John Roe Sustainability Impact Awards
These prestigious awards are named after Dr. John Roe, a late mathematics professor who dedicated his life to environmental and social sustainability. The 2025 winners include Ashley Currey, Marisela Sotelo Tornero, James Bell, Sylvie Alexander, Eliott Foust, and Jacob Seiler. These individuals have demonstrated remarkable commitment to sustainability, impacting the Penn State community in various ways.
- Ashley Currey
- Marisela Sotelo Tornero
- James Bell
- Sylvie Alexander
- Eliott Foust
- Jacob Seiler
Each award winner will receive a $1,000 grant, furnished by the Dr. John Roe Fund for a Just and Sustainable Future, to support their sustainability initiatives. “Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it’s a way of life,” said Ashley Currey, a passionate sustainability advocate and undergraduate student at University Park. Currey’s work includes revitalizing the Tailgate Ambassadors program, educating football fans on recycling, and creating the Shaker Reuse program, which has diverted thousands of plastic shakers from landfills. Marisela Sotelo Tornero, a graduate student at University Park, is a leading voice in water sustainability and equity. Her research has directly influenced public policy, including award-winning work highlighting the leadership of rural women in water management. Tornero’s global experience spans government partnerships, grassroots advocacy, and rigorous policy analysis. James Bell, an undergraduate student at Penn State Schuylkill, is recognized for his commitment to sustainability and community engagement. His work bridges science, education, and action, with involvement in diverse research projects ranging from soil microbes and sustainable antibiotics to community tree planting and pollinator health. Bell has played a vital role in shaping campus sustainability programming, from hands-on research to education and outreach. Sylvie Alexander, an undergraduate student at University Park, is president of the Earth House Living Learning Community and a passionate advocate for sustainability and community engagement. Through collaboration with the Student Farm, Alexander co-directs two major projects, including a rooftop garden and food justice initiatives. Her work extends to education, where she helps facilitate sustainability-related classes and projects, such as a sister garden project with an Algerian artist. Eliott Foust, a doctoral student at University Park, has committed to climate equity and urban sustainability. He stands out for his groundbreaking integration of advanced climate modeling with public health and community engagement. Foust bridges disciplines, institutions, and communities, using rigorous numerical simulations of urban climate to support equitable climate adaptation strategies. Jacob Seiler, a doctoral student at University Park and a longstanding member and current chair of the Student Sustainability Advisory Council, has dedicated many years to advancing sustainability at Penn State. With a focus on climate action and student advocacy, he has led initiatives that brought energy dashboards to campus, championed a climate action resolution, and called for institutional commitments from University leadership.
The Student Sustainability Advisory Council Tree Award
The Student Sustainability Advisory Council Tree Award honors Gavin Maxson for his exceptional leadership in sustainability at the University Park campus. As an EcoRep for three years, Maxson took on a leadership role as senior programming coordinator, guiding sustainability initiatives and engaging with the campus community.
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Senior Programming Coordinator | Gavin Maxson led sustainability initiatives and engaged with the campus community, including supporting over 30 research labs. |
| Sustainable Lab Consultant | Gavin Maxson supported over 30 research labs, helping reduce energy consumption and waste through projects such as installing fume hood sensors and improving energy efficiency. |
A tree was planted in Maxson’s honor on April 23 as a lasting symbol of his commitment and influence. “The Gavin Maxson, the Tree Award winner, is an embodiment of sustainability at every level,” said Jacob Seiler, a John Roe Sustainability Impact Award winner and SSAC Chair. “Gavin’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, kindness, and joy, have made a lasting impact on our campus and community.”
Pennsylvania Environmental Resource Consortium (PERC) Campus Sustainability Champion Award
The PERC Award celebrates contributions to sustainability by Penn State community members. This year’s award celebrates the Penn State Food Recovery Network. The student-led Food Recovery Network aims to promote sustainability and food security, and to raise awareness about issues surrounding food waste.
- The Food Recovery Network
The organization recovers unserved food from four University Park dining halls and transports it to student and community partners, preventing waste from being sent to landfills. In its first year, more than 2,500 pounds of food were rescued and redistributed, thereby preventing the release of more than 9,500 pounds of carbon dioxide from decaying food waste. Since the chapter’s emergence, the Food Recovery Network has increased its mitigation efforts exponentially, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from 9,500 pounds to more than 23,200 pounds. The Food Recovery Network student team accepting the award includes Adeline Peat, Anna Janaszek, Emmanuel Kraft, Anant Pothakamury, Irini Gentis, and Eliana Wong.
Conclusion
The Student Sustainability Award winners at Penn State have demonstrated remarkable commitment to sustainability, impacting the campus community in various ways. These individuals are role models for the next generation of sustainability leaders, and their work will continue to inspire others to make a positive impact on the environment. The awards celebrate their achievements and recognize the importance of sustainability in our daily lives.