TU’s Perreault, leaders join “Investing In America” event with VP Kamala Harris
Towson University, a leader in sustainability in higher education, joins national and state leaders in kickoff activity in Baltimore
By TOWSON UNIVERSITY on July 14, 2023
Towson University interim president Melanie Perreault and more than a dozen TU leaders were on hand in Baltimore today as Vice President Kamala Harris announced $20 billion in funding for sustainability initiatives.
Perreault, who had a few moments to meet with Harris, was one of only a handful of university presidents at the afternoon event at Coppin State University (CSU), a University System of Maryland (USM) institution like TU.
“It is good to be back in Baltimore. [...] I want to thank you for taking on one of the most urgent issues of our time: the climate crisis. You’ve seen your skies darkened by wildfires. You’ve seen the waters of the Chesapeake Bay rise. The clock isn’t ticking. It’s banging. And we must act," Harris said during the event. "Today I’m proud to announce the largest investment in financing in community-based solutions for climate issues in our nation's history. We need to make up for lost time."
Sustainability is one of the priorities outlined under TU’s strategic plan. TU is home to a masters in environmental science through the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics.
“Sustainability is among TU's top priorities as outlined by the university's strategic plan, and we are incredibly proud to enact green initiatives that support this important mission for the global good," Perreault said. "Thanks to expert faculty-led research and our advanced graduate offerings in this discipline, TU is a leader in sustainability education."
Recognized repeatedly by Tree Campus USA, TU is also home to the second most electrical charging stations of any university in the United States, according to ChargePoint.
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TU has also received USM recognition for programs and initiatives that support smart reuse and repurposing of technology.
Other dignitaries at the event included USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman, Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, among others.
“It is indeed an honor to have you on Baltimore’s hometown university campus,” CSU President Anthony Jenkins said in a packed auditorium on the West Baltimore campus. “I deeply thank you for choosing Coppin State University as the backdrop for your important message today.”
“Maryland has long been on the cutting edge of climate change,” said comptroller Brooke Lierman. “We don’t get a second chance. We must do this today.”
Read more about the initiatives announced Friday via The Baltimore Banner.