Sustainability Champions
The University of Idaho continues to advance and elevate sustainable initiatives in academics, operations and the student experience through the work of our students and employees. The Sustainability Champion awards are offered by the Office of Sustainability for exceptional achievements and contributions to sustainability on our campuses and communities state-wide.
Awards are presented annually in April. Nominations open in September and are due in March. The award categories include student, employee, department or student organization and impact.
Student: Recognizes exceptional achievements or contributions in sustainability for any U of I student.
Employee: Recognizes exceptional achievements or contributions in sustainability for any U of I employee or administrator.
Department or Student Organization: Recognizes exceptional achievements or contributions in sustainability for any U of I department, unit or student organization.
Impact: Recognizes research, campus projects, workplace innovations or other sustainability-related projects that had the greatest positive impact on their related communities.
Student 2023-24
Sasha Michelle White was recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Confluence Lab’s Stories of Fire: A Pacific Northwest Climate Justice Atlas, particularly the development of the Artists-in-Fire residency program. This program supports ten artists and writers from the Pacific Northwest and adjacent regions as boots-on-the-ground participants in prescribed fire and provides additional support for these artists and writers to reflect upon their experience through their creative practice and share those reflections with their communities upon returning home.
Employee 2023-24
Dr. Karen Humes, Dr. Erin James and Dr. Gwen Gorzelsky were recognized for their dedication to transformative education through their persistence in creating the university's undergraduate Sustainability Certificate - the first all-college certificate offered at the University of Idaho.
Department/Organization 2023-24
The Conservation and Environment Club was recognized for their dedication to volunteerism, outreach and educational events that promotes local environmental health and sustainability.
Impact 2023-24
Woody Wood was recognized for their diverse contributions to biodiversity, composting, water conservation and sustainable transportation on the Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls campuses. From native plantings to Bike-to-Work-Week, Woody has lead many valuable initiatives that help advance sustainability.