Who We Are
Becky Clark, Vice President
From: Athens, OH/ Glenville WV
I'm a junior studying geography/ environmental studies. I believe conserving our earth is the number one thing we as young people should be striving to do. I became president of SSC this year so I could share my love of our environment with my peers, and encourage others to take action against global warming and all other environmental issues we are facing. I am a chef at Salaam, and enjoy my little bit of free time being outdoor and spending time with my friends and family and awesome dog- Bubba.
Cory Gagliardi, Technology Coordinator
From: Hudson, OH
I am a Senior, Computer Science Undergraduate. I became concerned with the environment when I was in high school and I was a part of my school's environmental club. I helped start the new OU SSC to inform people about Mountaintop Removal with Mountainfest. I try to learn as much as I can about sustainable living and alternative energy, and use that knowledge to do my part.
"No one can do everything. Everyone can do something."
Erin Dame, President
From: All over!
Starting fall 2008, I will be a graduate student in the school of Communication Studies. After earning my doctorate, I plan on becoming a college professor. Specifically, I would like to focus on and teach the elements and dynamics of social change. I am very interested in the environment (obviously), but my other main interest is drug policy reform. Although my first OU SSC meeting was rocky, I realized this group had potential and great energy. Since then, I have had many adventures with the people I have met within the group, and my environmental awareness and concern has increased with each adventure. I look forward to the future of this group, as I believe we have the power to make a difference in our region, and even our country. There's nothing I love more than grassroots activism in action, and putting words into action with your friends makes it that much better.
Favorite quote - When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. - James Marshall Hendrix
Nick Van Horn, Treasurer
From: Seven Hills, OH
I'm a chemical engineering major on the energy and environment track hoping to work for alternate energy sources. I joined the SSC to have fun with a great group of people that have a common enjoyment of being outdoors.
Emily Rood, Power Vote Organizer
From: All over the US, currently residing in Mason, O H I O
I love sunny days, green grass, clean air, and the beautiful environment in Athens. I figured joining an environmental group would be a cool way to learn more about the world around me and find out ways to make a difference. My major involves fine art, architecture, marketing, and retail. Ideally, there are a lot of things I want to do with this major. One of which is finding out how to build large scale buildings (and smaller scale residential houses)that live in harmony with the world around them ( Frank Lloyd Wright style.. what. a. cool. dude.)
My favorite quotes change: I dig stuff that relates to keeping my motivation high at the moment. I am constantly trying new things and developing beliefs, so quotes that help me stay focused are awesome.
PS Nat- me too :-)
Janina Klimas, National Coordinator
From: Lyndhurst, Ohio
I am a public advocacy major that absolutely looooooves everything about the earth. Therefore, working with the SSC has been the ultimate experience in successful organizing, campaigning and environmental revolution, which is critical to sustainable living now and in the future. In the past, I've worked with national SSC stuff, like attending SPROG and working on the Environmental Justice comittee- and it seriously changed my life. Therefore, I really like trying to convince other people to get involved with national SSC pursuits, in the hopes that they become as passionate and feel as empowered as I do in our efforts to preserve this wonderful wonderful world of ours.
Annie Derek, Secretary
From: Murrysville, PA
I'm an Environmental and Plant Biology major and I joined the SSC because I love trees, plants, nature, and the Earth in general. Let's face it, we only have one, so we can't screw it up! The SSC is a really great way to get involved and make some positive changes in the world - starting here in the beautiful city of Athens.
Be Kind to the Earth. Be good to yourself. Be Grateful.
Becky Webster
From: Willowick, (eastside of Cleveland), Ohio
I am a senior with a double major in recreation. My first is Therapeutic Recreation and then I discovered Adventure Recreation, so decided to pursue them both. When I was a freshmen I did a project on MTR, and became very passionate about it. When I'm not at school, I work for Highbrook Lodge which is a residential camp for individuals with a visual impairment. My first summer season working there I was assigned to be the Nature Program Counselor when I was hired for a lifeguard position and been there ever since.
*****" We must be the change we wish to see in the world"- Gandhi
Bridget Beadle
From: North Canton, Ohio
I am currently a senior studying Hearing, Speech and Language, but that is only a small portion of my Ohio University experience. Living in Athens the past four years has been a life changing journey. Originally from the suburbs, the way of life in Athens was a rude awakening to my naive, ignorant world. A town based on simplicity and genuine compassion for others has allowed me to reprioritize my values in such a way that I feel forever indebted to giving something back to the place that has given me so much. As a result, in an attempt to get back to the basics, I have come to truly love and appreciate the natural world. Therefore, I feel it is our obligation to do everything within our power to maintain and preserve the land in which we live off. Taking one step at a time by becoming a member in the Sierra Student Coalition, we have pledged our eternal allegiance to do just that.
"Always hold firmly to the belief that each one of us can do something to bring some portion of misery to an end."
Elisa Safran
From: Athens, OH
Junior, Marketing major...
I think Athens is an incredibly distinctive town with charisma that's unusual in most other places. The people, and university, that populate this area have created an atmosphere concerned with the environment, sustainability, and the well-being of others. Growing up here has taught me that we must not just care about ourselves; we must act in a way that values and supports the rest of the world. Getting involved and taking action is a way to give back and show you care - that's what Sierra Club is about.
Eric Gilliland
From: Hudson, OH
I am a Civil Engineering major. I joined SSC because I have a concern for the environment, and take a deep interest in it. I love the outdoors, and hope you do too! Also i am very interested in alternative energy and sustainable technology.
Kara Arvidson
From: Wrentham, Massachusetts
My name is Karaaaa and I'm from Wrentham, Mass. I am an environmental geology student and I love it! I joined the Sierra Club because I acknowledge that there are numerous environmental issues facing the world today and I want to make a difference. The Earth is our home and it is our job to take care of it. "The future's here, we are it, we are on our own, reduce, reuse, recycle"
Maria Farinacci
From: North Canton, OH
I am a marine biology major with an environmental studies certificate. I joined SSC because i want to save the world, starting with OU. I am passionate about conserving our environment so I am trying to learn more and meet people who care about similar issues. SSC has helped me see some of my passion become action. There are so many ways we can help this very campus become a more environmentally friendly one, and I believe this club can make a difference. *save the polar bears*
Michael Goldman
From: Cleveland
I'm an environmental pre-law major, and a south east asian studies minor. I speak chinese, and eat chinese food. I drink lots of tea. Zeppelin is awesome. I love the Earth and I think of human beings as parasites, giving the face of the Earth bad toxic gross pimples. I can play the cello. I like going on adventures. I don't like boring people, because they aren't interesting. "Love the Earth"
Natalie Fox, Events Coordinator
From: Cleveland, Ohio
I am a Geography major. I joined SSC because I was looking for a way to put my passion for conservation and preservation of our awesome Earth toward good use, and the Sierra Student Coalition gives me the resources to do just that. My favorite quote is one by our oh-so-intellectual leader of the free world: "I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully." Somebody needs to put his money where his mouth is.
PS- I love trees.
Olivia Hogan
From: Athens, Ohio
International Business and Marketing major...I always find myself back here in Athens, and I have realized how much I truly love it. It is a wonderful place the live and I want to do my best in keeping Athens, and the rest of the world, as beautiful as it was meant to be.
"I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in."
Sarah Ward
From: Ashland,Ky
My major is Applied Ecology, in the Environmental and Plant Biology Department. I came to OU for the opportunities and culture it had to offer. The SSC has allowed me to express myself actively with people of similar feelings. It also feels good to know your doing beneficial things for the environment on a organized level. The things we do can't be done by one person; shared thought is what makes us strong.