Four decades ago, the perfect name for the newly formed second college at the University of California, San Diego, came to then-provost John Stewart while hiking with his wife — John Muir College, in honor of the nature writer, conservationist and Sierra Club founder. John Muir College is now one of six colleges at UC San Diego, all designed to offer students a smaller educational environment with all the advantages of a large research university renowned for its local impact, national influence and global reach.

An environmentalist himself, Stewart expressed his vision for the fledgling college in the late 1960s: “We want our students to have the power to change the environment in which we live. Ours is an academic community based on inquiry — inquiry that leads to decision-making.”

Fast forward to 2008, and Muir College still promotes environmental conservationism and an inquiring, independent spirit among its strongest values. And now, in its 40th year, the college will invite its more than 27,000 alumni to return to where their futures began at UC San Diego on April 26 to join in celebrating Muir College and its many traditions — ranging from wilderness hikes as part of the college’s signature course “Wilderness and Human Values,” to the annual pumpkin drop to time spent at MOM — also known as the Middle of Muir. The special day will be dedicated to John Stewart, who, as provost until 1987, provided the leadership that helped establish the foundation for the flourishing college. Stewart passed away last year at the age of 90.

Continuing the tradition of environmentalism that has come to identify Muir College, Provost Susan Smith notes: “Muir’s commitment to environmental preservation is more timely now than ever before. I hope that in its next ten years, the college can play an increasing role in raising students’ awareness of what it takes to be a responsible environmental citizen in the 21st century.”

In addition, as its year-long celebration of the 40-year milestone continues, Muir College has created a special “40 Gifts” campaign, in which alumni are invited to join current students, staff and faculty in sharing what they are doing to help preserve our environment. Every action they take to help the environment counts as one of 40 gifts to the planet, in honor of John Muir. Such gifts range from helping with a beach clean-up or creating a compost pile to recycling organic waste at home, to switching to a more fuel-efficient hybrid car or starting a carpool or using public transportation to reduce fuel emissions. To participate in the “40 Gifts” campaign and find more information on this program of global impact, visit: http://muir.ucsd.edu/40Gifts.

At the upcoming alumni celebration, former Muir College students, their families and friends of the university will hear from outstanding Muir professors and members of its accomplished alumni, including a luncheon and talk by the internationally acclaimed science fiction author Kim Stanley Robinson, Muir '74, Ph.D. '82, on “John Muir Today,” as well as discussions with economics professor Joel Watson, Muir '88, and history professor Paul Pickowicz. Other planned activities include a family fun zone, environmentally conscious crafts including seed planting and the creation of 40th anniversary commemorative tiles. Alumni will also have the opportunity to reconnect with fellow graduates at the traditional “TG-on-the-Hump” beer and wine garden. The University Art Gallery will also be open for viewing, featuring its “Revolutions” art exhibit.

Muir College Alumni Day will take place at John Muir College on the UC San Diego campus from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., on Saturday, April 26. The event is open to the public. Cost of attendance is $40. For more information and registration, visit http://muir.ucsd.edu.