UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Since 2023, members of Penn State's diverse university-wide Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have played a vital role in building a culture that uplifts collaboration, community, and sustainability amongst all employees. One example is the SustainaLions ERG, which was launched in 2024 and is entering its second year with an expanded vision and language.
“Much of our first-year growth happened behind the scenes, through building relationships and refining our mission. But we also held some great events and connected with a wide cross-section of Penn Staters who are genuinely excited about what we’re catalyzing,” said Jack Rumery, SustainaLions co-lead and assistant director for a sustainable workplace.
The group focuses on creating space where employees who are passionate about sustainability can build community, share ideas, and pursue meaningful change within and beyond the University.
“Moving into year two is exciting as we have a better sense of how to encourage communication between employees at the University to build connections and encourage a more sustainable Penn State,” said Diana Malcom, SustainaLions co-lead and senior administrative support for the Child Maltreatment Solutions Network in Penn State’s Social Science Research Institute.
This fall, the SustainaLions ERG will continue to offer regular coffee hours, service and volunteer opportunities, plus a sustainability mini grant for engaged members interested in piloting ideas or small projects within their units. These offerings are designed to foster deeper cross-campus relationships and empower employees to connect around shared sustainability objectives. The ERG is accepting registrations for its Fall Lunch N Learn on Oct. 30, “Green Table: Cultivating Sustainable Spaces and the PSU Sustainable Landscape Implementation Plan” featuring Derek Kalp, senior landscape architect at Penn State and Leslie Pillen, associate director, Farm and Food Systems, Student Farm at Penn State.
“One of our goals for getting this group off the ground has been to optimize how we’re communicating, which we’ve done to an extent with our [Microsoft] Teams page and presence on Viva Engage,” Rumery said. “Now we’re looking at ways to get out there and convene more often as a group, as well as to provide incentives for engaged members like the mini grant we fund.”
In addition to its regular programming, the group recently welcomed a new executive sponsor, further reinforcing the University's commitment to the ERG’s mission.
In July, Larry D. Terry II, vice president for Outreach, joined SustainaLions as executive sponsor. In this role, Terry will help guide the group’s vision, elevate its presence and connect its work to broader University initiatives. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability that not only strengthens Penn State’s community but also extends outward to create meaningful, real-world impact that honors our land-grant mission.
“What I find so compelling about SustainaLions is that it’s a group of highly-engaged Penn Staters who want to work together to create real change. There is no greater connection to Outreach’s mission than one of co-creation for impact. I’m honored to be the next executive sponsor to help continue the great work that has already begun.”
As a benefit to SustainaLions, Terry hopes the connection to Penn State Outreach can serve to amplify work of the ERG and provide opportunities to connect to Pennsylvania communities. “Being able to share not only Penn State’s knowledge and expertise in the realm of sustainability, but also through meaningful partnerships with PA communities is what makes joining this ERG so exciting for me and for Outreach.”
With more than 100 members and growing, SustainaLions continues to bring together employees from across the commonwealth to explore how sustainability can enhance both workplace culture and institutional impact.
For updates, event details, or to get involved, reach out to sustainalions-erg@psu.edu.