Ara Vickers

How would you describe sustainability at L&C?

The success of L&C’s sustainability initiatives are rooted in community members such as Sustainability Director Amy Dvorak, the grounds team, professors, students, and many others. The student body at Lewis & Clark is overwhelmingly interested in sustainability measures, which means there is tremendous potential for future engagement and projects. I’m excited by student-led initiatives on campus which advocate for equitable, sustainable systems. I’m hopeful that this passion can be continued to build stronger community systems.

What’s your involvement with any sustainability initiatives on campus? What’s the best part of your experience?

With Amy Dvorak, I implemented and now manage the ReUse Room, which is a sustainable thrift shop on campus. At the ReUse Room, students can donate and shop for free clothes, dorm and housing supplies, school supplies, and other wanted or needed items. The ReUse Room seeks to support students who want to be more sustainable in their shopping as well as provide a community support system. As a self-supporting student who grew up impoverished, I recognize the importance for sustainability initiatives to be available to all socioeconomic backgrounds and I am excited for that space to exist on campus. Please come visit us to contribute and take things you’d like or need!

Location and times are available online. Please email reuseroom@lclark.edu if you would like to get in touch about participating. I’m also happy to answer any questions about items we have to save you a trip.

What should incoming students know about sustainability at LC?

Please get engaged with the school and your peers! L&C is full of conscientious, future-focused individuals who seek to improve systems on a personal, local, and global level. It can be tremendously discouraging to be engaged while being educated about destructive forces, but taking action in your community is a great way to feel empowered in a disempowering world.

How does sustainability prepare students for life after L&C?

Engaging in sustainability at L&C helps students build resilience in problem solving.