Fairfield University Campus Sustainability Committee announces 1st annual student competition to devise beneficial environmental projects

Fairfield University Campus Sustainability Committee announces 1st annual student competition to devise beneficial environmental projects

Image: Robert Kennedy Jr Fairfield University's Campus Sustainability Committee (CSC) is pleased to announce its inaugural competition for Fairfield students who are asked to create projects that will have a positive impact on environmental and sustainability issues affecting the Fairfield campus. Three grants worth $1,500 each will be awarded to the students who submit the winning proposals.

"While all successful applications will shed greater light on sustainability and environmental issues, applicants are encouraged to think broadly and creatively about their proposals," said James Fitzpatrick, a CSC member and assistant vice president of student affairs.

The grants could be used to expand or modify an existing University program, for example, or to create an entirely new program or event. Alternatively, applicants could seek funding for an environmental-related research project. A project might be done in conjunction with a faculty member as an Independent Study. Proposals that include cross school/college collaboration are encouraged. Teams must include students and may include faculty, staff, or administrators.

Grant submissions must be submitted to the Campus Sustainability Committee, Box A, in the Barone Campus Center no later than October 15, 2012. For an application, contact James Fitzpatrick at jfitzpatrick@fairfield.edu or call (203) 254-4000, ext. 2378.

Sustainability has been incorporated into the University's mission. Fairfield University President Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., created the CSC, comprised of administrators, faculty, staff and students, to oversee all things green at the University.

"Our goal at Fairfield is to create a university community that is respectful of the wonders of nature and the beauty of our campus and our world," added Fitzpatrick, who will join CSC members Dr. Michael Tucker, professor of finance, Dolan School of Business, and Arturo Jaras Watts '14, in selecting the finalists.

To learn more about the Campus Sustainability Committee, the Program on the Environment and the green movement at Fairfield, visit http://www.fairfield.edu/green/ .

Image: Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who has worked on environmental issues across the Americas, delivered a Students' Forum talk in 2010 at Fairfield entitled "Our Environmental Destiny." It was one of the highlights of events honoring the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, part of the University's sustainability awareness efforts and an Open Visions Forum Lecture.

Posted On: 04-20-2012 11:04 AM

Volume: 44 Number: 277