UPPER MIDWEST ASSOCIATION FOR CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY
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UMACS (Re)Cognition Awards

2025 NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

About the UMACS (Re)Cognition Awards

This award was created to honor the late Jim Farrell, Professor of History, American studies, and Environmental Studies at St. Olaf College. Before his passing in 2013, Jim tirelessly advocated for advancing sustainability work in the Upper Midwest. Jim's love of wordplay serves as the inspiration for the name of this award, which is meant to recognize individuals who help us re-think and re-imagine what is possible as we seek to catalyze solutions to everyday issues - just as Jim did so well.

​Recipients will display Jim’s passion for enriching their campus and/or community sustainability efforts, inspiring others to consider the impact of their daily actions, and leading on-going change. Please consider nominating recipients worthy of re(cognition) in each of the following categories:
EDUCATOR
​Nominees for this category are faculty who have made significant contributions to their campus and/or community’s sustainability efforts through outstanding instruction and mentorship.  Worthy recipients incorporate sustainability and exemplify sustainable behaviors in their research, course content, and green teaching practices. With humility and dedication to lifelong learning, these faculty members acknowledge their ability to learn from their pupils through collaboration.

STAFF
Nominees for this category are staff who have made significant contributions to their campus and/or community’s sustainability efforts through exemplary work. Worthy recipients incorporate sustainable practices and principles into their daily efforts. Through direct leadership or by example, these staff members inspire others to consider the complex environmental, social, and economic implications of their choices.

​
ADMINISTRATOR
Nominees for this category are administrators who have made significant contributions to their campus and/or community’s sustainability efforts through outstanding leadership. Worthy recipients have a vision for a more sustainable future to which they lead their community by example. They help us rethink our traditionally hierarchical relationships such that we become better collaborators. Through tireless advocacy, these individuals embody Jim's dedication to advancing sustainability.


EMERGING LEADER
Nominees for this category are students who demonstrate innovative and creative leadership in addressing sustainability issues on campus and/or in the community. One undergraduate student and one graduate student will receive the Emerging Leader award each year.
Worthy recipients enhance sustainability efforts on campus or in their community through coursework, participation in student groups or service projects, extracurricular activity, volunteerism, or other avenues. Through their drive to create positive change, these students inspire others to follow suit.
INSTRUCTIONS
Nominators will provide their contact information, affiliation, the capacity in which they know the nominee, the category to which they are being nominated, and contact information for the nominee. Nominators will answer three questions about the nominee:
  • How does this person incorporate sustainability into their work, teaching practices, leadership, or projects? 
  • How does this person inspire others to consider the environmental, social, and economical implications of their choices?
  • What significant contributions has this person made to their campus and/or community sustainability efforts?​
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UMACS (Re)Cognition Award Recipients

2024 AWARD WINNERS

Administrator: James Goblirsch, Associate Vice President for Facilities Management, Winona State University

Educator: Andrea Hicks, Director of Sustainability Education and Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Educator: David O'Hara, Augustana University, Director of Sustainability and Environmental Studies

Staff Member: Dave Barbier, Sustainability Director, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Emerging Undergraduate Leader: Hannah Stahmann, Undergraduate Intern, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Emerging Graduate Leader: Sydney McGuine, Graduate Assistant, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

2023 AWARD WINNERS

Administrator: Grace Crickette, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Educator: Chris Comstock, Faculty, South Dakota State University 

Staff Member: Mark Klapatch-Mathias, Communication Studies Program Director, University of Wisconsin-River Falls
​
Emerging Undergraduate Leader: Caleb Swanson, Undergraduate Student, University of South Dakota

Emerging Graduate Leader: Audrey Stanton, Graduate Project Assistant, University of Wisconsin–Madison

2021 AWARD WINNERS

Administrator: Eric O’Brien, Director of Sustainability, University of Northern Iowa

Educator: Beth Mercer-Taylor, Sustainability Education Coordinator, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Staff Member: Martha Larson, Manager of Campus Energy and Sustainability, Carleton College
​

Emerging Leader: Anna Moore, Graduate Student, University of South Dakota

2019 AWARD WINNERS

Administrator: Fred Rogers, Vice President and Treasurer, Carleton College

Educator: Jim Zaffiro, Faculty, Central College

Staff: Erika Bailey-Johnson, Sustainability Director, Bemidji State University

Emerging Leader: Anna Haynes, Student, Bemidji State University

2017 AWARD WINNERS

Administrator:  Jacquie Johnson, Chancellor Emeritus, University of Minnesota- Morris 

Educator: Ana Munro, North Hennepin Community College

Operations: Mike Lubberden, Central College
​

Emerging Leader: Alex Miller, Carleton College

2015 AWARD WINNER

Lowell Rasmussen, Vice Chancellor of Finance and Facilities, University of Minnesota- Morris
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  • Home
  • About
    • UMACS Board of Directors
    • UMACS Members
    • UMACS Campuses
  • Membership
  • Programs
    • Upcoming Events
    • Coffee Chats
    • Adventures in Energy
    • Retreat: UW-Stevens Point
    • UMACS (Re)cognition Awards
    • CoLabs
    • Sustainability Fellows Program
    • Circularity Assessment Grant
  • CONFERENCE
    • Call for Proposals
    • Registration Information
    • Lodging
    • Conference Schedule
    • Sponsor Opportunities
    • Conference Sustainability
    • Conference Attendee Information
    • Past Conferences >
      • 2024 Macalester College
      • 2023 University of South Dakota
      • 2021 University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
      • 2019 Carleton College
      • 2017 Central College
      • 2015 Bemidji State University
      • 2013 Decorah, Iowa
      • 2011 University of MN, Morris
      • 2010 University of WI, River Falls
      • 2008 Luther College
      • 2006 College of St. Benedict and St. John's University
  • Resources
  • Contact