September 27, 1995

Rose Marie Abella

United Airlines Building

575 3rd Floor

San Francisco, CA 94128

Dear Ms. Abella:

Oregon's educational system has been at the forefront of school reform in terms of preparing students for the 21st century. This effort by Oregon's educators has led to many new and innovative educational programs around the state. One of particular interest and promise is and environmental issues project created by Andrew Goldstein and Molly Kellar that will lead to an International Environmental Summit. They intend to hold the first summit in the State of Oregon.

I had the opportunity to recognize the pilot project at South Salem High School in a keynote address on May 30, 1995. It is a model program that demonstrates curriculum integration and encourages interaction between students around the world. As our global community moves closer together, we have an urgent need for positive international collaboration in the areas of environment, economics, education and politics. The International Environmental Summit promotes this necessity and provides students with the opportunity to make a positive difference for their generation and the future.

With the scarcity of public funds, a project of this magnitude could not possibly be launched or sustained without support from the private sector. I fully endorse the International Environmental Summit program and hope that an educational partnership can be established with United Airlines so that this important program can become a reality.

Sincerely,

John A. Kitzhaber