Center for Sustainability at Aquinas College

There are some exciting changes coming to AQ’s waste sorting! We are so excited to announce that we have the opportunity to save things such as plastic bags, ziplock bags, bubble wrap and so much more from the landfill with the help of NexTrex. If you want to check out a more detailed guide on what can go in each bin, head on over to our waste sorting guide to know exactly what can go where! https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MqQIuPjl5wihjvYG09R4cNDFJZt5YIIJ/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=102611201834474235304&rtpof=true&sd=true
♻️ Happy recycling Saints ♻️

🌻Meet the Team🌻
Say hello to Aubrey, our Sustainability Intern! As an Environmental Science senior at Aquinas College, Aubrey is passionate about learning, sustainability, and making a positive impact. We are so excited to have her on our team!

🌱Meet the Team🌱
Say hello to Jen who is our Director of Sustainability! With 25 years of experience in conservation and environmental stewardship, Jen is dedicated to helping people build meaningful connections with nature and inspiring positive environmental change. We are so grateful for the expertise and passion she brings to our team every day!

In case you haven't already heard, AQ is now an accredited arboretum! 🌳 Massive thanks to our Campus Tree Advisory Council for paving the way over the years to put us in a better position to connect people with nature!

From campus to 'tree museum': Aquinas College officially recognized as international arboretum The college officially achieved accreditation from ArbNet as a class II urban arboretum in February

The Center for Sustainability couldn't be prouder of graduating Senior Sustainability Intern, Leah Rohrer, for her amazing dedication and leadership in our center, on our campus, and beyond! We have been blessed to have her on our team!

Special congrats to Leah Rohrer, our winner of the 2026 Bukowski Award! We’re going to miss you. 🏆

To learn more about Leah, visit https://www.aquinas.edu/news/2026/arboretum.html

Help us keep usable unwanted items out of the landfill by donating them to AQ Thrifts! Please place donations into collection bins found in the lobbies of residence halls, apartments or the entrance to the Center for Sustainability. You can help us sort by placing washable items (i.e. fans, books, dishes, decorations, etc,) into the AQ Thrifts collection bins while placing all broken or soft goods (blankets, rugs, clothing, towels, etc) in the Goodwill bins in the residence halls or in the Goodwill trailer behind St. Rose of Lima.

The Community Garden season has begun, grab your volunteer week while you can! Shifts are one week long and require about 2-4 hours of work throughout the week. Tasks include watering, weeding, planting, and harvesting and training will be provided so whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, we would love for you to get involved! Sign up on our Linktree! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JXEby3NJerrIu6QaAGI-U_DCzoawqWpk/edit?gid=971863100 =971863100

Join us on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 4:00 PM EDT for the 29th Annual Wege Speaker Series featuring a virtual presentation with author and celebrated environmental advocate Audrey Peterman.
Please register at: wegespeaker2026.eventbrite.com

Join the AQ Center for Sustainability for a watch party in AH 127!

Sign up to volunteer in the AQ community garden now! Shifts are one week long and require about 2-4 hours of work throughout the week. Tasks include watering, weeding, planting, and harvesting and training will be provided so whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, we would love for you to get involved! Sign up on our Linktree or at this link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JXEby3NJerrIu6QaAGI-U_DCzoawqWpk/edit?gid=971863100 =971863100

We're getting ready for the annual "We All Live Here" service day on Friday, April 25th. Come together to care for our shared spaces through service projects at Aquinas College, Marywood, and Wilcox Park. Find the registration form here: https://forms.gle/zdy2rN4Cwtb24tLV9 or on our linktree to sign up today!