Picture-Perfect Green Grads
This spring, the Office of Sustainability launched the Green Grad campaign, with sponsorship and support from the President's Commission on Sustainability. Nearly 100 students took part in this new campaign, which involved signing the Green Graduation Pledge, exploring careers in sustainability, and learning about the environmental impacts of metallic and plastic confetti (often used during graduation photo shoots on campus). The goals of this initiative are to inspire a lasting commitment to protecting the environment among our graduating students and encouraging them to embrace eco-conscious habits and principles as they start their careers.
To incentivize students to participate in the Green Grad campaign, the Office of Sustainability organized an opportunity drawing that students could enter when they signed the Green Graduation Pledge.
Five students were chosen at random and treated to a photoshoot with professional photographer, Moritz worked with each student, most of whom had never had a professional photo shoot, to capture the special moments of our green graduates. The participants were photographed at three picturesque spots on campus during their session: the fountain near Brotman Hall, the Walter Pyramid, and the iconic Go Beach letters.
Here is what a few of the green graduates shared with us about their experience:
Anna Perez-Gomez, who received her M.S. in School Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential states, "As a first-generation student, having professional photographs taken to honor and reflect on my graduate experience was deeply touching and meaningful. It symbolized not just my personal achievement, but also the culmination of my family's sacrifices and dreams."
Graduate Bryanne Rachapaetayakom shared that she felt more nostalgic during her photo session than she expected to feel. ”I reminisced about my experiences here at Ӱ and all the work that I had done as a student to get to where I am. I began to appreciate school life and even thought about my parents who were once my age going through school,” Bryanne reflected.
The Office of Sustainability staff had never coordinated a photoshoot like this before, but it was such a positive experience for the students that they hope to make it an annual tradition. As Ӱ graduates embark on their careers, they can commit to prioritizing sustainability and integrate it into their future endeavors. The Office of Sustainability intends to continue to support students and provide resources for them to learn how to make the most positive impact they can.
By fostering a community that values environmental responsibility, we empower graduates to make informed choices that contribute positively to our planet. This commitment extends beyond graduation, shaping their professional paths and influencing the organizations they join. Together, we strive to cultivate a culture of sustainability within our campus and beyond, Ӱlasting change for a greener future.
