Loch Sheldrake, NY —Continuing its longstanding commitment to be a leader in environmental sustainability in the Catskills and across higher education, SUNY Sullivan proudly announces that the College has signed onto the University Global Coalition, helping to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in partnership with higher education institutions around the world.
“For more than two decades, SUNY Sullivan has acted on the belief that sustainable development begins with campus operations,” said SUNY Sullivan Associate Professor and Sustainability Coordinator Larry Reeger. “Infusing sustainability into student life and academics is what we already do. Joining the University Global Coalition is a natural fit.”
“Sustainability is at the heart of who we are and what we do at SUNY Sullivan,” said SUNY Sullivan President Jay Quaintance. “Joining the UGC allows us to further the reach of these efforts to act locally and think globally.”
Founded in 2019 by an international group of university leaders, the University Global Coalition (UGC) promotes the incorporation of the UN SDGs into the teaching, research, operations, and partnerships of higher education institutions. The UGC promotes sharing resources and best practices in incorporating the SDGs to transform institutions into global actors with holistic definitions of sustainability.
As part of the new collaboration, SUNY Sullivan recently participated in UGC’s Sustainable Development Goals Action and Awareness Week by hosting a two-day interactive opportunity for students, staff, and other campus community members to learn more about the 17 SDGs and what SUNY Sullivan is doing to help meet them, as well as share their thoughts about how the College and individuals can contribute to a more sustainable world.
“The goal of this is to hear what the students think,” said Reeger. “We want to engage them where they are and to try to affect change locally.”
Ryan Grodin, a liberal arts and science major from Wurtsboro, said he wanted to see the College implement more responsible consumption and production strategies.
“I think (the College) should work toward implementing reusable eating utensils and plates and ditch the to-go boxes,” said Grodin. “Overall, I think the school is a good steward of the 17 SDGs. Prior to signing on, Sullivan helped me to be more mindful about the concerns/goals that need to be addressed in order to positively impact the world. Now, with the 17 goals I think it will help the school put ‘words’ to the actions they are already taking.”
By joining UGC, SUNY Sullivan agrees to work toward increasing student understanding of the most pressing challenges facing the world today as articulated Sustainable Development Goals and inspire students to play an active role in driving change and finding new solutions. In addition to supporting other UGC goals, SUNY Sullivan also agrees to continue its longstanding efforts to recognize the impact that College’s operations have on important sustainable development issues and act responsibly to address them and serve as an example to others. For more information on the UGC, visit https://universityglobalcoalition.org/.
SUNY Sullivan’s commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility is central to the College’s mission and informs all aspects of our curriculum, campus operations, and community engagement. Through innovative Green Building Technology and Environmental Science degree programs, energy-saving campus infrastructure, and unique community partnerships, SUNY Sullivan has become a leader in environmental sustainability in the Catskills and across higher education. For more information on sustainability at SUNY Sullivan, visit sunysullivan.edu/sustainability-at-sullivan.
About SUNY Sullivan
SUNY Sullivan is the leader of innovative higher education and a catalyst for workforce development throughout the Sullivan Catskills and beyond. Our diverse community cultivates personal growth and professional advancement, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world. A forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York, SUNY Sullivan offers over 40 degree programs, certificates, and micro-credentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. We value critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect.