You could say there's a lot of garbage in Stephen Po-Chedley's Union experience.
Po-Chedley, a member of Ozone House at 1294 Lenox Ave., joined with other house members last year to create U Recycle, a recycling program specifically for campus dorms.
“I've always been environmentally minded,” says Po-Chedley. “I grew up in an atmosphere that fostered it. My parents drive a hybrid car and they compost; I had teachers who were environmentalists, too.”
Po-Chedley is among 80 students from 59 colleges and universities nationwide who have been selected 2006 Udall Scholars for their leadership and work on environmental, health care or tribal public policy issues. The Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation honors the legacy of Congressman Udall, a key player in the Alaska Lands Act of 1980. Each scholarship provides up to $5,000 for one year.
Po-Chedley, a physics major, and his Union peers started U Recycle with the help of Physics Professor Seyfollah Maleki and support from Facilities.
“We've probably done seven tons of recycling,” Po-Chedley said. “Our goal is to have a more environmentally sustainable campus.”
In addition to his work with Ozone House, Po-Chedley is involved in Campus Action, the Union College EMS and Safe Space. He recently organized a physics talk on depleted uranium. “I hope to apply physics to environmental issues,” he says of his career aspirations.
Po-Chedley and the other Udall Scholars were chosen on the basis of their leadership potential, academic achievement and career commitments. They will gather in Tucson, Ariz., Aug. 2-6 to receive their awards and meet policy-makers and community leaders.
“It's going to be a tremendous learning opportunity. I'm going to meet 79 other scholars, all with different focus on the environment and policy aspects,” Po-Chedley says. “I'll work in groups and discuss a service project. It'll be interesting to see the different styles and approaches of people with the same goals.”
There have been 836 Udall Scholars since the first awards were given in 1996. This year's scholars come from a group of 445 candidates nominated by 224 higher education institutions. For a list of 2006 scholars, visit www.udall.gov.