Eco Rep Profiles

Name: Ben Pilloud
Year: First Year/ Junior
Hall: Beta/Gamma
Major: Business Administration: Operations Management
Why I became an Eco Rep: I wanted to become involved in hall council, in order to be active in my residential community and build my resume. The Eco Rep position is not elected nor as popular as others on Hall Council, so it was a guaranteed shot at having a position. Also my brief experience from my position this past summer left me feeling qualified or passionate enough to perform the role well. Finally, I needed an excuse to wear my recycle cape.
Goals: Gaining experience organizing and promoting programs while encouraging sustainability, improved containment for recycling, service opportunities (ie: Ridge/ campus clean ups, trail cleaning, other volunteering). While I agree with sustainability, I disagree with parts of the way UN Agenda 21 seeks to achieve it. I've heard that WWU's sustainability plan is influenced by Agenda 21 and hope that by being an Eco Rep I might obtain firsthand knowledge on the impact of that on sustainability and personal freedom in this context, at least on the surface level.
Fun fact: I have 5 weeks experience as an Eco-friendliness themed superhero at BSA Camp Black Mountain near Maple Falls, where I served as the Director of the Ecology / Nature Conservation Program Area during the 2012 camp season.

Name: Ellen Zocher
Year: First Year/ Sophomore
Hall: Gamma
Major: Biology
Why I became an Eco Rep: During a class I took on conservation, I learned that if every human lived my lifestyle, it would take an estimated 4.1 earths to sustain the consumption. Although I was disheartened at first, I became newly inspired to remain conscious of the effects of my consumption, make daily efforts to live in accordance with my values, educate myself on issues relating to sustainability, and encourage others to do the same.
Goals: Get a "remember to turn off the lights" in every room in Gamma, improve recycling system, get everyone in Gamma to attend at least one program, learn, make friends, have fun!
Fun fact: I love scuba diving in Puget Sound. The San Juans are full of beautiful marine life!

Name: Annie Spoelstra
Year: 2014
Hall: Birnam Wood
Major: Geology – Environmental Concentration BS
Why I became an Eco Rep: I am passionate about the environment, I want to help encourage others to live sustainably and I wanted to be in a leadership position again Goals: Have a positive impact on the environment
Fun fact: I have shown rabbits and chickens in 4-H, FFA and Open shows for the past 12 years

Name: Jake Burgess
Year: Junior
Hall: Birnam Wood
Major: English Literature
Why I became an Eco Rep: Proponent of sustaining environment and resources.
Goals: To always be in the process of learning and growing
Fun fact: I was once a vegetarian for 7 years, but stopped to get more balanced nutrition for Crew.

Name: Stefanie Neale
Year: Sophomore
Hall: Buchanan Towers East
Major: Urban Planning & Sustainable Development
Why I became an Eco Rep: I've grown up in the Pacific Northwest and have spent a lot of time outdoors. Nature is very important to me and I hate to see it destroyed. I plan on spending the rest of my life encouraging sustainability and conserving our natural resources. I think that being an Eco Rep will give me some great experience, while giving me the chance to become more involved at Western and meet some awesome people!
Goals: I want to help students at Western become more aware of the environmental problems that are on the rise today, and encourage them to make conscious decisions in their daily lives to not contribute to these problems.
Fun fact: I've been to Universal Studios Orlando 4 times in the last three years. I love it! Mainly because of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ;)

Name: Joey Cilinceon
Year: Sophomore
Hall: Buchanan Towers
Major: Sustainable Business
Why I became an Eco Rep: I became an Eco Rep because I want to be more involved with my school and my residence hall; particularly when it comes to the sustainability of my community. I believe that a shift to a more sustainable lifestyle is one of the most important things people nowadays can work towards, to help create a better and brighter future.
Goals: To help my residence hall, Buchanan Towers, become one of the most sustainable halls on campus. I hope to take part in most if not all ecologically innovative measures that an Eco Rep can bring to Buchanan Towers, and WWU as a community. It is a goal of mine to change people's perspective on climate change by bringing more attention to the environment and finding more ways for people to get involved and have fun protecting the planet. I also would like to eventually become part of the green fee committee, and I feel like being an Eco Rep is great way to get started.
Fun fact: I have been playing guitar and singing for the last 7 years and I absolutely love almost all kinds of music (live and recorded).

Name: Allison Awan
Year: Sophomore
Hall: Buchanan Towers
Major: Undeclared
Why I became an Eco Rep: I wanted to get more involved in my community. Also I was interested in participating in a program pertaining to the environment, as I am thinking of pursuing a major in the environmental field.
Goals: To promote sustainability and to help people better understand the impacts of human waste and consumption on our planet.
Fun fact: I've been to Italy, Pakistan, and Mexico.

Name: Ellen Reiche
Year: Freshman
Hall: Buchanan Towers
Major: Biology
Why I became an Eco Rep: The great god, Pan, played the flute-song of summoning.
Goals: To be the proverbial dopamine in your "sustainable lifestyle" reward pathway.
Fun fact: Tungsten is my favorite element.

