Michelle Joynt is a junior at Aquinas College, majoring in sustainable business and minoring in writing. Originally from Fenton, MI, Michelle grew up spending plenty of time in the natural world and developing a passion for environmental science.

She was drawn to the sustainable business program because it balances her passion for the environment with her need for practicality. Michelle is particularly drawn to the design aspect of sustainable business guided by biomimicry. Through her studies, Michelle has gained a new awareness of the importance of simultaneously generating three kinds of value in business endeavors. Michelle has recently had the experience of shadowing Katie Rogala, a graduate of the SB program, at the regional grocery chain Spartan Stores, Inc.  Seeing first hand how Katie has carved out her position as sustainability director of the company has shown Michelle that this career field requires creativity, bravery, and hard work. 

After graduation, Michelle has goals of eventually becoming a sustainable business director for a company. She would also like to someday incorporate her minor into her career by writing a series of adult and children’s books, clearly outlining the principles of sustainable business.

Apart from her studies, Michelle has also been involved in many campus sustainability endeavors, including being an active member of the Wege redesign committee and the environmental management systems training project. 

A junior at Aquinas College, Amelia Brancheau is majoring in Sustainable Business and minoring in Spanish. Growing up in Mancelona, MI, Amelia saw firsthand how business can negatively affect the environment and she became frustrated with the lack of open discussion about the issue. Amelia was immediately drawn to the business and social aspects of the Sustainable Business Program, intrigued by the idea that business can make substantial profits while delivering significant human and natural world value.  Amelia appreciates that a key part of the movement is a sense of place; she realizes that what works for a business in one location might not work for another business in another location. 

Amelia has gained valuable experience in the field by traveling to Costa Rica through the program’s International

Perspectives in Sustainable Business class. Amelia plans to return to Costa Rica to study-abroad in the upcoming spring semester.

While Amelia is unsure of her next steps following graduation, she plans on looking at various graduate programs in the field as well as opportunities for her in Greencorps. Outside of class, Amelia is involved in several sustainability groups on campus including Students Striving for Sustainability (S3) and Environmental Political Interactive Change (EPIC).

Abigail Koprowicz, a junior from Gaylord, Michigan, is majoring in sustainable business and double minoring in Spanish and sociology. Abigail was initially attracted to the Aquinas College campus because “the mix of city and nature was a good balance for an up-north girl.” Abigail wants to be a powerful force in the movement and loves the creative aspect of sustainable business.

Abigail grew up with a strong connection to community and an intense pride in northern Michigan. In the SB program she has learned the interrelated aspects of how a healthy community functions. Abigail’s passion for studying community systems gained new perspective during a recent trip to New Zealand, in which she worked on organic farms and engaged in rich conversation with a variety of people.

After graduation, Abigail plans to attend graduate school and study environmental anthropology. She would like to use her education to travel and to consult in the field of sustainable community development and to help spread the advantages of becoming native to place. Eventually, Abigail hopes to open her own business that would offer a variety of services to enhance local community development.

Abigail is a junior class officer in the Insignis Program and is an active member of the Campus Events Programming Board. She is a major food and music junkie who also loves traveling and outdoor sports. She calls herself a “closet artist,” who designs jewelry, shirts, and scarves.   

Hannah Richter is a senior Sustainable Business major from Spring Lake, Michigan. Hannah chose Aquinas because of its small size and proximity to home, and did not initially intend to enter the SB program. Hannah was raised with a love for the outdoors, giving her an interest in environmental science; when her advisor told her of the SB program, Hannah decided that her interest in both business and the environment would make sustainable business the perfect fit.

Hannah is attracted to the educational aspect of Sustainable Business and hopes to eventually work in schools, passing the principles of sustainable business on to younger students. Hannah was able to put her passion for education into practice in the SB program’s Innovations Lab class, in which she worked collaboratively on a Grand Rapids high school education project.

Hannah interns at Metro Health Hospital, where she works to improve the organization’s sustainable business initiatives including material reprocessing and an on-site garden project. In addition to Hannah’s internship, her Costa Rica field experience in the International Perspectives of Sustainable Business course has contributed to a more clear professional vision and career direction.

