Two New Sustainability Initiatives Launching

Beginning in the fall of 2026, classes will be designated with an ‘S’ in the course catalogue to denote those whose learning objectives align with the LSAP, showcasing the important curricular, sustainability-related work created across disciplines at Duquesne. 

“Students will have the opportunity to select sustainability-focused courses across disciplines and obtain a holistic understanding of sustainability,” said Dr. Leda Klouda, assistant professor of biomedical engineering and chair of the USC’s Curricular Innovation Working Group. “Eventually, we envision that a collection of S-designated courses will lead to a certificate or possibly a minor, something that will appear in students’ transcripts.”

The USC also will launch a rollout of the VegPledge, a commitment members of the University community can make to utilize environmentally sustainable and inclusive catering.

“Many folks want to be more inclusive and to make eating choices that help reduce our carbon footprint. But it isn't always easy,” said Dr. Michael McMaster, assistant teaching professor of physics and chair of the USC’s VegPledge Working Group. “The goal of the VegPledge—for me—is to start conversations that lead to sustainable catering choices. This way we can facilitate sustainability at the institutional level.” 

There are different levels of commitment for the VegPledge, ranging from offering a vegetarian main course to being fully vegan and inclusive in your event’s meal offerings, explained English professor and USC Chair Dr. Sarah Wright.

“VegPledge offers the campus community an opportunity to codify and measure the work that the University already does to support faculty, staff and students from diverse backgrounds,” Wright said. “The focus on inclusive catering speaks to the Spiritan ethos that informs the work of the University Sustainability Committee and Duquesne University as a whole.”

Visit the Sustainability at Duquesne webpage to see vegan and vegetarian menus built in collaboration with Parkhurst catering offerings and to sign up to join the University Sustainability Committee.