June Newsletter- Commencement & Climate

As we celebrate our graduating climate leaders and welcome summer, we’re reflecting on recent wins and looking ahead to more sustainable action. Whether you're heading into a break or a new project, there's plenty to stay inspired about this season!

Let’s keep the climate action rolling all season long!

Spotlight

On May 28, Chief Climate Officer Angie Oberg received the Sustainability Leadership in Academia Award during Montclair State University’s celebration of the 10-year anniversary of its PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies Green Teams program. The event convened students, faculty, industry partners, and community leaders from across New Jersey to honor the program’s success in preparing hundreds of students for sustainability careers since 2016. Angie was recognized for her work leading the Office of Climate Action and for forging partnerships that expand and improve the state's sustainability workforce.

Annual Student Celebration

The Office of Climate Action held its Annual Celebration Day, bringing together students, staff, and partners to reflect on the year's achievements and look ahead to what's next in our sustainability journey.

OCA Director, Angie Oberg opened the event with an inspiring overview of the office’s key projects, student engagement, and took a moment to thank both current and past students for their incredible work and dedication to climate action.

A special cord ceremony honored our graduating students, recognizing their dedication and contributions to climate action during their time with us.

The event also featured presentations by our Spring 2025 Interns, who shared insights from their research and reflected on what they’ve learned through their hands-on experiences in climate leadership.

It was a day of celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment to building a more sustainable future—together.

Ambassador Team Updates

Sustainability Ambassador program

Book Swap Event

Our Sustainability Ambassadors hosted a heartwarming Book Swap event in collaboration with the Youth Empowerment Club and READ (The Rutgers University Book Club) — all in support of a more sustainable future.

This wasn’t just any book exchange. To make it even more engaging, they added a cozy Tea Party twist! Attendees brought gently used books to exchange, promoting reuse and reducing waste while enjoying bubble tea and meaningful conversation.

The event was a wonderful example of how small actions—like swapping books instead of buying new—can make a big difference for the environment. It also fostered community connection and a shared love for reading.

Climate Action Internship – Fall 2025

Are you passionate about sustainability and environmental change? We are now accepting applications for the Climate Action Internship for Fall 2025!

Apply Now

June Green Tips 🌿

🚲June 3rd is World Bicycle Day - Take a bike ride

🥾Celebrate the outdoors with National Trails Day - June 7

🏖️June 8th is World Ocean Day - Clean up your local beach

👨‍👧‍👦Happy Father's Day to all the incredible dads - surprise your dad with with a DIY gift made from the heart or a solar-powered gadget

🪴Keep your garden thriving in June - Happy early summer gardening

May Riddle Reveal

Last month, we challenged you with the riddle:

I planted ideas and watched them grow,

Fought for the Earth and let my voice show.

Even went to Capitol Hill,

To show we can’t stand still,

With passion and strong will.

Now with finals done, I rise and stand —

A steward of knowledge, ready to lend a hand.

Additional Highlights

Opportunities

Events

News

Stay informed and engaged with our latest updates on sustainability efforts, climate action initiatives, and important news and events.

If you have any news, events, or other updates you would like to share with our community, please email Meenal Vaggyani at meenal.vaggyani@rutgers.edu

Visit our Website