Donors support student sustainability efforts at MSU

Green is a way of life at MSU

Veona Cutinho, a student with dark hair and wearing glasses and a green shirt, smiles in front of a forest.

Donors support student sustainability efforts at MSU

Green is a way of life at MSU

“Go Green!” isn’t just MSU’s favorite cheer—it’s a way of life, especially for Spartans who care deeply about sustainability.

The Eco-Rep Fellowship brings together students from every corner of campus and all courses of study to cultivate environmental responsibility through engaging and leading their peers in sustainable practices at Michigan State University.

Eco-Reps will encourage and promote environmental responsibilities and behaviors with educational and awareness building activities within the residential communities. They implement educational programs, provide guidance and information about sustainability, implement sustainable projects and create partnerships.

Annual support for the Eco Rep Fellowship program helps fund campus projects, initiatives and educational activities that help these environmental ambassadors grow their skills and lead by example in an effort to get everyone in the MSU community involved in making “greener” choices. In 2024, Eco Reps completed 12 projects and had 27 different community encounters that spread the word.

Through the program, Eco Rep Veona Cutinho developed a workshop that combined her two biggest passions: art and environmental advocacy.

Veona Cutinho speaks into a microphone. An example of her artwork is on the left.
Veona (right) with an example of her original artwork.

“My initiative delves into environment-centric approaches in indigenous and tribal art,” she says. “Participants are taught the cultural significance of such art forms to encourage values of nature preservation. The unwavering support from the Eco Rep team played a pivotal role in making this project possible.”

There are a number of opportunities each year to support student efforts in sustainability. As part of this year’s Earth Day campaign, for example, donors contributed more than $5,700, which went right to work to support the Eco Rep program, and other programs like it, in making campus—and the world—a greener place.