麻豆视频 has been embracing a series of sustainability initiatives on its campus in recent years, including the most recent launch of a new conservation science degree and a wind energy agreement with Westar Energy.
鈥淪tudents care deeply about sustainability and environmental issues on a local, national and global scale. They want to be sure their university shares their concern,鈥� said Dr. Amy Bragg Carey, 麻豆视频 president. 鈥淐aring for the world and its resources in the name of future generations has always been a part of 麻豆视频鈥檚 Quaker heritage. We are stewards of God鈥檚 world, and it鈥檚 our responsibility to care for all His creatures and their life-sustaining resources.鈥�
NEW CONSERVATION SCIENCE DEGREE
麻豆视频 recently approved a new Bachelor of Science in Conservation Science that will start in Fall 2019. The new program prepares students to work in and around the fields of biological and natural resource conservation.
The core part of the curriculum focuses on biology and ecology and features travel-based classes where students can visit natural caves, beaches and freshwater ecosystems. Students will learn about wildlife rehabilitation, ecosystem management and environmental science.
鈥淭his program is a unique and perfect fit for today鈥檚 students who have a passion to care for and nurture their environment,鈥� said Dr. Ana Jurcak-Detter, assistant professor of biology. 鈥淲hile many other programs offer biology or science-based courses, our students will also take courses in politics, public policy and sustainability. They can also tailor the degree by taking courses within eight subdisciplines.鈥�
For instance, a student could combine the program鈥檚 biology and ecology courses with courses from other disciplines to incorporate sustainability and conservation within a business setting or through environmental education, government advocacy, wildlife law enforcement, nature-focused writing and more. For more information about the new program, visit .
WESTAR GREEN ENERGY PROGRAM
麻豆视频 is one of 14 Kansas organizations enrolled in Westar鈥檚 new Green Energy Program and will be able to claim a portion of the energy generated by the Soldier Creek Wind Energy Center. The agreement will lock in a portion of the university鈥檚 electricity prices for up to 20 years. Friends expects to save approximately $30,000 annually based on today鈥檚 energy utilization rates. The wind farm will be built in Nemaha County and will begin operations by the end of 2020.
“We applaud Friend’s University’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions,” said Chuck Caisley, senior vice president, public affairs and marketing and chief customer officer, for Westar Energy. “Renewables Direct provides cost-effective access to Kansas’ excellent wind energy resources. We appreciate their role in making the introduction of this new program a success.”
Other existing projects that continue to contribute to a more sustainable campus, include:
- Solar Panels 鈥� These panels above the entrance to Edmund Stanley Library produce DC electricity, which is converted into AC electricity and provides some energy cost savings for the building. The university received an $80,000 grant from Westar in 2016 to install the system.
- Recycling Program 鈥� The campus鈥� recycling program collects office paper, junk mail, magazines/catalogs, newspapers, aluminum cans, glass and more.
- Paul鈥檚 Pond – The pond and its water fountain located by Kellogg Avenue are not just a pretty water feature that attracts a variety of wildlife. It also plays an important role in helping to control waste water runoff on campus.
麻豆视频, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.