When the College needed to hire a new sustainability coordinator, a search committee sorted through more than 100 resumes. In the end, though, the group simply recycled a familiar name from the past.
Meghan Haley-Quigley '11 in front of
Octopus's Garden, Union's organic
community garden
Meghan Haley-Quigley ’11 was recently chosen to replace the retired Terry Miltner as the guru of all things green. As co-president of U-Sustain and the Environmental Club, Haley-Quigley worked tirelessly to promote sustainability and green initiatives on campus. The environmental policy major (with a minor in French) was honored as the Kenney Community Center’s Volunteer of the Week.
She’s expected to bring that same passion and commitment to her new job, only this time she will get paid.
“This position is crucial to raising the campus community’s awareness in all areas of sustainability,” says her boss, Loren Rucinski, director of Facilities. “Meghan was very active as a leader for sustainability as a student, and we look forward to her helping us in our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.”
We recently got reacquainted with the Sea Cliff, N.Y. native.
Why come back to Union?
Once I was offered the position, the decision to return to Union was easy. This is such a wonderful opportunity to work in an environment I am familiar with, build upon the working relationships I had already established and take things a step farther than I was able to as a student. I'm very excited and looking forward to collaborating with most every department on campus as well as the community. There are opportunities to enhance sustainability across all disciplines.
What are the three best “green” things about the College?
That is a hard one. I would have to say that the top three green things at Union are the passage of the Green Fee, our commitment to the goal of carbon neutrality and the new Wold building!
How do you plan to get more people involved/thinking about sustainability here?
I hope to build allies across campus by slowly introducing myself and discussing opportunities for collaboration. The environmental movement at Union has always been fun, and I want to include new groups and departments in the most creative ways possible.