Campus, community sustainability champions celebrated

Sustainability leaders were recognized April 1 at the eighth annual Sustainability Champions Awards.

Nearly 40 awards were given to campus and community members who support the ideas of sustainable practices and use a triple-bottom line approach (social, environment, economic) to solving problems and issues.

President Thomas J. Haas and Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss congratulated award recipients and discussed the importance of the close partnership between Grand Valley and Grand Rapids.

“We truly appreciate partnering and working with the great city of Grand Rapids. Mayor Bliss knows how much we value sustainability and providing educational opportunities for our students,” said Haas.

Bliss commended Grand Valley for its commitment to sustainability. “Thank you for recognizing those who demonstrate excellence and sustainable practices and who make a positive impact on our community. Grand Valley is a leader in sustainability, serving as a great model for others not only in our region, but globally," she said.

In addition to the recognition of students, faculty and staff members, community members and organizations were celebrated, including U.S. Green Building Council, West Michigan Environmental Action Council, Hope College and Consumers Energy. 

At the event, Austin VanDyke, student community garden manager for the Sustainable Agriculture Project, was named the first award recipient of the Dave Feenstra Sustainable Agriculture Project Internship Fund. The fund was established in memory of Dave Feenstra who died in December. Feentstra retired from Grand Valley in 2012 then returned in 2014 to serve as adjunct manager for the Sustainable Agriculture Project. Feenstra’s wife and four daughters attended the ceremony.

"Austin wonderfully exemplifies Dave's leadership, vision, determined spirit, and caring heart. Like Dave, he is destined to leave a legacy at Grand Valley for years to come," said Anne Hiskes, dean of the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies.