In celebration of Earth Day, the Office of Sustainability has recognized Yale community members and teams for driving efforts to advance climate solutions on campus and beyond.
Awardees were honored at Yale’s annual “State of Sustainability” gathering on April 8 for making significant contributions to the university’s sustainability progress over the past year. Along with the awards, the event brought together 28 Yale operational units, academic research centers, and student groups for a poster session that showcased the ways each is addressing the most urgent challenges of global warming.
The staff at Timothy Dwight College dining hall has been recognized for their outstanding commitment to sustainability through the successful launch of a new food-waste management program. The Yale Hospitality initiative uses innovative AI monitoring technology to reduce food waste and promote responsible waste sorting among dining hall patrons. The success of the program relies on the dedication of staff members across all levels of operation. The Timothy Dwight dining hall staff, particularly the dishwashers, have been celebrated as the “unsung heroes” of this program. They play an essential role in ensuring that diners properly sort their waste, highlighting how enforcement and commitment supported by individuals across the operation helps lead to meaningful impacts.
The nomination for this recognition came from a Timothy Dwight dining hall patron who observed the kitchen staff’s unwavering dedication and felt it was important to acknowledge their efforts. The kitchen staff receiving the award are: John Carter, Tenzin Choek, Jovan Bloise, Tenzin Choekyi, Kristin Elliott, Anthony Freeman, Desiray Lindor, China Mayes, L’Shae Newton, Tenzin Rinchen, Wanda Underwood, and Shayenne Wright.
“We extend our gratitude and congratulations to the entire Timothy Dwight dining hall staff for their contributions to sustainability,” said Garrard. “This team has made significant strides in promoting sustainable practices and sets an inspiring example for the Yale community.”
To read about all of the award recipients, please visit Yale Honors Faculty, Staff, and Students with 2025 Sustainability Awards | Yale Sustainability.