Credit: Provided

Marianne Arcangeli, administrative assistant and student services representative at the College of Human Ecology (CHE), has been recognized as the first Cornell University Staff Sustainability Champion for her contributions to sustainable development and social equity on the Cornell campus.

The new Staff Sustainability Champions program, developed by the Employee Assembly and the Campus Sustainability Office, recognizes staff members who exemplify Cornell’s commitment to sustainability, showing leadership and initiative to catalyze change for a more sustainable campus and planet. Anyone can submit a nomination at any time, and those recognized will be featured in the Employee Assembly newsletter, on the Sustainable Campus blog and newsletter, and by Career/Life Digest. Every Staff Sustainability Champion will also be considered for the annual Cornell University Partners in Sustainability Awards. Nominations for this program recognize students, faculty and community partners, as well as staff.

Arcangeli coordinated the Winter Blues and Greens cooking demonstrations this year for CHE’s Green Ambassadors and college staff and faculty interested in community well-being and sustainability. The event, held in the Department of Nutritional Science’s cooking lab, focused on sustainable cooking techniques and healthy recipes. Arcangeli was responsible for finding the presenters, advertising the series, purchasing food and supplying the attendees with the recipes.

Arcangeli also organized a presentation on local community-supported agriculture models (CSAs) that deliver to CHE. Despite a busy job, including covering for a co-worker out with illness, Arcangeli has been a cheerful and active part of CHE’s Green Ambassadors, say those who nominated her.

Arcangeli says her deep commitment to sustainability is inspired by her love for her granddaughters and her respect for the late Angela Stedwell, Human Ecology SUPER Green team member.