2021 Champions of Change honorees

May 19, 2021

A guest post from the Office of Sustainability.

As the Office of Sustainability looks back on the 2020-2021 school year, we remain grateful to students, faculty and staff who have demonstrated or initiated successful sustainable practices on campus.

“It’s one thing to lead in the before times — to lead in a pandemic is another brand of heroism,” said Vice President of Human Resources and Sustainability Dedee DeLongpré Johnston. As we conclude an incredibly challenging year, it is more important than ever to celebrate the leadership of colleagues and students and the impact they have on campus, in the community and around the world.

Honorees were recognized at Wake Forest’s eighth annual Campus Sustainability Awards. We extend our thanks and congratulations to all of our Champions of Change for their commitment to making Wake Forest an even more sustainable place for all to live, work, study and play.

Honorees

Academics and Engagement Award

Becky Dickson, adjunct instructor in the Department of Biology and Graduate School professor of Environmental Science

Resource Conservation Award

Mike Draughn (P ’12), assistant vice president for facilities operations, Facilities and Campus Services

Teaching, Service and Social Action Award

Justin Green (’99), professor of the practice in the Department of Communication and debate coach for Wake Debate

Julia McElhinny (’22), biology major with minors in environmental studies and math

Carolina Conway (’21), anthropology major with minors in environmental studies and writing

Bright Ideas

Sophie Wimberley (MA ’19), waste reduction specialist with Facilities and Campus Services

Leadership

Rowena Kirby-Straker, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Communication

Everyday Champions of Change

• Sean McGlynn (MA ’21), study abroad advisor in the Center for Global Programs and Studies and captain of the University Green Team
• Madison Fishler, health and wellness manager and culinary dietician for Harvest Table at Wake Forest
• Karl Darr, landscape foreperson for the Reynolda Village, Facilities and Campus Services
• Elizabeth Whiting Pierce, captain and the assistant director of Leadership and Character in the Professional Schools and captain of the University Green Team 
• The Ocean and Marine Conservation Club, a student organization dedicated to making the ocean a cleaner and safer home for marine life through fundraising and education

View the full story on the Office of Sustainability site to learn more about honorees and their sustainability work.