Profile of a Patriot

Through the Lugar Energy Patriot, Senator Lugar profiles a student, professional, scholar, or member of the business community who has demonstrated leadership and initiative in taking concrete action to improve America's energy security. In addition to the profile posted here, individuals will receive a certificate designating them Lugar Energy Patriots, and a letter of congratulations.

GreeND
University of Notre Dame

Senator Lugar presents the Lugar Energy Patriot Award to Colleen Kelly, left, and Lourdes Long, right, cofounders of GreeND, a student group at the University of Notre Dame focused on energy and environmental issues.

Students at Notre Dame know they can make a difference in safeguarding the environment and improving our energy security.

“Solving our energy crisis for future generations requires a nation of leaders – leaders in government, industry, science and leaders in our great universities.  I am honored to recognize the achievements of this group of leaders at Notre Dame,” Lugar said.

The University of Notre Dame is known for its academic excellence and has been on the cutting edge of energy conservation and research in Indiana.  A group of students expanded on this tradition of excellence by starting a new initiative, GreeND.  With a close eye on energy conservation and environmental awareness, Senator Lugar is pleased to name GreeND as the October 2008 Lugar Energy Patriot.  

“What started as a group of about 10 students has developed into a solid interest base of 150 students and over 800 subscriptions to our email publication,” said Lourdes Long, president and co-founder of GreeND. 

Securing America’s energy future requires all of us to do our part as individuals and as communities.  GreeND’s collaboration with administration, faculty and students has led to many successes in the past year.  GreeND founders wanted to think big, and nothing is bigger than Notre Dame Football.  They began a recycling program at Fighting Irish football games that has now been adopted by the Notre Dame Administration.  In just a single game GreeND collected more than 16 tons of recyclables, which otherwise would have ended up in a landfill.   

Building on the progress made through the recycling program and looking to have a more daily impact, 25 of the 27 dorms have “sustainability commissioners” who have a strong interest in energy and encourage students within each building to live a more sustainable and environmentally friendly life. 

“Energy issues are so critical.  It’s not just for people who are most passionate about it.  Ensuring each dorm has a sustainability commissioner is another way we are reaching out to students to show how comfortable a sustainable lifestyle can be,” Long continued.

“One evening, we gave the commissioners 1,400 new energy-efficient light bulbs to distribute to students and an hour later they returned with 1,400 old bulbs.  We could not be happier with their success.”  Others events hosted by sustainability commissioners include a dorm energy contest and “Recycle Mania.”

Leadership opportunities and development are another way GreeND is touching the lives of students at Notre Dame. 

“Leading GreeND has really taught me to work with a diverse group,” said Colleen Kelly, vice president and co-founder.  “I am learning everything from meeting facilitation to collaboration to accountability and delegation from this experience.  Learning life lessons like these is what makes this so wonderful,” said Kelly.

When asked about the future plans of GreeND they replied: “This is only the beginning.” 

Senator Lugar agrees.  That is why we congratulate GreeND on being a Lugar Energy Patriot.