Countless thanks and congratulations to Science Department Chair, compost connoisseur, recycling ringleader, and trash trailblazer – our own Bill Zuehlke – who was nominated for Outstanding Leader in the 2016 Sustain Charlotte Awards. Nominations are made by members of the public; this year marks the fifth annual awards. According to Sustain Charlotte, "What makes this event unique is that it brings together sustainability leaders from a range of disciplines and sectors: for profit, nonprofit, and government."

The nonprofit group Sustain Charlotte announced its annual award winners in April at an evening event coupled with an Earth Day celebration. The group recognized individuals, local nonprofits, government agencies and businesses for their work in advancing Sustain Charlotte's Charlotte 2030 sustainability plan, which was launched in 2010.

Three winners were recognized in each of nine categories: Energy, Food, Land Use, Social Equity, Transportation, Sustainable Economy, Waste Reduction, Water, and Outstanding Leader. Zuehlke was a finalist in the Outstanding Leader category for his sustainability vision and the immeasurable environmental impact he has had in the Charlotte community.

We are proud of Mr. Zuehlke, and so appreciate his environmental efforts here on campus. Colleague and friend Heidi Carpenter adds, "This is news to be shared! We all see Bill early in the morning before classes begin, during all the lunches, and after school usually with a third of his body immersed into the trash and recycle barrels!"