UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Sustainability Institute and the Student Sustainability Advisory Council (SSAC) are seeking nominations for the John Roe Sustainability Impact Awards and Tree Award for the 2020-21 academic year. Students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to nominate undergraduate, graduate or professional Penn State students who have demonstrated personal integrity and an unwavering commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Nominations will be accepted until midnight on March 21.

Named in honor of the late Penn State mathematics professor John Roe, the Sustainability Impact Awards recognize students who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting sustainable development, to fostering peace and justice, and to strengthening partnerships. All full-time undergraduate, graduate and professional students from all campuses are eligible to be nominated. Self-nominations are permitted.

The award is generously supported by the Dr. John Roe Fund for a Just and Sustainable Future, established in 2019, and by the Sustainability Institute. Each award winner will receive a $500 scholarship.

The Student Sustainability Advisory Council Tree Award honors a Penn State University Park student for overall leadership in sustainability initiatives and for making a difference in the campus community. All full-time undergraduate and graduate students from University Park are eligible. The winner will be awarded a tree planted in their honor on the University Park campus. This award has been presented for several years now, with trees honoring the award recipient planted near the Palmer Museum of Art, the HUB-Robeson Center lawn and the Sustainability Experience Center. The tree is donated by the Office of Physical Plant and the award is supported by Student Affairs and the Sustainability Institute. 

Please visit the Sustainability Institute’s website here to submit a nomination.