"I highly recommend Ambassador Program; they provided me with the tools and resources I needed to make a meaningful impact. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to get involved in their community!"
- Jamie Walther, Administrative Coordinator, Cooperative Extension
Sustainability Ambassadors
Building Community and Making Impact Through Community Engagement and Giving Back
Are you organizing things like food drives, invasive species clean-ups, or other community events? Or are you interested in helping lead these efforts for colleagues at UNH but need help and inspiration? The UNH Sustainability Ambassadors program aims to connect faculty and staff across campus who want to be part of a community that cares about people and the planet and the wellbeing of our communities – and have fun while doing it!
The Sustainability Institute and the Office of Research, Economic Engagement and Outreach are partnering to coordinate the UNH Sustainability Ambassadors program, a community of practice and a gateway for networking, collaboration, and idea and resource sharing. The program is open to all UNH employees: You do not need to be an expert in sustainability! You only need to have a strong interest in making a positive impact. Engagement projects of all kinds help build communities that are healthy and resilient.
Interested in participating?
Questions? Contact El.Farrell@unh.edu.
1. Can I use my benefit of 8 hours of paid Community Service as part of my Ambassador community service work?
Yes! Please make sure your hours are approved by your supervisor.
2. Are students eligible to be a Sustainability Ambassador?
At this time, the program is only open to UNH faculty and staff. Sustainability Ambassadors are welcomed to invite students to participate in planned community events. Students who are interested in getting involved in other sustainability-related volunteer, internship or hands-on experiences should contact Kelsey.Farrell@unh.edu.
Why be an ambassador, and what do they do?
- Be part of a cross-campus community that cares about people and the planet and the wellbeing of our communities.
- Meet new colleagues at our Sustainability Ambassador networking events, make new connections across campus, and serve as a resource
- Make a difference on campus and/or in local communities by participating in, or facilitating, community engagement projects for colleagues from your unit*
- Provide regular input and feedback on ongoing campus efforts and share challenges and opportunities from your unit/team
- Be invited to events to learn about the latest campus sustainability efforts and exciting new practices, including Lunch and Learns and Sustainability Ambassador networking events
- Build valuable peer education, coaching, planning, and facilitation skills
- Provide peer coaching to incoming Sustainability Ambassadors
- You are encouraged to add your role as a Sustainability Ambassador, your Sustainability at UNH Micro-Credential badge, as well as your Sustainability Ambassador Micro-Credential badge to your LinkedIn profile.
- Be invited to a special annual celebration and recognition event with UNH Leadership
- Contribute to building a culture of sustainability!
*Did you know all benefitted staff and faculty receive 1 day each year to be used for community service, yet only 2% of employees used this benefit in FY23?
Lisa Aquizap
Tom Bebbington, Communications Director, CHHS
Brian Blank, Head Coach, Alpine Skiing
Elizabeth Burakowski, Research Assistant Professor, EOS
Nikki Cogdill, Library Resources Coordinator
Suzanne Cooke, Senior Lecturer, Life Sciences, UNH Manchester
Elizabeth Cross, Senior Program Support Assistant, Psychology
Jack Dibb, Emeritus Professor, EOS
Peter Ejarque, Facilities Mechanic
Ngozi Enelamah, Assistant Professor, Social Work
Mae Flibotte, Assistant Director of Education and Outreach, Beauregard Center
Igor Garcia, Administrative Assistant III, Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences
Piero Garafalo, Professor, Classics, Humanities, and Italian Studies
Kelly Giraud, Associate Professor, Natural Resources and the Environment
Erin Hale, Senior Lecturer, Natural Resources and the Environment
Isabella Hart, Assistant Director of Admissions
Amanda Harvey, Administrative Coordinator, Office of Community, Civil Rights, and Compliance
Emily Langelier, Communication Coordinator, Professional Development and Training
Cayce Jones, Career and Professional Success Director
Ashby Kinch, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School
Rachel Lachance, Senior Immigration Advisor, Office of International Students and Scholars
Sarah Lamy, Educational Program Coordinator, Online and Continuing Education
Maggie Lund, STAR Grant and Contract Administrator I
Molly Lunn Owen, Associate Director of Development, Advancement
James Malo, Facilities Supervisor
Patty Mathison, Basic Needs Coordinator & Case Manager
Maggie McConaghy, Administrative Coordinator, CHHS Dean’'s Office
Pam Mullavey, Administrative Coordinator, Paul College Dean’'s Office
Colleen Monahan, Clinical Associate Professor, Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
Steve Neer, University Registrar & Assistant Vice Provost, Academic Affairs
Sean O’'Brien
Emma Pennewell, Senior Academic Advisor, Paul College Graduate Programs
Marek Petrik, Associate Professor, Computer Science
Wendy Pothier, Business and Economics Librarian
Leigh Pratt, Office of National Fellowships Director
Stacey Purslow, Farm to School Coordinator
Jenna Riley, Center for Career and Professional Success
Sydney Rollins, STEM-MoBILE Program Coordinator
Sarah Romac, International Scholars Advisor, Office of International Students and Scholars
Bettina Sietz, Administrative Assistant, Cooperative Extension
Laura Smith, Principal Lecturer, English
Constantine Spandagos, Assistant Professor, Natural Resources and the Environment
Jessica Steele, HR Operations Representative
Jennifer Sulewski, Research Assistant Professor, Institute on Disability
Sharon Tarleton, Assistant Director, Student Accessibility Services
Rachael Upham, SEVIS Coordinator
Mike Ury, Program Coordinator, Housing Facilities
Sara Varela, Research Project Manager III, Center for Impact Finance
Jamie Walther, Administrative Coordinator, Cooperative Extension
Easton White, Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences
Steve Weglarz, Facilities Mechanic
Danielle Whiteneck, Education Center Volunteer Program Manager, Cooperative Extension
Rebecca Whittier, Enrollment Specialist
Sara Badger-Wilson, Administrative Services Specialist, Student Life
Caroline Wilson, Operations Manager, Center for Career and Professional Success
C.J. Wong, Assistant Professor, Engineering & Physical Sciences
Elizabeth Webber, Associate Director, Office of International Students and Scholars
What are examples of engagement projects ambassadors could plan and organize?
Organize a food drive in your department for Cats Cupboard
Work with Trash 2 Treasure to provide necessary volunteer support for spring collections and/or fall move-in sale
Work with Nature Groupie on a landscape/invasive plant clean-up
Partner with Cooperative Extension to engage in community-based service
Facilitate a "Sustainability Lunch & Learn" discussion for your unit (e.g. around a topic, and/or sharing sustainability news, events, and resources with your colleagues, etc.)
Participate in off campus sustainability-related community engagement offered through UNH Serves or other resources (e.g. beach clean-ups, trail building, etc.)
