Campus Catalyst Awards

Recognizing those whose contributions deepen our culture of sustainability

Indiana University has made significant strides in campus sustainability because of the innovation and hard work of students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community members. Sustain IU wishes to recognize these outstanding efforts to ensure a lasting positive impact by promoting sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impacts while supporting an equitable and prosperous IU with the annual Campus Catalyst Awards.

Since 2012 the annual Campus Catalyst Awards have recognized individuals, departments, and offices that have made a significant difference in the classroom, on campus, and within the community; to exemplify IU’s continuing efforts to become a sustainable institution and set an example for environmental stewardship and responsibility.

Accepting nominations!

Nominate 2025 Campus Catalysts until March 31, 2025.

Nominate

Do you know someone that strives to create a more sustainable IU?

Now is your chance to recognize their contributions by nominating them for a Campus Catalyst Award. These awards celebrate remarkable accomplishments of IU sustainability catalysts and thank them for their leadership, innovation, and positive impact as the campus community works together to sustain IU.

Sustain IU is seeking nominations for the following categories:

Candidates for this award have developed pedagogy and curriculum which reinforce and advance principles of sustainability through course design and instruction. This award celebrates persons who have exhibited excellence in one or all of the following areas: 

  • Innovation: Creative integration of principles of environmental, social, and economic sustainability through innovative curriculum design and instruction.
  • Impact: Teaching and mentorship which inspires student engagement in sustainability projects on campus or beyond. Pedagogy which advances IU's vision to become an international leader in the development of sustainability-focused academic degrees and programs.

Candidates for this award are Staff (Service, Support and Professional Staff) who have made outstanding contributions and achievements in advancing campus initiatives addressing sustainability challenges with overlapping and complex ecological, social, and economic dimensions. This award celebrates persons who have exhibited excellence in one or more of the following areas:

  • Innovation: Development of creative and ground-breaking approaches to addressing complex social, environmental and economic sustainability issues on the Bloomington campus and beyond.
  • Impact: Lead by example in reducing the environmental impact and promoting responsible and ethical practices in sustainability.

Candidates for this award are IU students (undergraduate and graduate) who display leadership characteristics that have guided campus initiatives with overlapping and complex ecological, social, and economic dimensions. This award celebrates persons who have exhibited excellence in one or more of the following areas: 

  • Innovation: Development of creative and ground-breaking approaches to addressing complex social, environmental, and economic sustainability issues on the Bloomington campus or beyond.
  • Impact: Leadership which inspires campus community members to develop or engage in sustainability initiatives which will have significant environmental, social, and economic impacts on campus, in the community, or beyond. Leadership which engages critical campus stakeholders in integrating sustainability into campus academics and operations. Leadership of a project or initiative that has resulted in tangible positive outcome(s), which are critical to enhancing sustainability at IU. Leadership critical to enhancing IU's stature as an international leader in sustainability.

Candidates for this award are Faculty or Staff who have made an impact mentoring and guiding a student in addressing sustainability challenges with overlapping and complex ecological, social, and economic dimensions. This award celebrates persons who have exhibited excellence in one or more of the following areas: 

  • Mentorship: Guidance which confers relevant expertise and knowledge with enthusiasm. Aiding student in navigating career journey. Inspiring the student to excel in sustainability work and beyond. 

Campus Catalysts may be affiliated with any IU campus.

Award recipients are honored at the annual Sustainability Symposium. Click here to see a list of all Campus Catalyst Award recipients.

Make Nominations Here

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Campus Resources

IU Bloomington Sustainability

Office of Sustainability
E-House
704 E. 10th Street
Bloomington, IN 47408
Phone: 812.855.9195
sustain@iu.edu