Beyond her studies, Hannah was one of the founding members of the Aquinas Women’s Lacrosse Team, which she was member for three years. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys outdoor activities including kayaking, golfing, and biking.

Alina Dhaseleer is a senior, majoring in Sustainable Business and minoring in German. A native of Charlevoix, Michigan, Alina grew up with a love and appreciation for the natural world. After completing Dr. Tueth’s Introduction to Environmental Studies course in her sophomore year, Alina realized Sustainable Business is the perfect fit for her. The curriculum provides a practical business platform from which she can pursue her passion for the environment and community.

Alina is specifically interested in the importance of applying sustainable business to agriculture and nutrition. Someday, she hopes to use her education to work with organizations on sustainable agriculture projects in the United States and in developing countries.

At Aquinas, Alina has gained practical experience with sustainable business education as the communications intern in the Center for Sustainability. While Alina is currently unsure of her specific plans after graduation, her next step will be to apply for admission to the new graduate program at Aquinas College, which offers a Masters of Sustainable Business degree.

Apart from her studies, Alina is also an Aquinas College student ambassador and a member of the Aquinas cross country and track teams.

Grand Rapids native Emily Hammes is a senior Sustainable Business major. Emily is quite passionate about the program and intends to contribute to the quality of the world throughout her career. Emily sees that sustainable business connects beyond the classroom and is relevant in most facets of her life.

As the first person in her immediate family to attend college, Emily continues to be inspired by her Salvadoran mother’s lifestyle of simplicity. Emily’s early family experiences have fueled an interest in working on sustainable business issues in developing countries. Participating in the program’s international perspectives of sustainable business class, Emily was able to travel to Costa Rica and learn about sustainable business issues in the Americas’ second oldest democratic nation. During the field course, she enjoyed experiencing her heritage first hand and was particularly

inspired by the way the effort and enthusiasm of Costa Rica locals to make their community a better place.  On the other hand, Emily enjoys her current Grand Rapids and may stay in the area immediately after graduation.

Outside of school, Emily works in retail and works hard to bring elements of sustainability into her place of employment. She also enjoys cooking, baking, biking, and walking her two dogs.

After spending the majority of his childhood exploring the great outdoors, it was natural for Eric McDiarmid to end up in the Sustainable Business Program at Aquinas College.  Add to that a world perspective gained from later trips to the lush landscapes of New Zealand, Australia, Belize, and Alaska, it was simply kismet. With only a few courses left in the program, Eric is looking forward to taking the next step - gaining professional experience in the field.

Eric earned an Associate Degree at Grand Rapids Community College, but not knowing exactly what four-year degree to pursue, he took a year off from formal education.  During that time he discovered the SB program at Aquinas College, and after meeting with department chair Dr. Tueth, Eric was fully committed to obtaining his Bachelor of Science Degree in Sustainable Business.

A junior majoring in Sustainable Business, Megan Byrne has thoughts of eventually returning to her hometown in Cleveland Ohio and applying what she has learned to further her community. Megan is also looking forward to traveling other parts of the world to experience different approaches of sustainable business.   Having a unique sense of place and preserving cultural integrity are two things that Megan believes are important for the sustainable business movement.  

Megan plans to spend her last semester as an Aquinas student completing a Costa Rica travel abroad experience. The time in Costa Rica would be a good way for Megan to travel and see a different cultural perspective. She believes the semester abroad will help her decide whether or not to apply for a Peace Corps position upon graduation. Megan says

that she's not yet ready to set down personal or professional roots; she thinks that she still has a lot to learn about herself and the Peace Corps might be a great place to do so.

Megan runs cross country, and track and field at Aquinas College. She is a member of the Students Striving for Sustainability (S3) club on campus. Her younger brother and parents currently live in Cleveland.

Dustin Heiler is currently a junior majoring in Sustainable Business at Aquinas College. Dustin was initially attracted to the alternative energy movement in West Michigan and then enrolled in some environmental courses to learn more. After a year as an Aquinas student, Dustin declared his sustainable business major as he came to realize that sustainability was something he wanted to pursue in his professional life.

