also emphasized the benefits of using local products and craftsmanship and the beauty of handmade things compared to factory produced. He also challenged students to ask themselves if they really need the latest gadgets and toys–stressing that a minimalist approach to technology is healthier for our planet.
The rest of Doug’s story and history with IMS can be found here.