The Office of Sustainability strives to create a culture of sustainability at the university through leadership and community. The spring 2018 Semester in Review program on April 26 recognized UGA students, faculty and staff members who have achieved that goal.
“It’s always wonderful to participate in this event,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “It clearly is an important event at the University of Georgia, and that’s a positive development for this institution and for the Athens community.”
Sustainability efforts and education at UGA have grown significantly over the years, according to Kevin Kirsche, the director of the Office of Sustainability. Since 2007, energy use has been reduced by 21 percent and water use reduced by 25 percent. Greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by 20 percent since 2010. There are now over 2,000 courses related to sustainability, and 160 students are enrolled in the Undergraduate Certificate for Sustainability.
During the program, Kirsche spoke about the importance of seasons in nature and in life.
“On campus, collectively, we experience the seasons also,” he said. “We all work hard for the harvest of opportunity and tangible benefits for all in our communities. Soon, we’ll see new fruits from our labors.”
The Semester in Review program included a poster session with more than 40 presentations from students and classes. Several students involved with the Office of Sustainability presented at the event, including Amalie Gee, a public relations major; Jackie Langmo, an environmental health sciences major; Meagan Bens, a master’s student in learning, leadership and organizational development; Nick Slagel, a doctoral student in foods and nutrition; Megan Reeves, a communication studies major; Melissa Ray, a master’s student at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources; and Gabi Rosenthal, a photography major in Grady College. Twenty-one students who graduated May 4 with a sustainability certificate also were recognized at the program.
Sustainable UGA recognized four people for their contributions to advancing sustainability on campus and in the local community. Nethra Rajendran, a management information systems and international business double major in the Terry College of Business, was named Outstanding Undergraduate Student. Berea Antaki, a textiles, merchandising and interiors student at the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, was named Outstanding Graduate Student. Puneet Dwivedi, an assistant professor of sustainability sciences at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources and the Center for Integrative Conservation Research, was named Outstanding Faculty Member. UGArden’s JoHannah Biang, an agricultural specialist with UGA Cooperative Extension, was named Outstanding Staff Member.
To learn more, visit sustainability.uga.edu.
