Sustainability Champions

About the Sustainability Champions

CWU's sustainability work wouldn't be possible without the dedication, creativity, and passion of our campus community. The Sustainability Champions are individuals recognized for their commitment to advancing sustainability on campus and in our broader community. 

Whether it’s through hands-on projects, everyday actions, or quiet leadership behind the scenes, these champions are making a real difference. They organize events, build partnerships, reduce waste, promote equity, and inspire others to get involved.

These awards celebrate not just big accomplishments but also the everyday actions that help build a culture of sustainability on campus. Rather than top down recognition, these awards are powered by peer nominations. These champions remind us that sustainability isn't just a goal, it's a shared responsibility. We're deeply grateful for their work and honored to recognize the difference they make.

The Sustainability Champions Awards recognize leadership across one or more of the following award criteria:

  • Implemented sustainability in operations, academics, engagement, or administration
  • Developed an innovative sustainability project, event or initiative
  • Built partnerships with university or community organizations for sustainability
  • Advanced sustainability through coursework, research, teaching, publications, or technology

Past Sustainability Champions

  • 2025

    Faculty 

    • Emilie Hancock, Associate Professor, Mathematics
    • Tim Hargrave, Associate Chair, Business Management

    Staff

    • Torin Munro, Dining Systems Analyst
    • Adam Tasker, SURC Custodial
    • Tricia Rable, Executive Director of Housing and Residence Life

    Students 

    • Deante' Barry
    • Mila Eslinger
    • Caydence Hesch
    • Charlotte Barrett
    • Max Henyan
    • Emerson Carter
    • Hannah Campbell
  • 2021

    Outstanding Student Award

    • Jerry Fussell
    • Rachael Medalia
    • Alicia McAfee
    • Emma Nelson
    • Guy O'Connor

    Outstanding Group Award

    • CWU P.U.S.H.
    • Primate Awareness Network (PAN)

    Student analysis subgroup of the Council on Investor Responsibility: Kameron Eck, Jargal Ganzorig, Connor Wing, and Derek Zinn

    Outstanding Faculty Award

    Dr. Toni Sipic, Department of Economics

    CWU-APOYO Academic Team: Dr. Hope Amason, Dr. Dan Beck, Dr. Susan Kaspari, and Dr. Michelle DenBeste

  • 2020

    Outstanding Student Award

    • Savannah Fields, senior
    • Erica MacKenzie, senior
    • Matthew Johnston, senior
    • Kelsey Bechtholdt, senior
    • Gia Landis, senior

    Outstanding Faculty Award

    • Dr. Susan Kaspari, Department of Geological Sciences

    Outstanding Group Award

    • Staff of PULSE Magazine
    • Center for Leadership and Community Engagement

    Outstanding Staff Award

    • Kirsten Garland, Wildcat Printing
    • Kate Doughty, Wildcat Neighborhood Farm
    • Blair McNeillie, Facilities Management
    • Joanne Hillemann, Capital Planning, and Projects
    • Cheyanne Manning, Facilities Management

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