Holyoke Community College will host “Green Ventures: Lessons from Environmental Entrepreneurship,” a free public lecture and discussion featuring retired environmental entrepreneur Bob Saul and HCC alumnus Jamal Cumberbatch ’26 (who graduated in December), on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Kittredge Center, Rooms 301-303.

The event will provide students and community members with insights into building successful environmental businesses in western Massachusetts, featuring case studies from Saul’s career and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the sustainability sector.

Event Program

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: HCC President George Timmons, Ph.D. will introduce the speakers, followed by an interview led by Cumberbatch highlighting Saul’s journey as an environmental entrepreneur. The pair will examine four business ventures through the lenses of vision, funding, implementation, and long-term impact, concluding with audience Q&A.

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Following the indoor presentation, attendees are invited to participate in a guided nature walk along the trails behind HCC campus, featuring tree identification and observations at a vernal pool. HCC Environmental Sciences Professor Heather Ruel will lead the outdoor experience.