Green Grad Program

The Green Grad program aims to foster students who are dedicated to sustainability at Drake University and who will continue to advocate for sustainability in their lives and future careers. Participating in this program will promote engagement in sustainability research, education, service learning, and events.

To achieve a Green Grad status, students must complete a minimum of 10 sustainability points. Students will then sign a Green Graduation Pledge affirming their lasting commitment to sustainability and receive a certificate. This program will provide incentive and recognition to students engaged with sustainability on campus.

If you would like to participate, fill out a Green Grad Intent form. Once received, you will receive and email from Office of Sustainability staff confirming your acceptance into the program. The point scale and tracking form can be found below.

2025 Green Grads

Congrats to the May 2025 graduating class! This group of graduates are the second to complete the Green Grad program. Their sustainability efforts are greatly appreciated on campus, and we are proud to see them continue in the world.

Rylee Beardsworth
Sydney Dvorak
Ava Little
Mack Swenson
Katie Krueger
Leif Klarqvist

2024 Green Grads: Claire Abbott, Andrew Kennard, Jenna Baker, Paige Minor, Tyler Butler, Olivia Nole, Katie Das, Maya Peterson, Hannah Heiss, Amanda Russell, Vanessa Southgate

Tracking Points

Points Awarded	Description	Required Documentation
.5 points	Attend a sustainability related event on campus. Up to 2 points can be earned this way.	Submit event name, date, a photo, and one-page reflection (double spaced).
1 point	Volunteer with a sustainability organization on campus. 4 volunteer hours are need per one point; you can earn up to 5 points in this area. Any Office of Sustainability, DEAL, Epsilon Eta, Next Course, Ducks Unlimited, or Sprout Garden opportunity would qualify.	Certify on DUGood and submit a one-page reflection including event, date, hours, and your role. If event is not on DUGood, please include a picture in your reflection.
3 points	Take a 3-credit hour sustainability focused course and receive a minimum grade of a B-. You are not eligible if you receive points for an ENSS major or minor. May only get credit once. Attend at least 3 Sustainability Committee meetings. Host a sustainability related event or program for a Drake Organization.	Submit a digital transcript or screenshot of the course and grade. Include dates attended. Submit a 1-page reflection (double spaced) on how the event/program incorporates sustainability and your role.
5 points	Complete an ENSS minor Complete the Organizational Sustainability & Resiliency business track Complete a yearlong internship through the Office of Sustainability, SPROUT, or Next Course Food Recovery Network. Serve on EC or in a board role for DEAL Epsilon ETA, DOLC, or Ducks Unlimited Serve as an environmental chair or sustainability leader for any organization. Participate in paid research that is at least a semester long and focuses on a sustainability related question. Present sustainability research at a conference that is not required for a class.	Submit a digital transcript. Submit a digital transcript. Confirmation from your supervisor. Submit a 1-page reflection (double spaced) on your participation in the organization and initiatives you developed or were in charge of. Submit a 1- page reflection (double spaced) on your participation in the organization and the sustainability initiative you developed or were in charge of. Submit a 1-page reflection (double spaced) on the research project and how it is related to sustainability. If you already have a report, you can submit that. Please submit a 1-page reflection (double spaced).
6 points	Complete an ENSS major.	Submit a digital transcript.

You are responsible for completing the Green Grad Tracking Form at the end of each semester to update any points you earned. Office of Sustainability staff will track your progress throughout the program. Once you have earned at least 10 points, you will sign the Green Grad Pledge stating your commitment to sustainability in your future endeavors.