About Sustainability at UMW

“If we cannot envision the world we would like to live in, we cannot work towards its creation. If we cannot place ourselves in it in our imagination, we will not believe it is possible.” –Chellis Glendinning

“Sustainability” implies that the critical activities of an institution are ecologically sound, socially just, and economically viable, and that they will continue to be so for future generations. The University of Mary Washington strives for sustainability in its everyday operations through policies, practices and the involvement of students, faculty and staff. The University recognizes that every action it takes concerning its mission and management impacts its future as much as it affects its present.

Sustainability  Office- run out of Facility Services, the Sustainability Office is the hub of sustainability. They work to implement programming and education throughout campus as well as field questions and concerns about sustainability from the Mary Washington community and surrounding region. The Sustainability Office consists of:

Director of Landscaping and Grounds- Joni Wilson

The main sustainability actor on our campus, Joni runs the Sustainability Office and is the consistent motivator for sustainability actions.

Sustainability Coordinators- Samantha Corron and Emily Sherman

The Sustainability Coordinator is a student position that rotates every year. The Sustainability Coordinator is responsible for planning and developing sustainability programming on campus, as well as researching future sustainability initiatives. If you would like to be the Sustainability Coordinator for the 2013-2014 academic year, e-mail a resume and cover letter to sustainability@umw.edu and fill out an application here. Applications are due April 12th, 2013.

Eco Reps- Fairuz Maggio, Emily Montgomery, Kathryn Erwin, Max Devilliers

The Eco Reps program is a new addition to the Sustainability Office. These students work to build sustainable living awareness within the residence halls while also working within the office to improve sustainability programming, grant research, and sustainability project research.

The President’s Council on Sustainability-founded in 2009, this advisory committee of faculty, staff, and students works together to advise the President on sustainability measures for the University, while also enacting sustainability projects on campus.

Sustainability Coalition- This student collaboration consists of sustainability minded clubs and organizations on campus. They challenge the conventional idea of sustainability and encourage the campus community to see beyond the environmental aspect of the issue. Members include the Eagle Bhangra, Prism, the Ecology Club, and many more.

Through the Do One Thing campaign and in our everyday efforts, the University of Mary Washington seeks to show that sustainability is an integral and valuable part of individual actions and our campus community. We encourage you to get involved! Not sure how to do so? Call us at 540-654-1165, or send us an e-mail at sustainability@umw.edu.