Champions of Change award winners announced

April 17, 2024

On April 9, the Office of Sustainability hosted the 11th annual Champions of Change Campus Sustainability Awards. Each year at the awards ceremony, students, faculty and staff who have gone above and beyond in their contributions to campus sustainability are honored across five categories. This year’s celebration honored 12 award winners and numerous nominees whose commitments to sustainability were exemplified through efforts like energy-saving LED light conversions of athletic venues, stewardship of our campus trees, commitment to environmental justice principles and dialogue, dedication to engaged and experiential learning, right-sizing the Wake Line shuttle fleet and more.

Leadership

• John Wise, Vice President for Hospitality and Auxiliary Services for championing sustainability in all areas of Hospitality & Auxiliary Services
• Jim Mussetter, University Arborist for dedicated stewardship of our campus trees for 31 years

Academics & Engagement

• Kyle Luthy, assistant professor of engineering for engaged and experiential learning for sustainability
• Scott Schang, director of the Environmental Law Clinic and professor of the practice for leadership of the Environmental Law Clinic

Resource Conservation

• Craig Zakrzewski, senior associate athletic director for capital projects and operations Randy Casstevens, executive associate athletic director and chief financial officer for stewardship of capital project to convert the lighting in two major athletic venues (Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium and the Tennis Center) to LED

Service & Social Action

• Deb Marke, assistant director of advocacy and social justice education, Office of Civic & Community Engagement, for demonstrated commitment to environmental justice education and empowerment of learners of all ages

Bright Idea

• Jason Campbell, assistant director of Transportation & parking services for hiring retired educators to serve as drivers for the Wake Line shuttle system

Everyday Champions

• Karl Erik, director of operations at Reynolda House for efforts to improve sustainability in operations resulting in a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions at Reynolda House from the previous year
• Jo Hamilton, academic coordinator, Environment & Sustainability Studies Program for advocacy and implementation of sustainable practices in her roles for both the economics department and the Environment & Sustainability Studies Program
• Brian Smith, lab manager for Wake Downtown and Salem Hall for reduction of the carbon footprint of lab spaces through years of implementing operational and behavioral change management among students, staff, and faculty
• Quin Wolters, sustainability coordinator for Harvest Table Culinary Group for implementation of innovative sustainability programs in dining practices, including waste reduction and diversion efforts, sustainable purchasing, and cultivating a sustainability-minded culture within the Deacon Dining team

Provost Michele Gillespie and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jackie Travisano co-presented this year’s awards. The awards program was followed by a reception. Congratulations to each of this year’s winners and nominees. Please join us in continuing to celebrate these change-makers.