Gustavus Adolphus College announces four strategic initiatives of its Environmental Studies Program: an endowment to establish a summer research fund for Environmental Studies students; the creation of a compost system for campus food waste; a greenhouse for the student-run organic farm; and purchase of instrumentation for Environmental Studies.
The composting system and greenhouse not only aim to increase sustainability in College operations, but also will help forge connections with Environmental Studies-related curriculum. With the greenhouse, the student farm will be able to extend its season from the summer into the regular academic year, affording opportunities to integrate classroom studies with farm operations. The composting system will complement the farm and greenhouse operation, providing a direct example of nutrient recycling and sustainable waste handling.
These initiatives are made possible by a donation of $575,418 from The Margaret A. Cargill Foundation to the Environmental Studies Program. The grant from the Foundation will build upon the College’s commitment to increase the sustainability of its campus and train future environmental leaders. It comes only two months after the dedication of Beck Academic Hall, which is awaiting LEED certification, and the installation of $1 million in solar energy projects for four campus buildings.
The Margaret A. Cargill Foundation supports a broad range of charitable purposes, including the environment; American Indian art and Native American cultures; art and teacher education; care for the elderly; disaster relief; child and adult education; and animal welfare. Margaret A. Cargill was the granddaughter of William Cargill, co-founder of Cargill, Inc. a Minnesota-based company that is one of the world’s largest corporations.
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510