One of the most intriguing characteristics of sustainable business for Dustin has been to develop a more compelling paradigm of provisioning human communities. One of the biggest challenges for the sustainable business movement according to Dustin is getting people to open-mindedly become familiar with the problems of conventional business and then become motivated to make positive changes. He now recognized that persuading individuals to work together for any common cause is difficult.

Dustin receives a lot of support from his family. They have always encouraged him to do something that he loves. Dustin grew up in a farm community, Fowlerville Michigan, where his family took many trips to Michigan's Upper Peninsula for camping. While surrounded by the scenic environment, Dustin always felt a strong connection to the natural world.

Currently Dustin runs on the cross country and track team. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar. Music in general has always been a big part of Dustin's life. In the future, Dustin would like to work with new technologies and designs, working to implement them further into modern business.

John DeAngelis is a politician, an entrepreneur, and an avid public speaker. Striving to make an impact in the world while making a profit, John takes the ideals of Sustainable Business to heart.

John came to Aquinas as a freshman in the fall of '09. He had originally planned to study political science, using his business savvy to make his fortune and his political background to make his positive impact. However, when John came across the Sustainable Business Program at Aquinas, he decided that he had found the best of both worlds; he could efficiently accomplish both of his goals at the same time.

John is from Fairfield, Iowa where he started three different businesses. His first business venture was selling different items on eBay and then he moved on to converting home videos from VHS to DVD. In his senior year of high school, he and his brothers ran a business selling gelato, which was a smash hit during the local festival put on by the Society of Fairfield Italian Americans.

John says the Sustainable Business Program at Aquinas is nothing like he expected. It's better! He was expecting that the professors would instruct on a "one size fits all" kind of solution. However, he is delighted that instead, the Sustainable Business Program teaches adaptive strategies, leaving the students to develop the answers on a case-to-case basis. After all, as John says, "every business has its own unique problems that need solving." In fact, that's what John loves about business. He enjoys the critical thinking, the challenge in making a positive environmental impact while reducing costs; "helping business, not damaging it."

John is currently looking for a summer internship in Grand Rapids. He is a Student Ambassador at Aquinas College and is President (and founder) of the newly formed Across State Lines Club; a support group for prospective and current AQ students from out of state.

Paige Shesterkin is a junior at Aquinas College with a major in Sustainable Business and a minor in Spanish. Paige was attracted to a Sustainable Business degree because "It was unique among other majors. I knew I could apply it to many different fields."

Paige says that the essential elements of sustainable business keep her interested and even intrigued. Her favorite part about the movement is that it is constantly evolving. Since joining the program, she finds herself drawing connections between various classes and subjects. "One of the most important things I have learned in this program is to observe and reflect on the interrelatedness of other disciplines throughout all academic classes."

After Paige joined the program, her father became hooked on sustainable business as well. After attending some non-credit sustainable business lectures at Aquinas, he now regularly uses what he learned at his workplace.

When asked what she would like to do with the Sustainable Business degree in the future, Paige replies, "I change my mind quite frequently. I want to do something I love and am passionate about. I feel if you love what you do, you'll never have to "work" a day in your life." However, Paige does feel that she may end up in Detroit, a city she loves, and feels that "Detroit is an empty canvas, an opportunity for my generation to re-design whatever we want."

A senior at Aquinas College, Frank Blackman is pursuing a degree in Sustainable Business with a history minor. Frank transferred from Grand Rapids Community College in the fall of 2009, after hearing about the program from a friend who was an Aquinas student. Frank soon made the decision to come to Aquinas and pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in sustainable business.

Frank believes the biggest short-term challenge of sustainable business is the disparity between the prices of sustainable goods and conventionally produced products. Frank notes that middle-class consumers are somewhat restricted in their support of sustainable businesses and that organic food, for example, is often more expensive than normal food products.

The most enticing aspect of sustainable business to Frank is the simultaneous opportunity to make a healthy profit and to heal the natural and human communities. Frank feels that the social component of Sustainable Business is important but will be the hardest area in which to make progress. As he says, "It's the short leg on the three-legged stool."

