Celebrating Sustainability Leaders at CSULB
On October 10, campus community members gathered at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden for the Sustainability Leaders’ Appreciation Event. The event was hosted by the Office of Sustainability and the President’s Commission on Sustainability, with sponsorship from the Port of Long Beach. The goal of the event was to celebrate the many faculty, staff, and students from across CSULB who contribute in different ways to advancing the campus’s vision for a just and sustainable future.
Against the backdrop of the tranquil garden, guests enjoyed refreshments and live music while taking in the “Wall of Wow,” a display designed to highlight and recognize individuals who have meaningfully participated in the university’s sustainability mission. The “Wall of WOW” showcased faculty who have completed the Climate Justice and Sustainability across the Curriculum Workshop, employees in the Sustainability Champions Program, the President’s Commission on Sustainability (PCS) members, the first cohort of students in the Sustainability Fellows program, and many others.
“The Wall of Wow is a physical representation of something that we have been working towards creating in a digital form to highlight faculty, staff, and student leaders across our community,” said Sustainability Manager Holli Fajack during a short program in which several individuals were recognized for their specific sustainability leadership efforts.
Clint Campbell, the Associate Executive Director of Retail Dining Services for Beach Shops, was highlighted for his continuous support of sustainability initiatives. Clint, also a key Zero Waste Working Group member, transitioned the Beach Shops from single-use plastic food serviceware to compostable materials. ASI’s student-led Sustain U, managed by Kimberly Cruz and Arnecia Bryant, was highlighted for their efforts to educate and engage students around sustainability issues. The 25 Sustainability Champions representing every division on campus were recognized for their enthusiasm and for supporting major events and programs. Faculty members Ezra LeBank and Dr. Paul Laris were celebrated for their leadership in developing the curriculum workshops that have trained more than 100 faculty over the past 10 years on strategies for integrating sustainability and climate justice concepts into their courses.
Dr. Kimberly Kelly, who serves as the PCS co-chair, wrapped up the evening by announcing that the PCS is planning to establish a new Sustainability Leadership Award. A call for nominations for student, faculty, and staff recipients is expected by the spring.
To get involved in sustainability initiatives on campus, contact the Office of Sustainability at sustainability@csulb.edu.
