Faces of Sustainability: Renee Ellison and Jason Juurlink
Posted on Tuesday, August 21st, 2018
From greenhouse gas reduction initiatives for homeowners and car owners, to free yoga classes that allow students to de-stress, to using the power of business to promote positive social and environmental impact – the 2018 recipients of the “22-4” Sustainability Leader Award demonstrate exceptional commitment for the betterment of our communities and our planet.
Students Jason Juurlink and Renee Ellison are the recipients of the “22-4” Algonquin College Sustainability Leader Award for the 2017-2018 academic year at Algonquin College. The “22-4” Award, named to align with Earth Day which is celebrated annually on April 22nd, provides recognition as well as a financial reward to students who volunteer a significant amount of their time to create change reflecting positive social and environmental impacts while respecting economic constraints.
Jason Juurlink is a full-time learner in the Bachelor of Building Science program, Canada’s first program of its kind. In addition to his studies, Jason has found time to volunteer with Algonquin’s AC Green Team, a peer-to-peer sustainability education program designed to have students engaging with other students on how to decrease their ecological footprint. Jason has also acted as a student content reviewer for the Introduction to Sustainability elearning series. His volunteer involvement within the community is also extensive – leading Tiny House meet-ups in Ottawa, developing a program that would enable more car owners to keep their tires properly inflated to save them approximately $140/year while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from travel on the roads, and lending his expertise in planning and project funding proposal writing to other initiatives.
Renee Ellison completed her Advanced Diploma in Business Administration during the 2017-2018 academic year. On top of keeping up with her studies, she participated in a Global Outreach project to teach English in the Dominican Republic and launched two clubs at the Ottawa campus – one focused on student well-being and the other focused on how to funnel entrepreneurial spirit toward social and environmental benefit. The Algonquin College Yogis and the founding of an Enactus Algonquin College chapter are the results of her hard work and dedication. Renee was also active as a volunteer with the AC Green Team in the 2016-2017 academic year and completed the Student Leadership Program run under Student Support Services.
“What is incredible about Enactus, is that it encourages students to think differently, innovatively and critically about how we can make an impact in the world around us. It helps students gain entrepreneurial and leadership skills with a sustainability lens, which will help to fuel the next-generation of sustainability leaders,” states Renee.
What’s Next?
For Jason Juurlink, he will be completing his Bachelor of Building Science degree at the conclusion of the 2018-2019 academic year. With deep roots planted in the Ottawa community, a certified energy auditor credential, an active promoter of the Tiny House movement and continuing to pursue his idea of reducing carbon emissions with proper tire inflation, there is little doubt he will continue to make his mark on creating positive change within the built environment.
Renee Ellison graduated in spring 2018 with an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration. The next chapter of leading and inspiring change within her community is about to unfold – and we can’t wait to see what she is able to accomplish!
Related information:
SA Clubs and Communities
Student Sustainability Award
AC Green Team
Enactus
Global Projects
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