Jeff Dyreson
Science; Director of Environmental/Sustainability Initiatives
Associate Director of the Alvord Center
Head Coach Girls Golf
Faculty member since 2002
B.S. University of Wisconsin-Madison
M.A. Environmental/Outdoor Education
What drew you to Loomis?
The sense of community at Loomis makes the campus a unique and special place; all of the students, faculty, and staff work together toward a common goal of building themselves for grander and better lives. My family and I feel privileged to be part of such a special place. Every day I see how students appreciate opportunities that Loomis has to offer and embrace the education process. The classroom environment here is very invigorating and the freedom in the classroom in terms of labs and activities is something very attractive for me.
What does sustainability mean to you and why is it important?
When I was growing up, I spent a lot of time on farms and outdoors communing with nature – I really connected with the world in this way, almost spiritually. In high school and college, I became involved in hiking, canoeing, camping, and rock climbing; I wanted my education to reflect my lifestyle. Graduate school allowed me to hone in on environmental stewardship and sustainability. I truly believe that lives are enhanced, not sacrificed, when living in a sustainable manner. Sustainability promotes creative thinking, ingenuity, a sense of community, and a sense of spiritual place. I don’t just teach sustainability, I live it. Sharing how I live is how I teach my students and encourage them to think more creatively about how they also live their own lives. I want to show my students what they can do to better not only themselves but the world around them.
What has been the most rewarding experience in the sustainability program?
One of the most rewarding experiences has been watching the Environmental Proctor position blossom into a positive opportunity for students to become leaders of their community. All of the proctors support one another and stay true to the mission – they have learned that their actions and voice counts and makes a difference. All of the initiatives across campus have developed because of them i.e. the composter, agricultural plot including the chickens, single stream recycling, energy monitoring, among many more. I love to see the students think, work, and get excited about the results of their work that makes the community a better place.