Annual Keepin' It Green Award winner announced

Radford University Recycling Coordinator Pavan Muddanna was named the 2014 Keep'n It Green Award winner by the Radford University Staff Senate at its annual picnic on May 14.

Award criteria are based on one or more of the following: energy and water conservation, waste reduction/recycling, behavior change and/or awareness, and economic impact.

For his contributions to the university, Muddanna received a $50 gift card and a certificate framed with wood recycled from the Preston Hall auditorium stage. RU’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies provided the gift card.

"It's been really great for people around campus to recognize my effort in educating and improving the recycling program during the first year of my job at RU," Muddanna said. "I would like to thank each and every one who has been a part of recycling for their help, support and encouragement in making RU grow more toward a green campus."

Muddanna came to RU in March 2013. As the university's recycling coordinator, he works to help the campus community reduce waste. Some of the efforts led by Muddanna include the Office Clean Out and Greek Mania competitions and the campus Shred-a-thon event, which resulted in recycling 5,160 pounds of mixed paper. Those recycling efforts lead to RU recycling 95,160 pounds in eight weeks.

"As Pavan’s supervisor, I’ve seen his passion and excitement for RU’s recycling efforts, and it’s great to know that others on campus have noticed it as well by nominating him for the award," said RU Sustainability Coordinator Julio Stephens. "His efforts, along with everyone on campus, will assist RU in reducing our wastes, increasing our recycling and reaching our Climate Action Plan goals."