Category: Students

SUST 350 Students Organize Concert & Fun Fest @ Eden Place Farm (Fri 10/15) & Nature Center (Sat 10/16)

Dear RU community — The students of Prof. Mike Bryson’s SUST 350 Service & Sustainability class have dedicated this past week to planning two pop-up events to help our longtime community partner non-profit org, Eden Place Nature Center and Farm, survive and thrive in these difficult pandemic times.

  • Friday 10/15 Music! “Farm Aid” benefit concert (6:30pm, doors open at 6pm) to save Eden Place Farms (live in person at 4911 S. Shields Ave., Chicago). Live concert is free to attend in person, with suggested donation and mandatory vax proof; make any online donation for livestream access.
  • Saturday 10/16 Family Fun! “Family Fun Fest” event at the Nature Center the following day, Sat 10/16, from 12-4pm to connect with the community and help raise funds. Details below.

Here’s how you can help with Saturday’s Fun Fest!

Where: Eden Place Nature Center (4417 S. Stewart Ave.) — 10min walk from the 47th St station on the Red Line, or EP staff can pick you up at the station if needed

When: Set up from 9:00am-12:00pm , event at 12:00pm-4:00pm , clean-up 4:00pm-5:00pm

What: Looking for at least 1-2 people to manage the raffle/pumpkin pick-up booth and a wristband seller at the entrance during 12-4pm event. Also looking for raffle donations from local businesses, saleable clothing items and/or plants in small pots.

Activities: Train ride and pumpkin/plant pot painting (wristband activities), bake sale, raffle, thrift and houseplant sale, and free games such as jumbo Jenga, basketball, cornhole, etc.

RU Contact People:

  • Alyssa Spleha (aspleha@mail.roosevelt.edu), SUST 350 student event organizer (main student contact for volunteering at event)
  • Gabriel Gonzalez (ggonzalez25@mail.roosevelt.edu), SUST 350 student thrift sale organizer (for dropping off gently used clothing @WB today or Friday)
  • Mike Bryson (mbryson@roosevelt.edu), SUST 350 prof (for general questions)

Eden Place Contact Person:

  • Michael Howard (michaelhow@msn.com), Eden Place executive director and co-founder

If you have some time this week to contribute to this effort, please get in touch with Alyssa or Gabriel to find out how you can help and discuss logistics. The most pressing need is for a couple extra people to help work the entrance and booths at the Fest. However, if you can bring some clean articles of clothing to WB for the thrift sale, that’d be great too. Sorry about the short notice, but we’re doing the best we can on a tight deadline!

All off-campus volunteers would need to complete the RU Travel Waiver Form. Return to me (mbryson@roosevelt.edu) prior to the event. 350-98 RU Waiver Forms 2021Fall.pdf

Peace and thanks to all,
The SUST 350 Service / Eden Place Team

Apply Now for SUST Work-Study Opportunities for 2021-22

The Sustainability Studies Program @RooseveltU is hiring up to three undergraduate students to work as Sustainability Student Associates for the Fall 2021 semester. Information and application instructions for this part-time position can be found on Student Employment website: to apply, just login to the Handshake job posting system and upload your letter of interest, résumé, and writing sample.

The application deadline as been extended to Friday 10/08/21 and interviews will be conducted the following week via Zoom. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. A cover letter, updated résumé, and writing sample (which can be paper written for an RU class) are required for the application. Note your FWS eligibility status in your cover letter.

Applicants should explain their interest in advancing campus sustainability as well as highlight their prior knowledge about and/or skills in relevant sustainability issues and practices (e.g., recycling, gardening, event planning, data analysis, student outreach, etc.)

Desired Majors: Sustainability Studies, Sociology, or Biology preferred; however, all majors will be considered.

Required Skills/Knowledge: Knowledge of and interest in sustainability; strong writing/editing skills; effective communication skills; dependability and strong work ethic.

Scope of Duties: This $15/hour FWS student position will work at the Chicago Campus as well as remotely to support the mission, pedagogy, and service work of the SUST Program at Roosevelt by the following (other duties as assigned):

  • developing & supporting campus sustainability projects in consultation with the program director, department faculty, operations and planning staff, and the RU Green student organization;
  • providing logistical and communication support for sustainability-related activities, events, and projects, both on- and off-campus;
  • supporting student experiential learning, recruitment, retention, & career development efforts;
  • coordinating & promoting departmental events & campus outreach (e.g., Campus Sustainability Month [October], SUST Symposia, & Earth Month);
  • performing current student and alumni outreach;
  • serving as the primary student liaison between the SUST Program and the university community in the advancement of RU’s 2015-2020 Strategic Sustainability Plan;
  • managing the Roosevelt Urban Sustainability Lab (RUSLab) & WB Rooftop Garden

Student Associates will work closely with the SUST Program Director, Prof. Mike Bryson, and utilize the Roosevelt Urban Sustainability Lab at the Chicago Campus as their home base. Funding for the position is provided by federal work-study funds.