Ariel Timm is a senior at Aquinas College with a dual major in Sustainable Business and Community Leadership.  Originally from East Lansing, MI, Ariel made her college choice largely due to the small, inspiring, and tight-knit Aquinas community. She immediately felt at home on our Grand Rapids campus.

Ariel’s relationship with the natural world began in her younger years and continued to develop during her Sustainable Business Program course work. She has come to appreciate a greater value in nature and its vital role as a supplier of natural resources and services. Perhaps most satisfying for Ariel has been learning that “although human beings have made considerable mistakes, more intelligent alternatives are still available, and human beings have the ability to act differently in the future.” She feels that the greatest challenge of this movement is to educate others about sustainable business principles and to effectively demonstrate the benefits of pursuing and practicing sustainability.

Ariel’s parents emphasized the value of becoming a proactive citizen who works towards the betterment of her community. Not surprisingly, Ariel plans to eventually work in community development and education.  She envisions herself as a driving force behind the sustainability movement. Ariel feels that contributing to durable and vibrant communities that are healthy for all living things would be a fulfilling and satisfying professional direction for her.

Currently at Aquinas College, Ariel is a student leader of an annual spiritual retreat called CYBIAC, a member of SAC (Social Action Committee), a member of CAVA (Community Action Volunteers of Aquinas), and a member of the women’s lacrosse team at Aquinas. She also interns at the Eastown Community Association (ECA) and is always looking for other opportunities to serve that will positively impact her local community. 

Dan Skuza is looking forward to graduating in May 2011 with a degree in sustainable business.  Dan declared his Sustainable Business major in his sophomore year and although he has enjoyed the program and his educational experience at Aquinas, he is eager to apply what he has learned to real business situations.

Dan was originally interested in studying conventional business but he has come to realize the long-term value of the sustainable business movement. Dan’s favorite experience in the program has been to “learn such inspiring alternatives for provisioning ourselves to a high standard of living, rather than just going the traditional route.” He would someday like to work in the area of sustainable design, helping businesses develop while cultivating a higher awareness of natural world and human world contributions.

Dan’s family has supported him in his desire to pursue sustainable business. Dan’s mother, an avid environmentalist, heard about sustainable business and suggested that Dan consider studying the field. His father, a traditional businessman, told Dan “if you like it, pursue it.”  Graduate school is in the back of Dan’s mind for the future, but first he would like to work with a transitioning business to gain some hands-on experience. “I’m a person who learns better on-site, rather than in a classroom,” he says.

Dan loves spending time outdoors, especially on a golf course. When enjoying the outdoors, he routinely contemplates his participatory role in the natural world, not just the passive role of an observer. Dan loves to travel, and this wanderlust has taken him to such places as Chicago, the Colorado Mountains, and the California redwood groves. Dan feels that respecting both the natural and built environments is important in all our endeavors.

Mariel Borgman '10 is employed by Arden Companies, a U.S.-based manufacturer of outdoor patio accessories. In her role as Marketing Coordinator, Mariel works closely with the product development team to guide the company's products and messages in the correct, sustainable direction. Mariel also works closely with Arden's sales team to communicate the company's sustainability commitment to Arden's customers, top mass retailers & home centers, and find ways to partner with the customers to support their own sustainability goals and efforts.

Mariel manages the "Greener Path Solutions" team at Arden, a cross-functional group of individuals from Arden's headquarters, manufacturing plants, and Asia office. She has established measuring and reporting protocols for greenhouse gas emissions and waste, and currently manages their execution. Mariel leads monthly conference calls with the Greener Path Solutions team to discuss best practices at the various locations as well as next practices-steering the group to inflict positive changes and foster continued sustainable business leadership at each location. Additionally, Mariel serves as the company's "sustainable business expert" and is often responsible for educating the company during meetings or on a one-one one basis.

