November 12, 2024 — The newly established Sustainability Action Planning Committee (SAPC) at Marist is advancing the College's commitment to environmental responsibility as part of the Marist 100 strategic plan. This committee is tasked with elevating sustainability efforts campuswide, building on Marist’s recent recognition in The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges 2025 Edition.

The Princeton Review highlights institutions that promote sustainable student life, prepare students for careers in the clean-energy economy, and implement environmentally responsible policies. Marist has appeared on this list several times, with rankings reflecting a comprehensive review of its practices, including dining, academic programs, and building sustainability.

Building on this momentum, Marist is actively engaging the campus community to shape a stronger, more sustainable future.

As part of Marist 100, SAPC has invited the campus community to help develop a comprehensive sustainability plan. Through a recently released survey, the committee aims to gather insights from Marist community members to create an action plan that is both ambitious and achievable.

Marist students taking the SAPC survey in the Dyson Center Atrium. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist College.

“We’re trying to get as much community input as possible,” said Dr. Stephanie Purington, Professional Lecturer of Education, and member of SAPC. “We want to see what the Marist community values and cares about. The goal is to develop a sustainable, achievable plan for Marist.”

SAPC recently held a Green Games event in the Dyson Center Atrium to encourage campus participation in its survey. The gathering featured environmental trivia games, "What Sustainability Means to Marist" word art, and lively discussions on sustainable practices, with attendees enjoying apple cider donuts and coffee from local vendors.

SAPC member Beth Veasey (left) and students during the Green Games, testing their knowledge of sustainable practices. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist College.

Committee members emphasized the importance of hearing diverse voices from across campus in order to create an effective plan.

"Our committee consists of sixteen members, bringing together staff, faculty, and students,” said Michael Caputo, Co-Chair of SAPC and Vice President of Information Technology. “Our goal with today's event is to raise awareness about the committee and to encourage people to participate in the survey.”

“I am grateful and excited to help create Marist’s Sustainability Action Plan,” said Emma Denes '25. “I attend regular meetings and serve on the Communications Working Group. As Editor-in-Chief of the Marist Circle and an aspiring environmental journalist, I usually keep advocacy out of my stories — but SAPC lets me fully embrace my passion for sustainability with like-minded students, faculty, and staff.”

Members of SAPC (From left to right) Dr. Edward Antonio, Richie Williams, and Michael Caputo. Photo by Lauretta Russell '26/Marist College.

The committee also expressed a strong commitment to involving students in the plan, ensuring it reflects their vision for Marist’s future.

“The student voice is critical for this plan,” said Carter McDavitt '26, Green Games survey volunteer and Vice President of Students Encouraging Environmental Dedication (SEED). “I’m really excited about this committee and what it will mean for Marist’s future.”

“We want to make sure students are engaged in this effort,” said Beth Veasey, Marist’s Vice President of Business Affairs/Chief Financial Officer and SAPC member. “We want to map out achievable short, medium, and long term goals for the Sustainability Action Plan.”

Students working at the Repair Cafe at the SEED Sustainability Fair alongside other environmentally focused groups. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist College.

Environmental action didn’t stop at the Green Games event. Committee members also tabled at the SEED Sustainability Fair, where other environmental groups also gathered to encourage sustainable practices on and off campus.