Spelman College News Deepening Its Sustainability Commitment, Spelman College Becomes New Aashe Institutional Member ATLANTA (Aug. 10, 2010) Spelman College has recently become a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education to further campus efforts toward building a healthy and just world. Through membership in AASHE, Spelman will receive support in advancing its sustainability initiatives throughout the institution and in the community. "Membership in AASHE provides Spelman with access to unlimited sustainability networking, information and resources that will help to guide us on our path to achieve a greener Spelman," said Art Fraizer III, director, Facilities Management & Services, Spelman College. "It is through the leadership and vision of Spelman President Beverly Daniel Tatum that this was able to happen." AASHE enables higher education institutions to meet their sustainability goals by providing specialized resources, professional development, and a network of peer support. Membership covers every individual at an institution, so the entire campus community can take advantage of member benefits. "We are delighted to have Spelman College on board and participating in the campus sustainability community," said Paul Rowland, executive director of AASHE. "This shows a real commitment to playing a leadership role in some of the biggest challenges of our time, and provides the campus community with access to thousands of examples of best practices in campus sustainability." Among AASHE's major programs is a standardized, comprehensive assessment instrument called STARS, or Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System. STARS metrics cover every sector of campus, from planning and administration to operations to education and research. With STARS as a roadmap, institutions can select meaningful and appropriate pathways to sustainability while conserving valuable resources, combating global warming, and building healthier communities. AASHE is one of two supporting organizations for the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment. Over 650 presidents and chancellors so far have committed to lead their institutions to climate neutrality as soon as possible. About AASHE AASHE is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future. Its mission is to empower higher education to lead the sustainability transformation. It does this by providing resources, professional development, and a network of support to enable institutions of higher education to model and advance sustainability in everything they do, from governance and operations to education and research. AASHE defines sustainability in an inclusive way, encompassing human and ecological health, social justice, secure livelihoods, and a better world for all generations. AASHE is a member-driven, independent 501(c)(3). Links STARS - www.aashe.org/stars ACUPCC - www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org AASHE - www.aashe.org AASHE Discussion Forums - www.aashe.org/forums ### Spelman College: Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a prestigious, highly selective, liberal arts college that prepares women to change the world. Located in Atlanta, Ga., this historically black college boasts a 79 percent graduation rate, and outstanding alumnae such as Children's Defense Fund Founder Marian Wright Edelman; former U.S. Foreign Service Director General Ruth Davis, authors Tina McElroy Ansa and Pearl Cleage; and actress LaTanya Richardson. More than 83 percent of the full-time faculty members have Ph.D.s or other terminal degrees, and the average faculty to student ratio is 12:1. More than 2,100 students attend Spelman. For more information, visit: www.spelman.edu<http://www.spelman.edu>. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404.592.4820 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/meeting-form.html for the October 24-26, 2010 HBCU Library Alliance 4th Membership Meeting and the "Conference on Advocacy" pre-conference in Montgomery, AL. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.