Please email Prof. Bryson (mbryson@roosevelt.edu) for questions about the position or application process.

Fall 2021 Return to Campus

With Illinois and the City of Chicago recently entering Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan, Roosevelt is excited and optimistic that the plans for more in-person operations this fall will be realized. In accordance with public health guidelines, changes will be coming to our facilities in preparation for safe and efficient return to campus. Below is information and resources to this effect, as copied from the Roosevelt Covid-19 website. These guidelines/requirements will be updated as new information becomes available.

Updated Mask Protocol

Per CDC criteria, Chicago and Schaumburg areas have moved into “substantial transmission” status. Beginning Monday, August 2, masks will be required for all individuals while on campus. The only exceptions are when eating in spaces designated for eating (the dining center and Fainman Lounge), when alone in your office or when in your residence hall room. Read more about mask guidance while on campus. The COVID-19 Response Team continues to monitor the state of public health and will provide updates to the community as needed.

Capacity Limits

Effective Tuesday, July 6, in accordance with Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan, capacity limits are lifted for all campus spaces. Please note, work is beginning to remove or adapt signage and furniture around campus to reflect these changes. We appreciate your understanding and patience. If you have any questions about a particular space on campus, please ask Physical Resources.

Visiting Campus

Roosevelt is committed to a safe and responsible return to on-campus operations this fall. Please use the following guide to help plan your return to campus.

Step 1: Submit Your Vaccination Documentation

Students and University employees planning to return to campus must submit vaccination documentation or have an approved exemption at least 48 hours prior to visiting campus. Read more about the Roosevelt vaccination requirement.

Students submit their documentations here: roosevelt.edu/vaccine-student

Faculty and staff submit their documentation here: roosevelt.edu/vaccine-employee

Step 2: Fill Out Your Daily Self-Assessment

Students and University employees who have uploaded proof of vaccination or an approved exemption will continue to fill out the daily self-assessment form. A digital “sticker” indicating they are cleared to be on campus will appear on the same screen as the green check mark after a successful daily self-assessment. It may take up to 24 hours your sticker to appear after your proof of vaccination is uploaded. 

Students, faculty and staff don’t forget to download the mobile app (iOS or Android) to make your campus entry more efficient.

Step 3: Show Your Verification to Campus Safety

Show campus safety your verification via the RU app or the self-assessment kiosks at campus entrances. 

Guests and University Contractors

Residential guests will be required to register with the Dean of Students prior to their visit, at which time they will have to submit proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test within three days of their visit. They will complete the guest daily self-assessment form and be logged in Campus Safety’s badging system upon arrival on campus. 

Employees of regular University contractors (custodial staff, cafeteria workers, etc.) and members of rental partner communities will follow their respective rules on vaccinations/testing. Those individuals will continue to fill out the guest daily self-assessment form. All will need to have RU IDs. Individuals identified by the contractor/partner as compliant with their rules at the beginning of the semester will be issued a physical sticker to be added to their ID, indicating they are cleared to be on campus.

All other visitors to campus will complete the guest daily self-assessment form. They will also be logged in Campus Safety’s badging system upon arrival on campus. 

Pathways to Grad School: SUST Alumni Share Experiences & Advice

As part of our Earth Month 2021 program of virtual sustainability events this past spring semester, five distinguished alumni of Roosevelt’s Sustainability Studies (SUST) program met via Zoom on Thursday, April 29th, to talk about their recent grad school experiences. Our panelists recounted their process of researching, selecting, and applying to a graduate program; what their time in graduate school has been like; and how their RU education prepared them for graduate study.

Alumni Panelists:

  • Yessenia Balcazar (BA ’18), MA ’21 at University of IL Chicago (Urban Planning)
  • Wilmarie Medina-Cortes (BA ’19), MA student at University of IL Chicago (Museum Studies)
  • Lindsey Sharp (BA ’16), MA student at Wayne State University (Anthropology)
  • Moses Viveros (BA ’17), MA and MBA (’20) graduate from Chatham University (Food Studies and Business Administration)
  • Charlton Zimmerman (BA ’19), MPA student at University of Delaware (Public Administration)

Moderator: Dr. Mike Bryson, Professor and Director of Sustainability Studies, Roosevelt University’s College of Arts & Sciences

