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Lecturer Sharon Roy was recently granted a generous donation of $31,880, allowing for a sustainability garden to be created on campus split between the new college of business building, Hyland Hall, and the Roseman Building.
After her dream became the dream and ambition of many student organizations, the once considered potential "working tool for the university" has yet to be approved by the UW-Whitewater administration.
The benefits the garden would bring to the campus and community are endless.
Roy's proposed project is an opportunity for UW-Whitewater, a non-agriculturally focused school, to join other campuses within the UW System and across the nation in the fight for sustainability.
The garden will be a driving force for promoting environmental literacy to undergraduate, graduate and non-traditional students, something that is not often encouraged thoroughly enough within the walls of a non-agricultural school.
Although it is unrealistic to believe a mutual agreement will always be found on proposals involving frivolous spending, the various benefits of Roy's sustainability garden are undeniable. Not to mention, the grant was specifically developed for this initiative.
In a "strategic plan" for our university, created and posted on the chancellor's homepage of the UW-Whitewater Web site, I find it ironic when it says, "In our quest for premier status among regional comprehensive colleges and universities, we will pursue sustainable excellence…" yet Roy's path to bring sustainability to our campus has been anything but easy.
At the end of the day, the garden will not only provide our campus with a practical, educational resource, but also act as a statement twisted within UW-Whitewater's own environmental values of sustainable excellence.
The garden would offer an oasis on campus for students, faculty and community members to embrace the environment and the importance of sustainability. It will also be a chance for students, especially, to learn lessons of ownership on campus.
The long-term dedication and commitment to the garden was unmistakable through the voices of student organizations such as Whitewater Student Government, Students Allied for a Green Earth, and P.E.A.C.E. (Peace, Education, Action through Creative Engagement) in meetings between the Campus Landscape Planning Committee and students.
So why would something, which seems to solidify our campus, be contingent upon a committee request for future maintenance plans among others?
Maybe the faith in students upholding their undying dedication to the maintenance of the garden is undermined by the Campus Landscape Planning Committee, or maybe the ambitious, dedicated voices just aren't heard. Whatever the reason, for now, students will have to continue to admire the breathtaking scenery of gravel, construction and concrete, which currently makes up the majority of our campus.
However, for what it's worth, Roy deserves recognition for her ambitious determination to make a difference. Her voice is an inspiration to all students with ambitions reaching far above anything else. Her actions have shined through her stressful journey, and if nothing else, have proven the importance of standing up for everything you believe in, despite whatever outcome, good or bad.
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