The goal of the sustainable business department is to graduate students who clearly understand conventional business and the non-conventional approach of sustainable business that successfully remedies the deepest environmental, social, and business problems facing our society. The sustainable business graduate will also have the ability to apply conventional and sustainable business principles in a variety of organizational settings.
During summer 2010, Dr. Matt Tueth was on Chicago radio station WCPT (820 AM, 92.7 FM - North, 92.5 FM - West, 99.9 FM- South) discussing sustainable business.
You can now ride the Rapid for just 40 cents a ride! >>View the bus schedules online. Take advantage of our ever-improving public transportation system. The buses always run on time (or within a few minutes of scheduled time) and bus stops are numerous. Plus, we have that great new bus station along US 131 to utilize! Give it a try and "walk the talk". >>More information on riding the bus
Exciting International Perspectives in Sustainable Business Field Experience in Costa Rica
Following a semester of study in a Special Topics in Sustainable Business (SB310) course entitled "International Perspectives in Sustainable Business," Dr. Deb Steketee, Center for Sustainability Program Director Jessica Eimer, and seven Sustainable Business students traveled to Costa Rica to experience Sustainable Business innovations first-hand, learn about the Costa Rican culture, and brush up on some Spanish language. The program was graciously organized for the group by EARTH University in Guacimo, Limon and Dr. Deb Steketee.
From May 11 through 23, 2009, the group traveled around Costa Rica, beginning at EARTH's rustic La Flor campus in Guanacaste (Northwest) where they learned about the cultivation of mangos and rice and biodiversity of the tropical dry forest, and spent a day on the Pacific studying coastal development. A once-in a lifetime opportunity to meet Dr. Dan Janzen was realized in Guanacaste National Park where Janzen is working on restoration of the tropical dry forest and a DNA barcoding project which will alter our lives in unimaginable ways. A taste of the forestry industry followed with a trip to Precious Woods in La Cruz. Next they traveled to the beautiful Finca La Anita, a diversified tropical flower and macadamia farm which specializes in eco-tourism. The group had a unique and rewarding opportunity to have traditional coffee in the home of a local family during their stay at La Anita.
After a whirlwind trip to the cloud forest of Monteverde and the the University of Georgia, Costa Rica Campus, the group visited Doka Estates to learn about coffee production and what organic and fair-trade certification entails, while indulging in a few caffeinated samples. After a night's stay in the capital city of San Jose, the group headed east to EARTH University in Guacimo, Limon, where they spent three days experiencing a variety of sustainably-minded agricultural strategies, touring banana and pineapple plantations, experiencing Costa Rican traditions on the Traditional Farm Tour, visiting a local, small-scale ecotourism venture, and interacting with EARTH students. Ater departing from from EARTH, the group returned to San Jose to tour a textile factory that supplies Maggie's Organics, a garment company based in Ann Arbor, Mich. The group wrapped up the trip by touring museums and salsa dancing in San Jose. Participating students included Mariel Borgman, Ann Erhardt, Michelle Miscisin, Kalee Mockridge, Katie Rogala, Rachel Tueth, and Adam Zahn.
Extraordinary Student trip to Charlottesville, Virginia and the Offices of William McDonough
Our group at McDonough and Partners Offices
and
at Thomas Jefferson's Estate - Monticello
On June 21, 22, and 23, 2006 Dr. Deb Steketee, Dr. Matt Tueth, Center for Sustainability at Aquinas College Program Director Jessica Eimer, and nine Sustainable Business upper class students visited Charlottesville, Virginia at the invitation of sustainable architect and designer William McDonough. Our group spent a full morning touring the facility, discussing past and current sustainable projects, and talking with McDonough himself for nearly an hour. McDonough is probably the leading visionary for sustainable business in the world today and was as cordial and generous during our visit as he was brilliant. The chance for students to actually see how the business of McDonough and Partners conducts its day-to-day affairs was so valuable. McDonough has said that he is very impressed with our Sustainable Business Program here at Aquinas and has agreed to an on-going supporting and advisory relationship.
