Los Angeles, California – Dr. Donald Strauss, founder and program chair for the MA in Urban Sustainability program at Antioch University Los Angeles (AULA), was recently named the Private College Sustainability Champion of 2015.  Each year, at the California Higher Education Sustainability Conference (CHESC), an individual is recognized based on their efforts to promote sustainability throughout their campus, the results they have achieved as a product of their work, and their ability as leaders to positively influence both students and peers.  

“I’m deeply honored to receive this award,” said Dr. Strauss. “I feel it’s an acknowledgement of the MA in Urban Sustainability program at AULA and the tremendous educational experience it provides to aspiring practitioners. The program was the result of a collaborative effort with a team of colleagues whom I deeply respect and admire. In many ways, this award belongs to the program and to the efforts of the team that worked so tirelessly to develop it.”

CHESC, an event that highlights research as well as case studies with proven successes in curriculum development and operational and community programs, was held in San Francisco in late July. The event is jointly organized by independent and private colleges, California Community Colleges, California State Universities, and the University of California and was created to provide an opportunity for open dialogue across various institutions.

“There isn’t a more deserving recipient of the Sustainability Champion award than Dr. Strauss, and we’re delighted that he has been recognized for his tremendous efforts in successfully developing AULA’s Urban Sustainability MA program,” said Dr. Tex Boggs, president of AULA. “Our university is committed to advancing social, economic, and environmental justice, and Dr. Strauss’ work embodies those values.”

For more information contact Khamilton@antioch.edu or 310.578.1080 x125.

From left: Dr.  Donald Strauss and Lindsey Kalkbrenner, director of the Center for Sustainability at Santa Clara University. Photo credit: Hagop’s Photography

About Antioch University Los Angeles

Antioch University Los Angeles (AULA) provides a rigorous progressive education to prepare students for the complexities of today’s diverse societies. AULA, a not-for-profit institution and part of the Antioch University system, has served the greater Los Angeles area since 1972. The core values of social justice, service to the community, and lifelong learning lie at the heart of the undergraduate degree completion programs in Liberal Studies, Applied Studies, Applied Arts and Media, Urban Communities and Justice, and Applied Technology and Business Leadership and graduate programs in Nonprofit Management, Education and Teacher Credentialing, Psychology, Creative Writing, and Urban Sustainability.

Inspired by the work of pioneering educator Horace Mann, Antioch University provides learner-centered education to empower students with the knowledge and skills to lead meaningful lives and to advance social, economic, and environmental justice. With campuses in Keene, New Hampshire; Los Angeles; Santa Barbara; Seattle; Yellow Springs, Ohio; and online at AU Connected, Antioch University is a bold and enduring source of innovation in higher education. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

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