RADFORD -- After graduating from RU with his bachelor’s degree in business management last year, Nick Quitter started work at a local winery, doing “everything from working in the fields to pouring wine for tastings.” Each Saturday morning, he worked at a farmer’s market. “Towards the end of summer, I had yet to find a job I wanted, so I decided to go back to school and get my master’s degree,” explained Quitter.

In a three-week time period, Quitter took the GMAT, sent in his application to RU’s MBA program and found an apartment. Now, Quitter has his eyes set on helping the world. As part of his directed study, Quitter is collaborating with Julio Stephens, RU’s sustainability coordinator, and Jo Ann Alger, the university’s building automation engineer, to create an LED lighting feasibility study for the university.

“I am researching companies in the lighting industry who have LED products that can replace current fluorescent and incandescent lighting on campus,” Quitter said. “My goal is to conduct a financial analysis to determine whether new, more energy efficient products have an acceptable payback period for the additional expenditure.”

Quitter’s study, which is under the direction of faculty advisor Iain Clelland, falls directly in line with the university’s goal to become a more sustainable campus community, a directive issued by President Penelope W. Kyle during her 2008 fall convocation address. The university already uses bio-diesel fuel in the campus motor fleet. Recently, the university received ENERGY STAR® certification for several buildings on campus, including Norwood and Floyd halls, which received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star certification after installing infrared motion sensors, magnetic window contacts and other high-tech devices.

Quitter is currently in the process of “sorting out” the logistics of surveying the campus for up to five models of light bulbs and calculating how many of each model exists. From there, Quitter will create a ranked list of where and when to implement new lighting changes.

It is all part of Quitter’s larger determination to work in renewable energy after he receives his MBA. “I have learned that electricity efficiency, electricity production, transportation energy and clean water are the four big items that need to be addressed in my lifetime,” he said. “I want to get into these fields because it can bring about the most change in the world.”

Outside of his sustainability work, Quitter serves as a stage technician at Bondurant Auditorium, a position that compensates him one class per semester. He is not just a student—he is a 1500-hour employee with an office. “This job has been my extracurricular activity, and I have loved every minute of it. I did not come to school to learn anything technical, but I have learned it from this job. I have the experience and knowledge to become a live sound engineer or a lighting designer if I choose.”

Quitter has learned that, “If I want to attain practical knowledge, then I need to go out and make it happen. Through education, I know how much I don’t know but have been provided the tools through which to attain future knowledge. My motivation to succeed is to help create a better world.”