Name: Breanne Bartok
Year: Freshman
Hall: Edens Hall
Major: Environmental Science
Why I became an Eco Rep: I want to lead an active role in integrating sustainable ideas and practices on campus! Also, I wanted a chance to meet other earth-minded people like myself :)
Goals: I wish to graduate with a B.S. in Environmental Science and a minor in History--which I hope to earn while studying abroad in Scotland! Working outdoors and helping the environment is the ideal job for me, and I would like to have such a job or internship by the time I graduate. As an EcoRep, I want to be able to make other students more aware of their impact on the earth and what they can do to become more sustainable and aware.
Fun fact: I have been Salsa dancing since I was 12. I've been vegetarian for two and a half years. I was never taught how to cartwheel. I love horseback riding. I've worked as a braider at Renaissance Fairs. I teach yoga.

Name: Joe Gerkman
Year: Sophomore
Hall: Higginson
Major: Undecided
Why I became an Eco Rep: To make a difference in protecting the environment.
Goals: To make Western a more eco-friendly place.
Fun fact: I am proficient in archery.

Name: Walter Wilson
Year: Freshman
Hall: Higginson
Major: Environmental Sciences/ Marine Biology/ Fisheries
Why I became an Eco Rep: I love the environment, especially fish.
Goals: To do the best that I can in this short amount of time.
Fun fact: I have rescued a beached shark.

Name: Aaron McCanna
Year: Freshmen
Hall: Higginson
Major: Visual Journalism / Something to do Film
Why I became an Eco Rep: Because helping the environment is critical and AWESOME!!!
Goals: To leave Western with something tangible and beneficial to the environment
Fun fact: Nobody knows what a narwhal's tusk is used for.

Name: Hali Willis
Year: Freshman
Hall: Edens
Major: Environmental Science
Why I became an Eco Rep: I want to help save the planet! What better place to start than a college campus? We are the next generation of big-decision-makers!
Goals: I hope to raise awareness of environmental issues, but more importantly, I hope to empower people by teaching them how they can make a difference, and that every little bit of effort counts.
Fun fact: I can whistle through my teeth!

Name: Madalynn(Maddie) Gavigan Martin
Year: Freshman
Hall: Edens North
Major: Environmental Education
Why I became an Eco Rep: I wanted to meet people with similar interests and passions to educate others about our treatment of the natural environment. Eco Reps seemed like a great place to start!
Goals: To not only increase awareness of the environmental challenges and exploited resource use in my community, but to engage and inspire others to take action and do their part to protect the planet.
Fun fact: I work at the Outback, the five acre organic farm on campus!

Name: Katie Sawyer
Year: 2016
Hall: Fairhaven
Major: Undecided
Why I became an Eco Rep: I love the environment!
Goals: To help kids at WWU live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Fun fact: I really like bread.

Name: Nicole Silvernale
Year: Freshman
Hall: Fairhaven
Major: Undecided
Why I became an Eco Rep: I became an Eco Rep because I care about nature and our environment, I want to encourage and help others, as well as myself, to live more sustainably, and I want to become more involved in my community.
Goals: Have a positive impact
Fun fact: One time I caught my pants on fire.

Name: Dylan Quinn
Year: 2016
Hall: Fairhaven Complex
Major: Undeclared
Why I became an Eco Rep: I became an Eco Rep because the nature is one of the most awesome things about the world and I want to help protect our environment.
Goals: I would like to influence the community that I live in and raise awareness about some of the problems we as a community are going to need to address in the future.
Fun fact: I've met Hillary Clinton and I shoot Canon

Name: Paul Caswell
Year: Freshman
Hall: Fairhaven
Major: Undecided
Why I became an Eco Rep: To become more involved in the community.
Goals: To help improve the environment in the community.
Fun fact: I have been playing golf since I was 5 years old.

Name: Katrina Haffner
Year: Sophomore
Hall: Fairhaven
Major: Anthropology and Theater
Why I became an Eco Rep: I believe that caring for the environment is very important, and I want to create awareness of bad things that are hurting the natural world and aid with educating people on how to effectively prevent possible catastrophes and help with finding solutions to remedy current misfortunes.
Goals: I want to throw fun, informational, and well-attended eco-parties, as well as get Fairhaven residents to develop a passion for the environment that will carry them on for years to come. I also intend to get better cardboard recycling dumpsters for the Fairhaven community.
Fun fact: I am the president of the Western Libertarians, None of the Above Club, and Raw Milk Club.

Name: Karen Severs
Year: Sophomore
Hall: Kappa
Major: Environmental Economics
Why I became an Eco Rep: To help residence halls become more sustainable!
Goals: My goal this year to help students become aware of proper recycling and of ways to reduce the usage of natural resources.
Fun fact: My passion is dancing and I love the outdoors!

Name: Jennifer Kim
Year: Freshman
Hall: Mathes Hall
Major: Psychology/Education
Why I became an Eco Rep: I love the earth and I want to help it
Goals: Help enhance residents' knowledge on recycling and show how much it means to the earth
Fun fact: I write random notes of inspiration on post-its and insert them in books in hopes of making people smile.

