This session honors and reflects on the legacies of one of ESA’s pre-eminent scientists, F. Stuart (Terry) Chapin, III, in building our understanding of life on earth. Over the past five decades, Chapin has made diverse and influential contributions to many key areas of ecosystem ecology, ranging from physiological plant ecology and biogeochemical cycling to socio-ecological resilience and Earth stewardship. At the same time, he has provided a powerful example to colleagues and students of how one person can inspire, mentor, or engage an astounding range of people. As such, Terry Chapin’s legacies lie both in the realms of advancing our scientific understanding and also teaching us as scientists about the possibilities of who and what we might be. Here we bring together an array of scientists who have worked closely with Chapin to reflect on his contributions in growing our understanding of life on earth. Rather than simply a celebration of Chapin’s accomplishments, these talks aim to bring to the forefront lessons from a skilled practitioner that we could all consider to enhance our research, collaboration, and training efforts. These talks will provide both inspiration and vision for a new generation of ecologists to follow in Terry Chapin’s footsteps in developing both the scientific and human resources to help “Sustain Life on Earth”.