Ann Erhardt joined WMEAC as the Energy Programs Manager in October of 2009 and manages a variety energy activities for WMEAC.  Ann holds two Bachelor degrees from Aquinas College:  The first in Business Administration/Communications and the second in Sustainable Business/Environmental Studies. Ann recently returned to Aquinas to work on a Masters of Management with a Marketing Management focus.  This eclectic background gives Ann a unique perspective on the implementation of energy programs in West Michigan.

Before coming to WMEAC, Ann gathered a diverse portfolio of experience working with Steelcase, True Textiles, Eco Metrics LLC, West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, and the Center for Sustainability at Aquinas College.  Ann is also active in the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, Regional Community Sustainability Partnership, Muskegon Area Sustainability Coalition and the Kent County Essential Needs Task Force.

Becky Brown, ’09 will finish her Master of Science in Environmental Policy from the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment this spring. Her Masters project is focused on developing a school siting policy for the state of Michigan that addresses environmental quality and human health. Becky hopes to begin her professional career in the state of Michigan, working to bring meaningful policy changes to the state that spur economic development, ensure social justice, and protect the state’s tremendous natural beauty.

Bryant La Pres, '09 is currently working for Target Corporation in Minneapolis, MN as a member of the Sustainability Team. In his role, he is responsible for working with various partners throughout Target to help
direct Target's four Sustainability commitments. These commitments include Sustainable Living, Sustainable Products, Smart Development, and Efficient Operations. In his day-to-day role, Bryant specifically focuses on Smart Development and Efficient Operations for Target.

Prior to joining Target, he worked for Energy Finance Analytics, an affiliate of PM Environmental as a Sustainability and Energy Consultant. He was responsible for report preparation, data collection, project management and site reconnaissance activities related to due diligence and green buildings. Bryant completed an internship with the consulting firm of Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber working on LEED certification projects. In addition, he completed an internship with Amway focused on recycling and energy.

Josh Miller '06 earned a B.S. in Sustainable Business and a second major concentration area of Environmental Studies. Josh completed his internship at Sustainable Research Group (SRG) of Grand Rapids in the fall of 2006, where he conducted research supporting the Michigan Mercury Switch Program, alternative energy technologies, and the BIFMA furniture sustainability standard initiative. Upon completion of the SRG position, Josh began a year-long internship at Metro Health Hospital. His primary responsibilities at Metro included internal education and marketing for the employee carpool program, bio-based cafeteria product research, and general grant writing. 

In December 2006, Josh was hired as the Sustainability Program Manager for Spectrum Health. He has worked to develop Spectrum Health’s Sustainability structure, strategy, metrics, and green team, and has integrated sustainability into the corporate culture. Josh has found innovative ways to increase water and energy efficiency, reduce waste and toxicity, purchase environmentally preferable products, educate staff on the fundamentals of sustainability and establish healthy design, construction and operational guidelines.

Leslee Rohs graduated from Aquinas College in 2005 with a B.S. in Environmental Studies and History as well as dual minors in Sustainable Business and Spanish.  During her senior year, Leslee completed an internship in the New Products Department at Crystal Flash Energy in Grand Rapids from the June 2004 until September 2005.  Her primary focus involved feasibility study of brown grease recycling and energy policy research.

Leslee’s research experience for Crystal Flash Energy led to a full-time position as Constituent Services Representative for the Office of Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers where she served from September 2005 through December 2010.  Her primary responsibilities included congressional casework management on a wide range of federal issue areas including individual, business and non-profit tax policy issues, housing and foreclosure prevention advocacy, Passport and visa interventions and other case management duties as assigned.

Upon Congressman Ehlers’ retirement, Leslee accepted the position of Sustainability Coordinator for Muskegon County, MI, one of only a handful of sustainability programs within local government in the State of Michigan.  Her office provides residents, educators, businesses and non-profits one point of contact for coordinating and supporting efforts relative to sustainable business.  She also provides the County government the ability to target and improve energy management and community development by leveraging local volunteer and foundation support as well as securing state and federal grant funding.  In addition, Leslee is involved with the Muskegon Area Sustainability Coalition (MASC), chairs the MASC Recycling Committee and serves on the Muskegon County Environmental Coordinating Council as well as the Muskegon Area Medication Disposal Program.