Name: Collin Neuhauser
Year: Sophomore Transfer Student
Hall: Mathes
Major: Environmental Sciences
Why I became an Eco Rep: It will be an extension of my education and I am passionate about preserving the environment.
Goals: Educate my fellow residents about how they can decrease their environmental impact.
Fun fact: My arch-enemy is Japanese Knotweed, an invasive plant I worked to eradicate this last summer.

Name: Emily Blessington
Year: Freshman
Hall: Nash
Major: Undecided
Why I became an Eco Rep: I love the Earth and want to teach people how and why they should have more of a sustainable lifestyle.
Goals: I would love incorporating eating organic into my daily routine.
Fun fact: I visited Machu Picchu in 2010 and it was the coolest!  I'd love to visit all of the Wonders of the World in my lifetime.

Name: Andrew Hallas
Year: Freshman
Hall: Nash
Major: Undeclared
Why I became an Eco Rep: I became an Eco Rep because I want to help spread awareness on how to live more sustainably, how to recycle better, and general love for our planet.
Goals: To implement ideas to help reduce waste in my hall, to spread awareness of sustainability to my hall, and to motivate my hall to kick butt during Green Week.
Fun Fact: Avid HVZ and Magic the Gathering player, part of Glee club, and aspiring to be an actor.

Name: Allison Derr-Petrenchak
Year: N/A
Hall: Nash
Major: Biology/Genetics
Why I became an Eco Rep: I became an Eco rep because I already try to do good things for the environment so I thought it would be fun to do those things with a group of like-minded people!
Goals: I would like to graduate Western with my BS in Biology (Molecular) then go on to grad school to get my Ph. D. in Genetics. Ultimately I would like to eliminate fatal diseases like Tay-Sachs.
Fun fact: I adore sushi, I drink tea religiously, I do not like texting, anddddd I love animals. Oh and I adore holidays.

Name: Michelle Tanz
Year: Freshman
Hall: Omega
Major: Undecided
Why I became an Eco Rep: I want to be involved with residential hall council and inform residents about protecting the environment.
Goals: Educate residents of Omega about how to live sustainably and reduce their ecological imprint on our environment.
Fun fact: I have a dog named Paco!

Name: Griffin Gamble
Year: Freshman
Hall: Alpha/SHADO
Major: Engineering
Why I became an Eco Rep: I love to invest into the environment because it lasts and I can be a positive impact on everyone's life.
Goals: I plan to provide reusable water bottles for my neighbors. Make recycling more available in the Alpha and SHADO communities. I hope that I will increase people's thoughts on how they can be less damaging to the environment.
Fun fact: I used to live in California where water is in short supply and costs a bunch. Also we have solar Panels in California.

Name: Ethan Wise
Year: Freshman
Hall: Omega
Major: Environmental Science
Why I became an Eco Rep: I became an Eco-Rep so that I can directly affect how environmentally friendly my dorm is. Also I will be able to inform my fellow students on the environmental consequence of their action.
Goals: My overall goal is to make my dorm more sustainable, by having programs to better inform my dorm-mates and introduce composting.
Fun fact: I am from Cleveland, Ohio and I am a vegetarian.

Name: Emily Seamons
Year: Freshman
Hall: Ridgeway Sigma
Major: Accounting
Why I became an Eco Rep: I want to save the earth!
Goals: Study abroad in New Zealand next year.
Fun fact: I am left-handed.

Name: Gail Tamura
Year: Freshman
Hall: Sigma
Major: Environmental Science
Why I became an Eco Rep: I really enjoy educating others on simple ways to be sustainable, and I love putting on events.
Goals: Graduate from Huxley College of the Environment, work for a non-profit.
Fun fact: I spent two years in high school working at an aquarium.

Name: Tyler Cohen
Year: Freshman
Hall: Sigma
Major: Environmental Science Why I became an Eco Rep: I really enjoy educating others on simple ways to be sustainable, and I love putting on events.
Goals: Graduate from Huxley College of the Environment, work for a non-profit.
Fun fact: I spent two years in high school working at an aquarium.

Name: Stewart Bell
Year: Freshman
Hall: Sigma
Major: Undeclared
Why I became an Eco Rep: I became an Eco Rep because of my love for the outdoors and the environment. I care about the cleanliness of our Earth's water and lands. I felt that becoming an Eco Rep would be a great step in leading others to protect our environment.
Goals: I aim to promote ways to better our ecosystems through recycling, re-usable water bottles and bags, water conservation, and awareness of what goes into making our food. Through this, I hope to not just change my lifestyle to a greener way of living, but other persons' as well.
Fun Fact: I love to do outdoor activities, from SCUBA diving in the Puget Sound to hiking and skiing in the Cascades. I also love to play soccer and rock climb (both indoors and outdoors). My favorite authors (while I have many) are John Steinbeck and Mark Twain.