Link to Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/z1fOIjj20dQ

Since its founding in 2010 as the Chicago area’s first sustainability-focused bachelor’s degree, the SUST program’s more than 100 alumni have pursued a wide variety of career and graduate education pathways, community and environmental service projects, and creative endeavors. Other SUST alumni who have gone on to graduate school include:

  • Margaret Allen (BA ’19, newly accepted to MS program in Environmental Sustainability @ Loyola University Chicago
  • Josh Campbell (BA ’13), Tom Lewallen (BA ’15), Akilah Mitchell (BA ’16), UIC Urban Planning MA program
  • Mike Magdongon (BPS ’13), MBA @ Erasmus University (Netherlands)
  • Ben Shulman (BPS ’12), UIC Communications MA

SUST alumni are currently enployed in a wide variety of fields:

  • Margaret Allen (BA ’19), Industrial Hygiene Technician at Environmental Design International
  • Zarakyah Ahmadiel aka Troy Withers (BPS ’13), Restorative Practices Coordinator for Blocks Together / Cameron Elementary School
  • Yessenia Balcazar (BA ’18), Bryant Williams Intern at Southeast Environmental Task Force; Transportation Intern at Chicago Aviation Authority
  • Christian Cameron (BA’14), Urban Forester & Youth Educator
  • Maria Cancilla (BPS ’18), Horticulture Intern @ Shedd Aquarium; Garden Educator @ Gardeneers / Americorps
  • Karen Craig (BA ’15), Manager of Retail & Visitor Experience at Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance
  • Stephanie Eisner (BA ’13), Program Manager & Philanthropic Advisor at Caerus Foundation
  • Brittany Janney (BA ’18), Environmental Technician with Davey Resource Group
  • Reece Krishnan (BA ’16), Energy Specialist at Franklin Energy Services
  • Tiffany Mucci-Heitman (BPS ’16), Freelance Writer, Massage Therapist and Holistic Health Pro
  • Jessie Crow Mermel (BPS ’12), Marketing & Development Assistant at Severson Dells Nature Center; On-farm Educator at Angelic Organics Learning Center
  • Rebecca Quesnell (BA ’15), Sustainability Coordinator @ RU; Sustainability Director @ Independent Recycling Services
  • MaryBeth Radeck, Entrepreneur & Sustainability Consultant, Director of Project Operations @ +Intention, Owner of Caring Transitions
  • Diana Ramirez (BA ’17), Chicago Program Coordinator at Student Conservation Association
  • Emily Rhea (BA ’16), Project Manager & Energy Analyst @ Eco-Achievers
  • Cheryl Roberts (BPS ’14), Energy Manager @ GE
  • Ben Shulman (BPS ’12), Director of Publishing @IIT Architecture, Blogger, Editor
  • MeLissa Tate (BA ’18), Corporate Sustainability Specialist @ Ferrara Candy Company
  • Ron Taylor (BPS ’12), Director of Parks & Energy @ City of Harrisburg
  • Jesse Williams (BA ’15), Director of Sustainability @ Rust Belt Riders

Earth Week 2021 @RooseveltU

This April is #RUEarthMonth2021, and there are lots of ways to go green at Roosevelt as part of our university sustainability efforts, whether you’re on or off campus — from attending talks to hearing from SUST alumni to joining fellow students in RU Green’s activities. All events are virtual and detailed information can be found in the various links below!

Mon 4/19 thru Mon 5/3 — Spring 2021 Student Research and Creative Scholarship Symposium: week-long event featuring a mix of live sessions, poster presentations and pre-recorded oral & performance studies presentations. Student presentations will be posted on the site during RSRS week. Register for sessions ahead of time (not required) to receive a link to add the event to your calendar.

Mon 4/19 thru Th 4/22 — RU Green Earth Week Activities for students, including an Environmental Success meeting (Mon), Day in Nature (Tue), and Planting & Good Vibes (Th).

Tues 4/20 — Nature, Love, & the Healing Wilderness: a talk by author and naturalist Tom Fleischner, sponsored by Prof. Mike Bryson’s SUST 101 Humans & Nature class and the Resilience Studies Consortium (3-4:15pm).

Th 4/22 Earth Day — RU Alumni Talk Sustainability: two panel sessions, each featuring five SUST alumni talking about the sustainability work they do in their jobs, communities, and personal lives, as well as reflecting on the meaning of Earth Day (1pm and 6pm).

Th 4/29 — SUST Alumni Talk Grad School: join recent SUST alumni as they recount their process of researching, selecting, and applying to a graduate program; what their time in graduate school has been like; and how their RU education prepared them for graduate study (5-6pm).

