Are you or is someone you know a champion for sustainability?

Do you know an individual who has made an impact on campus sustainability at Wake Forest? Each year, Champions of Change are honored at our Campus Sustainability Awards Ceremony during our campus-wide Earth Month celebration, which takes place annually late March through April. Nominations typically open late February and are accepted for students, faculty, and staff who advance sustainability through 5 categories.

Champions of Change 2024

The 11th annual Champions of Change awards ceremony took place Tuesday, April 9 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm. The award winners were announced by Provost Michele Gillespie and Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Jackie Travisano. All Wake Forest students, faculty, and staff were welcome and invited to celebrate this year’s award winners and nominees.

Champions of Change Categories

Academics and Engagement (teaching, research, engaged learning)
Nominations may include classes with sustainability-focused learning outcomes, research in sustainability-focused areas, and/or opportunities to learn about sustainability through practical application.

Resource Conservation (energy, water, or waste reduction)
Nominations may include projects and efforts that have resulted in energy conservation, water conservation, waste reduction, or a combination of these areas.

Service and Social Action
Nominations may include service projects or campaigns that result in social and/or environmental justice outcomes for individuals and the communities served.

Bright Ideas (innovative ideas that have been or could be implemented)
Nominations may include sustainability-focused projects, efforts, or ideas that are unique and innovative on the Wake Forest campus.

Leadership
Nominations from all categories are considered for the Leadership award.

Champions of Change nominations are evaluated based on:

• The way(s) in which the nominee(s) has/have helped advance one or more of the WFU campus sustainability goals,
• The level of participation by colleagues within the department or unit,
• Measurable impact among constituents across campus or in the community served (students, faculty, staff, and/or community members) and
• Any additional information or data available to support the nomination.