Sustaining Pacific

Pacific University opened the Center for a Sustainable Society in July, headed by recently retired College of Arts & Sciences Dean John Hayes. The center will be a clearinghouse to coordinate, support and expand the efforts of various campus groups working to advance the sustainability aspect of Pacific’s mission.

“We can mitigate some of the effects (of human destruction to the environment) by taking action now. Universities, as centers of teaching and knowledge, need to take the lead,” he said. “Pacific has an ethical obligation to help solve some of the really serious global issues, and it all starts with education.”

Hayes is spending August and September collaborating with existing University groups and listening to their input. Top among his priorities are discussions with the faculty and staff Sustainability Committee, original founders of the Greening Pacific Offices campaign of a few years ago, conversations around sustainable landscaping and facilities, and close work with student groups.

“Students need to be full partners in whatever we do,” he said. “I plan to work with them on making things happen that they have a vital interest in.” ■

This story first appeared in the Fall 2012 issue of Pacific magazine. For more stories, visit pacificu.edu/magazine.