When Robert (Zeke) Sarikas decided to return to school in his 70s, he wasn’t just pursuing a degree—he was chasing a new chapter in life. Enrolling in Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs to earn a Master of Environmental Sustainability (MES), Sarikas exemplifies the power of lifelong learning and the drive to make a difference.
Sustainability stands at the forefront of today’s most pressing challenges, and Sarikas saw an opportunity to make a greater impact.
“I wanted to learn more about sustainability. A lot of the most important problems of the time we live in are sustainability problems. I’ve done sustainability accounting and teaching, but I thought the credential would make it more likely I could continue that work and do even more,” Sarikas said.
After a distinguished career marked by extensive teaching and academic leadership across the country and around the globe, Sarikas’s passion for learning never waned.
“I’m proud that I’ve taught in seven other countries and held tenure-track positions in all four time zones,” he said.
Returning to school came with its challenges, but it also offered opportunities for growth. Sarikas approached these hurdles with a positive outlook, finding new ways to succeed as a student.
“It surprised me how much being older can matter. You just don’t have the same physical toughness, like studying late into the night. You have to adapt and find a way to make it work,” Sarikas said.
Despite these challenges, Sarikas found the O’Neill School’s supportive environment transformative.
“The whole time, I felt privileged to be here. The faculty here truly wanted to see the students succeed,” he said.
Sarikas praised the MES program’s interdisciplinary approach and the faculty’s efforts to provide practical, hands-on learning. One of his favorite courses, Environmental Project Management, stood out because the instructor had been a consultant for years and was teaching them how things were done in real life.
Field trips to energy facilities and other sustainability sites also enriched the experience.
“The faculty made good use of what’s available here. We went to the countryside, energy facilities, and different parts of campus to have more hands-on experiences,” Sarikas said.
The program’s structure allowed Sarikas to broaden his career prospects. By combining theoretical knowledge with real-world application, it provided him with the tools to expand his professional focus and explore new avenues in the field of sustainability.
“I’ve been an accounting guy, teaching sustainability accounting. Now I can pursue opportunities directly centered on sustainability,” he said.
Sarikas encourages others to consider going back to school, no matter their age.
“Take a class, just to take a class. Do your due diligence—visit the campus, talk to students and faculty, and attend events like Experience Day,” he said.
For Sarikas, returning to school wasn’t just about earning a degree; it was about embracing the belief that it’s never too late to keep learning and contributing. Inspired by his father, who worked full-time while earning a PhD and raising six children, Sarikas saw education as a way to keep moving forward.
“You just have to decide you want to put the resources in to do it,” he said. “Not every moment is wonderful, but you have to plow ahead and decide, ‘This is my life, I’m making this work.’”
Sarikas ’s ultimate goal is to make a meaningful contribution to sustainability education and inspire others to take bold steps toward their goals. As he steps into his next chapter, he’s passionate about continuing to learn and teach. Sarikas’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to making a difference. His story reminds us that it’s never too late to embrace new challenges, expand our horizons, and leave a lasting impact on the world.