UW News

November 16, 2011

Etc.: Campus news & notes

HFS' Michael Meyering is among those interviewed in 'Unwasted.'

HFS

ZERO WASTE? When Sage Environmental Services, a Seattle provider of green janitorial services, decided to make a video on waste reduction, they needed some local experts to interview. They found some right here on the UW campus. Appearing on the hourlong video are Housing & Food Services staffers J.R. Fulton, capital planning and sustainability manager; Micheal Meyering, project and sustainability manager and Clive Pursehouse, administrator. Also included are Eric Johnson, manager of recycling and solid waste; Ruth Johnston, associate vice president of finance and facilities; and students Martin Su and Dan Brody.

The video, Unwasted: The Future of Business on Earth, focuses on the Pacific Northwest and Seattle-metro area as an example of innovation and creative waste diversion. Sage Environmental made the video in order  to “define Zero Waste as it relates to everyday businesses, organizations large and small, municipalities and individuals, while simultaneously offering suggestions about how to begin the journey.”

Verna Greenlee as a student.

Verna Greenlee as a student.

SOCIAL WORK GIFT: A School of Social Work alum who died earlier this year bequeathed $260,000 to the school. The gift from Verna M. Greenlee, a 1957 graduate, will fund graduate students in social work.

“My sense is that Verna probably struggled as a single woman putting herself through school, and she wanted to help students who may face a similar struggle,” said Maribeth McKinney, Greenlees longtime friend. “Vernas education was truly a life-changing event for her — a change that she hoped others would be able to experience.”

Any university alum or supporter can contribute to The Verna M. Greenlee Endowed Social Work Fellowship. Applications for the fellowship will be available in spring 2012.

NATURAL STAR: The Western Society of Naturalists has named Friday Harbor Labs resident scientist Megan Dethier (UW Department. of Biology)  as the 2011 Naturalist of the Year.  This award is recognizes “those unsung heroes who define our future by inspiring young people with the wonders and sheer joy of natural history.”  This is the second time a labbie has won the award (Terrie Klinger was honored in 2008).  “It is a well deserved recognition of Megan’s hard work as an educator and researcher, and her devotion to the natural history of the intertidal zone,” said Friday Harbor Lab Director Ken Sebens.