When the Class of 2011 at Glenville State College walks across the stage on May 14th to receive their diplomas, the caps and gowns they will be wearing will be black in color, but they will also be green.
GSC has undertaken an ongoing effort to increase sustainability and become a greener campus. From energy saving lighting in many campus buildings, recycling collections, and tree plantings on campus, in the community and at Yeager Airport in Charleston, West Virginia, Glenville State College is trying to lessen the schools footprint on our environment.
GSC Provost Dr. John Peek initiated the idea of using recycled caps, gowns, and tassels for the graduation ceremonies. He first became aware of the practice when his son wore recycled garments during his graduation from Hendrix College in Arkansas last year.
The caps, gowns, and tassels that the GSC graduates will wear are from Jostens environmentally responsible Elements Collection. The fabric fiber is made from wood harvested from renewable, managed forests. The fibers are proven to decompose in soil within one year. The Eco-Zip coil zipper on the gown is also made from recycled material. Jostens will also donate $1 for every gown purchased to an environmental sustainability project.
“Using recycled caps and gowns is just another step in becoming a greener institution. It raises a level of awareness among students regarding environmental issues. Hopefully it'll be something that's stays with them as they go out in the work force and other areas of society, and they'll look for opportunities in which they can make similar contributions," said Peek.
GSC already has plans to add graduation announcements made from recycled material next year. For the past couple of years, GSC has used mostly recycled paper for their Commencement Programs.
For more information about green graduation materials, contact the GSC Bookstore at 304-462-4116.
Media contact: Bob Edwards Public Relations Department Glenville State College 304-462-7361, x7610 Bob.edwards@glenville.edu