Throughout April — Earth Day Service Opportunities & Events throughout Chicago, sponsored by the Chicago Conservation Corps (C3) and other organizations. Check out the many events listed here by C3 as well as these by the Cook County Forest Preserves. Help clean up parklands, restore natural areas, and meet conservation-minded and nature loving sustainability nerds from across the city. Fun and rewarding in a deeply spiritual and dirt-under-your-nails kind of way!

Earth Day 4/22: RU Alumni Talk Sustainability

This Earth Day, April 22nd, join alumni of Roosevelt’s Sustainability Studies (SUST) program as they talk about the sustainability work they do in their jobs, communities, and personal lives, as well as reflect on the meaning of Earth Day. Since its founding in 2010 as the Chicago area’s first sustainability-focused bachelor’s degree, the SUST program’s more than 100 alumni have pursued a wide variety of career pathways, community and environmental service projects, and creative endeavors.

Please join Dr. Mike Bryson, Professor and Director of Sustainability Studies in Roosevelt’s College of Arts & Sciences, as he hosts two virtual roundtable conversations on Earth Day with SUST alumni. Learn about how sustainability plays a role in their current jobs, get inspired by their service and activism, and engage in thoughtful discussion about the state of the world in 2021 and its sustainable future. Two roundtables are scheduled: the first at 1pm and the second at 6pm (both CST), each featuring different alumni. All members of the RU community are welcome to attend one or both!

— REGISTER HERE for these Zoom events —

Moderator: Dr. Mike Bryson, Professor and Director of Sustainability Studies, Roosevelt University’s College of Arts & Sciences

Alumni Participants – 1 PM Session

  • Maria Cancilla (BPS ’18), Garden Educator
  • Karen Craig (BA ’15), Manager of Retail & Visitor Experience at Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance
  • Reece Krishnan (BA ’16), Energy Specialist at Franklin Energy Services
  • Tiffany Mucci-Heitman (BPS ’16), Licensed Massage Therapist and Freelance Writer
  • Emily Rhea (BA ’16), Project Manager and Energy Analyst at Eco Achievers

Alumni Participants – 6 PM Session

  • Zarakyah Ahmadiel (BPS ’13), Restorative Practices Coordinator for Blocks Together / Cameron Elementary School
  • Jessie Crow Mermel (BPS ’12), Marketing & Development Assistant at Severson Dells Nature Center; On-farm Educator at Angelic Organics Learning Center
  • Stephanie Eisner (BA ’13), Program Manager & Philanthropic Advisor at Caerus Foundation
  • Diana Ramirez (BA ’17), Roving Forest Corps Leader at Student Conservation Association (Americorps)
  • MeLissa Tate (BA ’18), Corporate Sustainability Specialist at Ferrara Candy Co.

Sign Up Now for the RU Career Fair on Th 4/8

Dear Roosevelt Students,

Don’t miss your opportunity to meet 1:1 with employers at the upcoming Spring 2021 Virtual Career Fair on Thursday, April 8, 2-5pm.

There will be 58 companies and organizations participating in this fair to recruit for their internship and full-time and part-time job opportunities! In addition to registering for the fair, you will also need to schedule times to meet with individual companies. Time is running out, so be sure to take action soon!

You can register for the career fair on Handshake by logging in here with your RU Net ID. You will be able to see full details of the participating companies and their descriptions, as well as the position type and job titles for which they are recruiting.

If you have any questions about the career fair, please contact the Office of Career Development at career@roosevelt.edu.

Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center
Academy for Urban School Leadership
Adam J. Garcia State Farm Agency
Advantage Properties Chicago, Inc.
Allendale Association
Allstate Insurance – Louis Dodd Agency
Alzheimer’s Association
Argonne National Laboratory
ATI Physical Therapy
Aunt Martha’s Health & Wellness
BMM Logistics, Inc.
Chicago HOPES for Kids
ChildCare Careers
City Year
Coast Incorporated
ComPsych
Concordia Place
Fast Enterprises, LLC
FOX6–
HappiLabs
Heartland Alliance
Hines
IAB Solutions
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Illinois Department of Corrections
Illinois State Police Recruitment
Illinois Student Assistance Commission
Illinois Tollway
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Ivy Residences
Jewel-Osco
Kiddie Academy
Lansing Public Library
LaSalle Network
Lawrence Hall
Little Friends, Inc
Metropolitan Family Services
Mid-America Real Estate Group
Misericordia Home
Mobile Therapy Centers
Paylocity
Peace Corps
Pulse Technology
Ravinia Festival
Roosevelt University – Office of Admission
Simply Bee Counseling
Suncloud Health
TCS Education System
Thresholds
Topel Forman
U.S. Army – Chicago
U.S. Attorney’s Office
U.S. Department of State
United States Secret Service
Westrec Companies
Willis Towers Watson
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources – DNR
Zeller