As we wrap up 10th week here on campus, we’re taking a look back at some of the phenomenal events, programming, and notable moments from the Environmental Stewardship Center this year.
Climate Action Plan
This year, we worked incredibly hard to make our Climate Action Plan more effective and accessible for our greater campus community.
We launched the Climate Connection Series, a new opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to give ideas and feedback about our CAP goals. The Series reached over 50 campus community members and is helping shape our approach to orientation and more in the coming year. We also saw over 30 faculty and staff members participate in Global Climate and Justice Education Week, helping ensure that climate literacy is embedded in campus culture here at K.
We also made incredible progress on our CAP Goals during the 2024 Fiscal Year. This includes resource conservation like enforcing our helium policy, creating a more efficient and localized electric metering system, and increasing transparency around fossil fuel divestment. You can read more about that progress here!
Environmental Stewardship & Studies
It was also a fantastic year in our Environmental Stewardship Center, and in the Environmental Studies Department!
We welcomed a host of new Environmental Studies Concentrators this year! Many of those new faces showed up to our Sustainability Lunches, a new initiative that welcomes the campus community to discuss environmental issues and projects on campus while eating snacks and getting to know one another.
It was a delight to work with an incredible crew of Environmental Stewardship Interns. Taking on roles in the Hoop House, Arboretum, the Compost Crew, and the Climate Action Plan Committee, these students were invaluable to ensuring that Kalamazoo College had reliable and engaging environmental programming throughout the year. Their work included running the Arboretum and Composting PE classes, facilitating Harvest and Cultivation Ceremonies at the Hoop House, bringing back Groove Grove, leading first year students on green campus tours, and more!
Sustainability SIP Symposium
One of the definite highlights from the year was the 2025 Sustainability SIP Symposium. We heard from 13 passionate students who completed their Senior Integrated Projects in an environmental field. Over 100 students, faculty, staff, and community members packed the Arcus Center for an unforgettable evening filled with learning, connection, and environmental consciousness. Click here for a recap on the Symposium. You can also read about some of our senior’s work on food justice, coral reef restoration, and sustainable grazing methods!
Cheers to a great year!
Thank you all for another phenomenal year in the Environmental Stewardship Center and beyond. We are very proud of the work we’ve accomplished, and are already planning for ways to continue making sustainable changes in the coming years. None of these efforts could be possible without widespread campus support from our passionate students and dedicated faculty and staff. Thank you for all that you do! Stay tuned and subscribed for more updates in the fall, and have a safe and lovely summer!
