Sustainability Celebration and Basic Needs Fair
WMU's Office for Sustainability (OfS) is excited to announce that the annual WMU Sustainability Celebration will take place on campus at the Board of Trustees Plaza on Friday, September 25, 2026. This event celebrates the work of sustainability leaders from across the University including students, faculty, and staff. It also connects new students with a growing number of sustainability leaders on campus and in the Kalamazoo area. This year we are partnering with Montgomery Essential Needs to provide more opportunities for students to connect with basic needs resources around the area.
Open House
The Sustainability Celebration commences at 11:00 a.m. with an open house that will feature current OfS program opportunities, student organizations, EcoEssential distribution for new students, live music, and refreshments. Participants will also have a chance to engage with other environmental organizations in the Kalamazoo area!
What's Happening at the Celebration this Year?
- The celebration will focus on WMU efforts, leaders, and groups.
- We’ll learn, network, and brainstorm together. Sustainability and climate change solutions are prominent in WMU’s new strategic and campus master plans. Broncos and experts are updating and implementing plans that will shape WMU for decades to come.
- We will highlight "zero waste" efforts on campus and ways to engage.
- It’s been a record hot year across the globe, again. We will face down eco-anxiety and the climate change dilemma by leaning into the transformational changes needed to address justice, pollution, waste, and other intersectional environmental, social, and economic issues.
Join us at the Celebration to engage in the responses, solutions, and the culture change needed for local-to-global sustainability.
Bring your Bike
Guests are encouraged to bring their bikes to the event. The Office for Sustainability and Open Roads are collaborating to fix bikes during the event. The teams will be servicing bikes during the celebration. No registration is required for this free routine bicycle maintenance and advice! This portion of the event is first come, first served.
Location
Biking, walking and carpooling to the event is highly encouraged.
Complimentary parking will be available for attendees during the event in Lot 41.
WMU Student Musicians Wanted!
The Office for Sustainability is seeking student musicians to perform at the 2026 Sustainability Celebration. We are looking for solo artists or bands to create a fun, welcoming atmosphere while celebrating sustainability and connecting with the campus community.
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Board of Trustees Plaza (Board of Trustees Plaza (between Student Center, Library, and Kanley Chapel)
Stay tuned for more info about the Sustainability Celebration.