[Rosemont, IL] – Northwestern College was presented with the Governor’s Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact Bronze Award during a November luncheon in Oak Brook.  The College received this award for its achievements in environmental protection.  Accepting the Award for Northwestern College that afternoon at McDonald’s Hamburger University in Oak Brook was Lauren Schumacher, the College’s Marketing Coordinator and Campus Sustainability Director.  Northwestern College was honored that afternoon along with twenty other colleges and universities; in addition, twenty two Illinois companies and organizations were awarded the Governor’s Sustainability Award for their efforts in protecting the environment and helping to sustain the future. 

Specifically, Northwestern College was awarded the Bronze Award for making a commitment to creating a sustainability program and engaging the campus community.  The College has also pledged to reach the next level of sustainability – Silver – by the year 2015.  Institutions reaching the Silver level are ready to make targeted commitments to greening their operations and monitoring performance.

These Campus Sustainability awards were presented by the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC), a unit of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois.  For twenty five years, ISTC has presented Governor’s awards to organizations in Illinois that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental excellence through outstanding and innovative sustainability practices that will also save money and help the economy. Now ISTC is also recognizing participants in the Illinois CampusSustainability Compact, which outlines environmental goals that colleges and universities may adopt on their campuses. The Compact includes objectives such as purchasing renewable energy, implementing green building practices, developing sustainable transportation options, and improving water conservation.

“We are excited that Northwestern College is moving forward with efforts toward sustainability at each of our three campuses – Bridgeview, Chicago and Naperville - and at our central administration offices in Rosemont,” commented Lauren Schumacher, Northwestern College’s Sustainability Director.  “There are so many things we can do at our campuses to green our operations and create awareness among our students, faculty and staff.  We look forward to achieving our Silver in the very near future!”

About Northwestern College:

Northwestern College (NC) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, http://www.ncahlc.org.  The college offers focused career-oriented associate degree and certificate programs with flexible schedules and a supportive faculty. Day, evening, weekend, online classes and online programs are available with campuses in Chicago, Bridgeview, and Naperville. More information can be found at www.northwesterncollege.eduor by calling toll-free (888) 205-2283.