Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

Photo courtesy of VWC.edu

Billy's grant

By Courtney Anderson

President William T. Greer Jr. has challenged the campus community to help make the campus community environmentally friendly by offering $2,500 for the President’s Environmental Challenge Grant. The winning entry will receive a $500 award and $2000 towards implementing the design.

“We are excited about this process,” said Maynard Schaus, associate professor of biology and chair of the President’s Environmental Issues Council. “Hopefully, a lot of students will be interested.”

The grant is open to faculty, staff and students. Virginia Wesleyan is trying to move towards an environmentally friendly more energy-efficient campus. According to Schaus, the new science building will be a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), structure put forward by the U.S. Green Building Council. Their purpose is to promote environmental principles in the construction.

The selection committee on the President’s Environmental Issues Council (PEIC) is in charge of awarding the grant. According to a campus-wide e-mail sent from Greer, “A good proposal can be implemented, would have clear environmental benefits, may provide a cost savings, and should engage or educate some or all of the campus community concerning environmental issues.” The members of the PEIC were chosen to represent all constituents on campus.

Proposals should include a description, an implementation plan, a proposed budget, environmental benefits for the campus and campus involvement. If applicable, applicants can also include cost savings and impact upon the campus.

“We are looking for a variety of ideas from around campus,” said Schaus. “(Those interested) should submit a short proposal to me (mschaus@vwc.edu) and should spell out how it is going to benefit the campus.”

Depending on the design of the winning project, the student may or may not be in charge of implementation. It depends on the feasibility and knowledge needed to complete the project, according to Schaus.

“Anyone who has an idea should put it in writing and send in an application,” said Schaus.

All entries must be received by Apr.13, and the winning design will be announced on Earth Day, Apr. 20.