Who We Are
The Office of Sustainability was formed in Fall 2009, stemming from the first cycle of Strategic Initiatives proposed by President Mary Lyons to make our campus more green and eco-friendly. The Sustainability Task Force first met in November 2007, charged to “inventory educational, research operations, facilities initiatives, and service learning experiences currently in place at USD that support sustainability and/or climate change programs; survey best practices at other universities; and develop a strategic plan by March 2008 that will encompass the elements of education, research, service, and operations.”
The Office of Sustainability currently has three full time staff members: Director, Energy Manager, and Administrative Assistant. This staff is designated to plan and implement sustainable practices across campus as well as apply innovative applications to improve sustainability. This office also moderates the Be Blue Go Green Team on campus. This student group educates the USD and local community regarding various ways to be sustainable in your everyday life. They also run the compost and garden area behind Missions Crossroads, complete office and home energy assessments, and create awareness around being eco-friendly.
Michael Catanzaro, Director of Sustainability
Michael Catanzaro has been at the University of San Diego since 1996. Upon completion of his Masters in Leadership he moved to the Finance and Administration division as special projects coordinator. In April of 2009 he was named Interim Director of Sustainability. During this time his accomplishments include bringing the largest solar installation to a private college/university in the nation as well as securing a partnership with SDG&E. He also opened a full-time electronic waste collection center, the first of its kind on a college campus, diverting e-waste from landfills and developing nations. Michael enjoys long segway rides on the beach and rummaging through garbage to make sure people are recycling.
Paula Morreale, Administrative Assistant
Paula Morreale graduated from the University of San Diego in 2009, receiving her degree in Political Science. She continued her undergraduate work in the Outdoor Adventures office at the campus for another year before returning back to school to receive her masters. After completion of her Masters in Business Administration from Azusa Pacific University, she rejoined USD as Administrative Assistant in the Office of Sustainability. She helps to run the E-Waste center, an electronic waste collection site that diverts e-waste from landfills and developing nations, as well as various programming events to raise awareness around conservation and everyday sustainable practices. Paula will pedal her way into your heart, enjoys a nice cup of tea and will turn off your lights for you (even when you are still in the room).
Brianna Tracy, Graduate Assistant
Brianna Tracy graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2010, receiving her degree in Marine Science. She is currently a third-year Marine Science Master’s student at USD researching invasive and native ascidian species in Mission Bay. She is often the “voice” being the USD Sustainability Department Twitter and Facebook and helps organize the USD student-run sustainability club – Be Blue Go Green. In the years to come, she plans to (hopefully) secure a job working in Marine Policy/Environmental Conservation or consider a PhD in Marine Science or Biology. Brianna enjoys collecting bunnies (they are natural composters), drinking water out of her blue reusable cup, and baking (no nuts please!).
