At Colgate University, the Sustainability Representatives Leadership Development Program serves as a cornerstone for promoting environmental awareness and action on campus. The program is designed for first-year and transfer students to be introduced to sustainability at Colgate. Sustainability Representatives (S-Reps) play a pivotal role in advancing Colgate’s sustainability initiatives through hands-on projects and community engagement. Participants in the program are exposed to countless opportunities for professional development and gaining knowledge on sustainability topics.
First-year and S-Rep Kayla Smith gave insight into the program’s role on campus.
“As an S-Rep we have mostly been focusing on helping the Office of Sustainability organize events that promote sustainability on campus,” Smith shared. “Last semester I worked in a group to organize a movie screening to promote helping endangered animals and this semester our major project was creating a panel for 13 [Days of Green].”
Fellow first-year Adriana Whelan shared how the program exposed participants to the sustainability efforts currently being made by Colgate.
“I thought the program did a great job of introducing us to Colgate’s current sustainability efforts and opportunities. Whether it was through talks with faculty and staff, or first-hand experience with projects like the Free Store or Community Garden, S-Reps provided me with a really comprehensive understanding of Colgate’s sustainability scene.”
The goal of the program goes beyond educating those in it; S-reps work to create opportunities for their peers and community members to learn more about sustainability. Smith shared that one of the ways they attempted to do this was through hosting a faculty panel on April 11.
“We made the theme of this panel Sustainability and AI and reached out to professors in a variety of departments to come and answer our questions about this topic,” Smith said.
Meaningful sustainability is a group effort. First-year Allison Wen shared what she appreciates about being an S-Rep.
“Working with other students who also share a passion for sustainability fosters a collaborative and engaged environment, which strengthens our projects. I look up to the Sustainability Interns who lead the program and have enjoyed getting to know everybody. It also feels good to be a part of something meaningful and important on campus,” Wen shared.
The program’s emphasis on collaboration and learning is a big highlight for many students. S-Reps are able to get to know their peers in addition to working alongside sustainability interns, guest speakers and more. It is this collaborative work that leaves a big impact on the program’s participants.
“I’ve loved being a part of this program and I think it gives freshmen an opportunity to gain a lot of career skills while helping with something they are passionate about,” Smith articulated.
This collaborative spirit not only enhances the projects but also inspires students to deepen their involvement. For many, the S-Reps program serves as a springboard to further opportunities with Colgate’s Office of Sustainability.
Whelan shares her experience being a Sustainability Representative and what is driving her to continue to pursue sustainability efforts on campus.
“I enjoyed my S-Reps experience so much that I was interested in doing more work with Colgate’s Office of Sustainability and applied for its summer internship,” Whelan said. “As an intern, I’m really excited about how the program balances hands-on gardening work with office projects, giving us a more diversified sustainability experience and not just limiting us to one branch of such an interdisciplinary field.”
S-Reps engage with the Colgate and wider Hamilton community. Through sustainability initiatives and educational events, S-Reps contribute to Colgate’s mission of sustainability. The Sustainability Representatives program is not just an extracurricular activity but a transformative experience that equips students with the ability to drive change.
“As someone who really appreciates both the Colgate campus and Hamilton communities, I’m also looking forward to the internship’s more local aspect. I see it as a great opportunity to do meaningful work both in and for these places I value,” Whelan said.
The program empowers future leaders in sustainability through fostering collaboration, providing hands-on experience, and connecting students with their community, which will ensure that their efforts will leave a lasting impact on Colgate and beyond.
