Augustana receives ATSC sustainability leadership award
Augustana College has been recognized for its outstanding leadership in the area of green or sustainable initiatives. Augustana President Steve Bahls accepted the 2010 Mark W. Schwiebert Sustainability Leadership Award on behalf of the college at Rock Island’s City Council meeting on Jan. 24.
“The college is pleased and honored to receive the award, named in honor of former mayor Mark Schwiebert, who is an Augustana College graduate,” said President Bahls. “Faculty members at Augustana have long been committed to ensuring that Augustana College is a leader in the sustainability movement. I am proud that the graduates of the college understand and appreciate the importance of environmental responsibility.”
Established in 2009 by Rock Island’s Advanced Technology and Sustainability Consortium (ATSC), the award is presented annually to a deserving business, organization or individual.
“Augustana College sets a strong example of how a large employer can integrate environmental and sustainable practices into its day-to-day operation,” said Kevin Koski, ATSC chair. According to the ATSC, Augustana received three of the seven nominations for the 2010 award. Some of the highlights from the nominations are as follows:
• The college’s geography department’s support of Rock Island’s green initiatives through research support, interns and educational opportunities.
• Creation of an environmental studies major at Augustana.
• Implementation of college-wide recycling programs, and the rehabilitation of an off-campus “green house” currently occupied by students committed to sustainable living.
• The college’s Farm2Fork initiative, which emphasizes buying food locally to support local businesses and to help reduce the amount of fossil fuels used to transport food.
• Purchase of city lots near campus where students and faculty have established Augie Acres, an organic farming operation.
For more information, contact Scott Cason, assistant vice president for communication and marketing, at scottcason@augustana.edu or (309) 794-7323.