Earth Week Impact Over 600 people participated in Earth Week activities, from hands-on volunteering to sustainability education and giveaways.
Creek Cleanup Volunteers removed more than 700 pounds of garbage from the creek, helping restore the natural ecosystem and protect local wildlife.
Clothing Donations We collected 255 pounds of clothes, which were distributed through our campus free store and then donated to local organizations in need.
Community Partnerships Our Resource Fair and Farmers Market featured 27 partner organizations, connecting students to local resources, sustainable businesses, and volunteer opportunities.
Careers in Sustainability The Careers in Sustainability panel offered practical insight into the diverse paths professionals take in the field, highlighting the value of flexibility, collaboration, and long-term growth. Panelists shared their experiences working with teams across engineering, finance, legal, and design, emphasizing that sustainability touches nearly every industry. They encouraged students to think about where they want to grow over time, to communicate in ways that resonate with different audiences, and to stay open to new opportunities—even when the path isn’t linear.
Sustainable Events We supported multiple green events across campus by providing compost bins, waste sorting, and education, making sustainable choices more accessible.
Composting Progress We reached 100,000 pounds of food waste diverted from landfills as of March 2025. Our industrial composter, which launched in June 2024, now produces finished compost that’s used on campus landscaping as of February 2025.
Dominique is a first-generation student and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in environmental science with a certificate in water studies at Metropolitan State University Denver. Dominique has always been passionate about education and its power to help others. She is part of the student associates marketing team. Her goal is to learn better ways of communicating science with the public.
Izabella attends University of Colorado - Denver and is currently working towards her undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, Society, and Sustainability. She is a Displaced Aurarian who feels a strong connection to the Aurarian campus. She is enthusiastic about the ASCP’s effort to develop and foster the campus into a sustainable community. Izabella is excited to be a part of this program to contribute to positive change through her work focused on organic waste management.
Mike is a junior at University of Colorado - Denver pursuing a Bachelors' degree in Economics, with a focus on labor rights, environmental sustainability, and land usage. He currently works with the Compost Operations department at ASCP, collecting, sorting, and processing waste from all over our wonderful campus, and giving said waste a second life, transforming it into usable, healthy soil. Outside of work, Mike enjoys snowboarding, gardening, watching movies, but more than likely he is studying in the library.
Caroline’s role works on supporting and expanding the Auraria Sustainable Campus Program (ASCP), campus outreach, sustainability program evaluation, and environmental mitigation activities. She is responsible for developing and executing the ASCP’s Education and Outreach plan, assisting the Director of Sustainability with Annual Greenhouse Gas Inventory requirements, and contributing to project research, strategic planning, and project proposals. With the help of the ASCP team, Caroline will educate the Auraria Campus on the program’s progress towards its goals and encourage behavior changes that result in measurable impacts. She is excited to increase awareness of the resources, projects, and programs provided by the ASCP and encourage students and faculty to incorporate sustainable practices both on and off campus.
Jennifer is graduating with her Master's in Marketing from the University of Colorado Denver. While at the Auraria Sustainable campus Program she developed skills in leadership as well as a better understanding of branding and everything that entails. Commutrics and Earth Week were her biggest projects, while also focusing on the growth of the undergraduate student associates. Jennifer's leadership and event planning skills were an asset to the team and supports her as she embarks on this next chapter.
Graduating with an environmental science degree at MSU, Max is so grateful that he had the opportunity to not only have a job that's enjoyable, but is in a field he cares deeply about. Working here at the ASCP has not only been fun, but has developed important skills for him. From tranquil trike rides through campus on a nice spring morning to sorting waste on a freezing December day, it has all been enjoyable! Everybody that works here is great at what they do and always helpful and supportive. It is special to work with a small but mighty team that can make a measurable impact for sustainability here on campus. He can’t wait to finish out the summer semester!
Cameron Ehrle is completing his internship in Hospitality Leadership at Metropolitan State University of Denver. During his time with the Auraria Sustainable Campus Program, Cameron deepened his knowledge of sustainability and explored how to integrate these values into his future career. He contributed to the monthly newsletter and supported project management for events such as Spooktacular and Earth Week. Cameron’s creativity and attention to detail made a positive impact, and the team wishes him all the best in his future endeavors.
We have volunteer opportunities and exciting events to share with you. Explore upcoming ASCP events and happenings on campus below!
Join us at the Auraria Connect Garden for our Listen and Grow: Educational Garden Sessions!
Campus community members are welcome to join and help do some volunteer activities in the garden while they listen. Sessions are free to attend.
We can't wait to see you at the Auraria Connect Garden, located at North Speer Blvd. & Saint Francis Way, Denver CO 80204.
The ASCP Free Store is closed for the Summer starting May 12th.
Please visit us again in the new school year!
Join us in our fight against hunger and food waste on campus by using the Share Meals app! Sign up to see which events around campus have food that will be available to community members. You can find free food nearby through Share Meals; see how much is available and how long it’s up for grabs. The app also has a list of centers across campus where students can find free food, personal care items, and other helpful resources. Sign up today by downloading the app on your phone or by using the web version!
Click here or the image above to be navigated to our webpage for more information and to get started.