Our group also toured Monticello, the former estate of Thomas Jefferson located just outside of Charlottesville and the campus of the University of Virginia. Jefferson, a brilliant, self-taught designer himself, has long been an inspiration for McDonough's innovative approach to his work. Participating students included Megan Cramer, Jennifer Maleski, Melissa Cunningham, Vicky Gless, Tarin Foster, Jessica Zahn, Tetsu Maki, Robert Reynolds, and Michael McLean. What a fantastic experience!
Our Sustainable Business
Department Continues to Grow!
In six years, the Sustainable Business
Department has grown to more than 70 majors. This substantial interest
and growth in the program is quite impressive. Also noteworthy
is the high quality of our students and the stimulating and
valuable discussion contributions they provide during our class
sessions. Professors and students alike find the program challenging
and exciting to be so fully engaged in this "next
Industrial Revolution."
Spring Semester 2011 Sustainable Business Courses
Class: SB 201 - Sustainable Business Management
When: Tuesdays and Fridays from 12:15 - 1:30 p.m.
Professor: Dr. Matthew Tueth
Class: SB 315 - Building Social Capital
When: Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:50 - 12:05 p.m.
Professor: Dr. Deb Steketee
Class: SB 320 - Sustainable Business Innovations Lab
When: Third quad, Tuesdays from 6-10 p.m.
Professors: Dr. Deb Steketee, Mr. Bruce Thompson
Class: SB 395 - Cases in Sustainable Business
When: Fourth quad, Mondays from 6-10 p.m.
Instructors: Dave Rinard and Paul Murray
AQ Sustainable Business
Program Featured on Fox 17
A segment from Grand Rapids affiliate WXMI Fox 17 on AQ's Sustainable Business program and sustainable business in West Michigan. West Michigan is thought to be one of the national leaders in Sustainable Business.
Interesting Reading
Fundamentals of Sustainable Business - by Matthew Tueth
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by
Nature by Janine Benyus**
The Ecology of Commerce by Paul
Hawkin**
Cradle to Cradle by William
McDonough**
Let my People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
Living Downstream by Sandra
Steingraber**
Natural Capitalism by Paul Hawkin,
Amory Lovins, and Hunter Lovins**
The Natural Step for Communities by James and Lahti
A Sand County Almanac by Aldo
Leopold**
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson**
(**Available in the AQ Library)
If you have any SB book recommendations,
please e-mail the title and author of the book (along
with a short description) to Jessica
Eimer.
Upcoming
On-Campus and Off-Campus Conferences & Events
Click on the following link for the events calendar at Center for Sustainability at Aquinas College: www.centerforsustainability.org
Sustainable
Business External Advisory Committee
Development of the Sustainable
Business Program has been guided by the following members
of the Aquinas College Sustainable Business External Advisory
Committee. This group of civic leaders generously
lend their time and expertise toward the advancement of this
innovative program:
Peter Wege/Terri McCarthy
Wege Foundation
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Paul Murray
Environmental Manager
Herman Miller, Inc.
Zeeland, Mich.
Mark LaCroix
Divisional Vice President
Guilford of Maine
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Bill Stough
CEO - Sustainable Research Group
P.O. Box 1684
Grand Rapids, Mich.
David Rinard
Director of Environmental Performance
Steelcase, Inc.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Guy Bazzani
Principal
Bazzani Associates, Inc.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Fred Keller
CEO
Cascade Engineering
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Luis Tomatis, MD
Director of Medical Affairs
Richard M. DeVos Family
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Jeff Remtema
Architect
Progressive AE
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Jarecki Photovoltaic Information
The Aquinas College Jarecki-Lacks-Hauenstein building was constructed with energy conserving
Photovoltaic (PV) solar roof panels. The Photovoltaic roof
panels are located on the south side of the building.
A portion of building's electricity comes from these panels.
