Greenest College Commencement in the United States?

Unity College Announces “Green” Commencement Details, Senator Susan Collins to Serve as Keynote Speaker

Unity, Maine – April, 2009 – Unity College has announced its greenest commencement ever, scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, in the gymnasium. United States Senator Susan Collins of Maine will serve as the keynote speaker.

Unity College is located at 90 Quaker Hill Road, Unity, Maine. Full details of the 2009 commencement festivities, honorary degrees and awards are available online at www.unity.edu.

2008 Commencement Procession

“We believe that our commencement will be among the greenest held anywhere,” noted Alumni Relations and Events Coordinator Kate Grenier. “Our focus is on frugal sustainability, which means being green in a way that is also cost effective.”

Commencement 2008

“If there is a greener college or university commencement in the United States, we are unaware of it,” noted Associate Director of College Communications Mark Tardif.

The details that support Tardif’s assertion are many and varied, including diplomas printed on 100% post consumer recycled paper, rented plates and silverware that will be cleaned with environmentally friendly products, and energy efficient lighting generated from 100% renewable sources.

“Commencement is about the transformational journey over four years to receiving a degree from America’s Environmental College,” Grenier explained. “When students choose to attend Unity they are making a lifelong commitment, and Unity College reflects those values.”

Graduates receive a sapling tree as a symbol of their lifelong commitment to the environment and growth throughout their life. All Unity College students take a pledge to carry forth Unity’s mission, reduce greenhouse gasses, and champion sustainability efforts.

Grenier noted that Unity College is “an environmentally focused academic community dedicated to those who seek to live their passion and make a positive difference in people’s lives and the natural world.”

The details of the greenest commencement in the history of Unity College are:

100% Post Consumer Recycled Diplomas - paper is acid, chlorine and lignin free, archival paper made by Smart’s Synergy
Travel Carbon Offsets purchased by participants
Event Carbon Offsets purchased by College

Programs printed on 100% Post-Consumer Paper or Alternative Fibers
Fewer programs printed -- saved 2000 sheets of paper from 2008 Commencement
Sustainability information offered through educational booths/posters
Sustainable pledge taken by the senior class

E-Invites sent to parents – saved 2000 sheets of paper from last year
Banquet reservations made online
Composting waste from banquet
Local and organic foods served - up to 60% sustainable food
Compact florescent lighting utilized in gym

Rented plates, flatware, glassware, linens for less waste, cleaning with environmentally friendly products
Graduate gift trees planted around community or student homes. Since 1988 each graduate receives a sapling tree as part of the commencement gift. The white pine tree, with a 60 year life-span, averages 35 lbs per year of carbon emission reductions (Information on file with the Department of Energy).

100% Maine-based renewable energy
Potted decorations replanted throughout campus or borrowed from employees
Local and organic or sustainable graduate gifts

Dog Wants Out performs during Senior Banquet 2008

Green cleaning using eco friendly products certified by Green Seal or the EPA Design for the Environment Program.

The senior banquet will be held on Friday, May 8, 2009 beginning at 6 p.m. in the Unity College gymnasium. For details contact Kate Grenier at (207) 948-3131, ext. 301, or e-mail kgrenier@unity.edu.

President Mitchell Thomashow (far left facing) and Unity College Trustees

Unity College is a small private college in rural Maine that provides dedicated, engaged students with a liberal arts education which emphasizes the environment and natural resources. Unity College graduates are prepared to be environmental stewards, effective leaders, and responsible citizens through active learning experiences within a supportive community.