The Wallace Stegner Center for Land, Resources and the Environment at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law

Wallace Stegner, the Pulitzer-Prize-winning author and one-time Utahn for whom the Stegner Center is named, once described the American West as “the native home of hope.” With his keen eye for detail and concern for the region’s future, Stegner noted, “When it finally learns that cooperation, not rugged individualism, is the pattern that most characterizes and preserves it, then … [the West] has a chance to create a society to match the scenery.”

The Stegner Center embodies that ideal. Its programming is unique in its emphasis on bringing together experts from various fields, including science, the humanities and business, to consider multi-disciplinary solutions to the issues and concerns facing this magnificent region. Working together, these diverse stakeholders consider complex problems in the realms of environmental and natural resources law, and help to craft long-term solutions through the Center’s efforts to shape laws and influence policy.

At this critical time in the region’s history, the Stegner Center provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills involving hands-on experience in cross-disciplinary learning, applied practical research and service. Students gain invaluable experience they will use in practice and in future leadership roles.

More than half a century ago, Wallace Stegner wrote that the American West will fully realize its enormous potential once it creates a society to match the scenery. With your help, we can honor his vision by creating a lasting legacy of informed debate, meaningful dialogue, and thoughtful consideration of issues, finally leading to long-term solutions.

We need your help to realize our shared vision. Please support our efforts with a donation to the Stegner Center.