Unity College to Hold Greenest Commencement in its History, Author Kate Braestrup to Deliver Address

Unity, Maine – March, 2010 –  Will Unity College host the greenest college commencement in the United States?  Whether or not any college or university can support such a claim, the fact remains that officials are certain the 2010 exercises will be the greenest in the 44-year history of the environmental college.

     Unity College commencement exercises are scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 8, in the gymnasium on the college campus, 90 Quaker Hill Road, Unity, Maine. Author and Chaplain of the Maine State Game Warden Service Kate Braestrup will serve as the keynote speaker.

     Full details of the 2010 commencement festivities, honorary degrees and awards are available online at www.unity.edu.

2010 Commencement Procession

     “We believe that our 2010 commencement will be among the greenest held anywhere,” noted Alumni Relations and Events Coordinator Kate Grenier. “Our theme this year is on ‘search and rescue’ of the environment and frugal sustainability, which means being green in a way that is also cost effective, progressive and enlightened.”

     “Unity leads in pursuing sustainability,” said Associate Director of College Communications Mark Tardif. “The term sustainability refers to practices that can be continued indefinitely without adversely impacting future generations' quality of life. From recycling to building practices and now to commencement, Unity College provides numerous examples of environmental leadership in a complex world.”

Unity College Approach for a Sustainable Commencement

     In its continuing quest to increase environmental awareness, Unity College implemented a number of initiatives intended to make the events of the 2010 commencement more sustainable. The College examined many aspects of its commencement, from the food offered to the carbon emission reductions needed in order to reduce the environmental impact of the commencement and related festivities.  

New Initiatives for 2010

E-invitations sent to families and friends

Composting event wastes

100% post-consumer recycled diplomas

One program provided per family and per graduate for fewer printed programs

Eco-friendly plaques

Caps and gowns made from 100% post consumer recycled plastic bottles. Fabric spun from molten plastic pellets.  It takes an average of 23 plastic bottles to make each graduation gown.

Recurring Initiatives

Local and organic foods comprise nearly three quarters of the total food prepared

Programs printed on 100% post-consumer paper or alternative fibers

Sustainability information offered through educational signs/posters

Efficient fluorescent lighting utilized in gym

Catering rents reusable plates, flatware, glassware, cloth linens for less trash disposal

Potted decorations borrowed or replanted after use throughout campus

Local and organic or sustainable graduate gifts

Green cleaning using eco-friendly products 

Did you know that Unity College committed to buying 100% of its electrical power from Maine-based renewable resources since 2003?

During commencement ceremonies graduates will pledge to live sustainably.

Pledging to Live Sustainably

     The class of 2010, family members and alumni will be asked to pledge to learn more about how they can reduce their carbon footprint, decrease their use of energy and responsibly dispose of any waste generated during commencement weekend and in their lives.

     “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. Students voted to convey the honor of handing out the saplings to Director of Student Activities Mike Davis.

     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 senior banquet will be held on Friday, May 7, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Unity College gymnasium. Professor Barry Woods will deliver an address.  For details contact Kate Grenier at (207) 948-3131, ext. 301, or e-mail kgrenier@unity.edu.

     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.