Bowen Close to Leave Pomona After Fall Semester
Yuqiao Guo
During Bowen Close's PO '06 tenure as Director of the Sustainability Integration Office (SIO), Pomona made several sustainability investments on campus, including solar panels on the roof of Sontag Hall.
Close was selected for the position in 2008 as part of President David Oxtoby’s “desire to make sustainability a priority in the college.” Close explained that one of the largest steps Pomona has taken in its pursuit of environmental responsibility is the “simple contention to pursue pathways to sustainability” and the resolution to “take very seriously the environmental impact of [Pomona campus] activities.”
As an undergraduate, Close helped spur the creation of programs like ReCOOP and Green Bikes, as well as the installation of Zipcars on campus. Vice President and Dean of Students Miriam Feldblum observed that “many of the ideas [Pomona] has about sustainability actually came from students" such as Close.
"Bowen was really able to take the work that she had done" and put it towards creating policy, Feldblum added.
A key milestone that emerged during Close's tenure was the Sustainability Action Plan, which was a joint project of students, staff, faculty, and trustees. According to Pomona's website, the Plan is “a broad framework and strategy for moving forward with sustainability efforts.” Close was the primary author of the Plan and contributed to the “Objectives for 2020,” many of which have since come to fruition. Some of these objectives include “the existence of partnerships with local off-campus sustainability efforts and programs” and a sharp decrease in synthetic fertilizer use.
The establishment of composting locations across campus and more eco-friendly food purchasing in the dining halls were two other projects that Close helped implement.
According to Close, the SIO had also been successful in “providing opportunities for students” through “grants for [their] projects” funded through the President's Sustainability Fund. In coming years, the college plans to emphasize reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in particular.
Although Pomona has yet to hire a replacement director of the SIO or to announce the position's vacancy, Close hinted that she knew of a few prospective applicants and “was very excited about the capable and intelligent people" vying for the spot. Feldblum also expressed confidence in the future of the SIO, predicting that “from a student affairs perspective…the Office [will continue] to work closely with all kinds of student groups.”
Close added that, although she does not know where or in what capacity she will next serve, she plans to resume her lifelong fight for sustainable practices in the near future.
“Sustainability has always been a part of who I am, and it will always continue to be a part of my life,” she said.
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