Faculty, staff and fellow students nominated the recipients, who were cited for their “significant and verifiable impact” on the university and on student life, for their contributions to developing the institution’s positive image, for substantial contributions to the Harrisonburg/Rockingham County area and beyond, for their high academic and social standing and their embodiment of EMU’s shared values of Christian discipleship, community, service and peacebuilding.

They wore gold and blue cords as they graduated Sunday, April 29.

Blue represents strength of conviction that one person can help to create a better institution or community. Gold represents the love of spirit and yearning toward creating a better university environment or community.

The recipients are:

• Benjamin Bailey, Simsbury, Conn., peacebuilding and development, Biblical studies major;
• Brendon Derstine, Harleysville, Pa., history and social science, secondary education licensure;
• Grace Engle, Wauseon, Ohio, social work major;
• Brandon Habron, Fredericksburg, Va., liberal arts major;
• Katie Jantzen, Plymouth, Neb., environmental sustainability;
• Clothilda Johnson, Banjul, The Gambia, nursing major;
• Katherine Landis, Lancaster, Pa., photography, digital media major;
• Rebekah *[last name omitted on request], Pettisville, Ohio, nursing major;
• Michelle Ramirez, Harrisonburg, Va., social work major;
• Andrew Richter, Perkasie, Pa., business administration major.

“Recyclemania brings some friendly competition between colleges and universities, and in the end, can help spark renewed interest and dialogue in how we recycle and reduce waste,” said , EMU recycling crew leader.

During the competition, schools reported recycling and trash data, which was then ranked according to who collected the largest amount of recyclables per capita, who collected the largest amount of total recyclables, and who created the least amount of trash per capita or had the highest recycling rate.

EMU recycled 38.43 percent of its trash, finishing behind William & Mary (19, 54.44 percent) and the University of Virginia (53, 42.26 percent). Guilford College led Old Dominion Athletic Conference schools, recycling 43.27 percent of its trash.

Among area schools, James Madison recycled 25.44 percent, placing 157.

Freed said EMU has averaged between 38-40 percent recycled waste over the past four years.

Katie Jantzen, co-president of , a student group focused on environmentally friendly practices such as recycling, composting and reducing waste, said the way EMU picks up its recyclables is unique to other schools.

“To my knowledge, EMU is the only school to collect all of our recyclables by bicycle trailer,” said Jantzen. “I think it’s noteworthy that we do not use any fossil fuels in the collection of recyclables around campus.”

For more information visit .

Bob Corso, WHSV-TV3 news anchor, spoke with Katie Jantzen, co-leader of Earthkeepers, about sustainability features around campus including food disposal in the dining hall and the compost facility located by the Suter Science Center.

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Katie Jantzen, co-leader of , said the overall goal of the mini-grants was to encourage the campus community to think more proactively about steps they can take to initiate efforts.

“We see these projects as a way of helping to support sustainability initiatives on campus that may not otherwise happen due to lack of funds,” said Jantzen. “Selection was based on the impact the project would have on the EMU community, student initiative, feasibility of implementation, and a diversity of ideas.”

Changes around campus

Projects to receive funding include a $400 grant for an LED theater light fixture for the Technical Theater class; $250 for compost bins in 15 lounge and kitchen areas across campus, submitted by , web content manager and strategist; $125 to purchase local food to reinforce learning in a food writing workshop, submitted by , assistant professor in and the departments; $125 for compost bins in residence halls, submitted by sophomore Christine Baer; and a $100 grant for raspberry hedges as edible landscaping near Northlawn residence hall, introduced by the .

“We hope that our funding can be the initial impetus to get many of the projects off and running as they expand in scope and influence,” said Jantzen.

Winning projects were selected by a committee composed of , sustainability coordinator, , Earthkeepers faculty advisor, Jantzen and co-leader Josh Kanagy and members of Earthkeepers.

Earthkeepers, and the quality enhancement plan sponsored the mini-grants.

About Earthkeepers

The mission of Earthkeepers is to encourage, simplify and implement environmentally friendly practices around the campus community by following Christ’s example of holistic redemption by pursuing sustainable attitudes and practices, according to their website. In addition, Earthkeepers have helped fund composting and recycling programs, edible landscaping and The Bicycle Cooperative.

More information on Creation Care Council and sustainability practices at EMU can be found at .

Sponsored by the, the event encourages students to learn about farming practices while gaining important information on how to live and farm sustainably.

“Food and Farming week provides EMU students the chance to engage area farmers, enjoy locally grown foods and even learn methods for preserving and preparing foods, skills that will last a lifetime. said , professor of biology at EMU.

Baking Bread — Monday at 6 p.m., Cedarwood, second floor kitchen

Learn the art of making and baking bread from , associate professor of chemistry. If you plan on attending, contact Katie Jantzen at katie.jantzen@emu.edu. Bring bread pans and mixing bowls if you have them.

Food, Faith and Culture — Tuesday at 8 p.m., Common Grounds coffeehouse

Hear several EMU professors with cross-cultural experience explain the perspectives of various religions and cultures on food, nature and the environment. A discussion and snack consisting of Monday’s homemade bread will be provided.

Local Farm Tour — Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., meet outside University Commons

Tour Season’s Bounty Farm and CSA, operated by Radell Schrock, class of ‘01.

Local Meal — Thursday, 5-7 p.m., Northlawn dining hall

Enjoy local fare from area farms and gardens.

Canning with Sustainable Food Initiative — Friday, 7 p.m., Cedarwood second floor kitchen

Learn how to can your favorite fruits and vegetables to enjoy year round.

About Earthkeepers

Earthkeepers’ mission is to act in and around the EMU community to encourage, simplify, and implement environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling, composting, reducing waste, and monitoring water quality in the Harrisonburg area.

Earthkeepers club members also participate in many other events and activities throughout the year, such as hiking trips, field trips, and organizing guest speakers.

For more information on Food and Farming Week, contact EMU students Katie Jantzen at katie.jantzen@emu.edu, or Josh Kanagy at joshua.kanagy@emu.edu.