My name is Katherine Weingartner and I am a freshman majoring in International Studies and minoring in Economics. I am a member of Honors College Ambassadors, the Honors College, and Arizona Model United Nations. In addition, I am the President of Posada San Pedro Solar Powered (PSPSP), the only organization on campus working to install solar paneling on residence halls. I am an important part of the ASUA Sustainability Committee where I am working to bring solar hot water heating systems to the University. I recognize the magnitude of a sustainable platform and am willing to put in the hours and years. One cannot simply say they want to keep the campus sustainable because to make the campus sustainable is a full time commitment. It involves changing policy at the University in terms of how we get our energy, recycle, distribute and purify our water, as well as many other things. It is an economic issue as solar powering would reduce the campus energy bill for years, lasting long after we graduate. Systems need to be researched and made more efficient. Without focusing on sustainability in a platform, it cannot amount to what it needs to. I have specific goals in mind as Senator. I am not vague because by going through the process, I know what needs to come next.

I am already working with University administrators along with the dedicated members of both solar groups and ArizonaPIRG to change these policies, specifically for solar energy, and have found them very supportive. PSPSP has already received President Shelton’s support of our efforts among other leaders on campus. We have spoken with faculty concerning the future of the University and I will continue to do this until the job is done. As Senator, I will be able to connect more sustainable groups to each other and will be able to expand the reach and magnitude of sustainable efforts.

In addition, I have projects in mind to extend sustainability programs internationally, especially those involving water issues. Last year I worked with the Water for Our World President to create a new program that successfully encouraged students to build a well in an underprivileged country. It was built in Leon, Nicaragua and I hope to do the same program as well as others at the University level next year. I am focused, hard working, and experienced to make this a reality.