Former Furman University presidentDavid E.Shireceived the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s (AASHE) 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award.
The AASHE Sustainability Awards recognize the institutions and individuals that help lead higher education to a sustainable future. In 2021, AASHE received more than 360 entries and selected 12 winners across five categories.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is bestowed to individuals with at least 10 years of documented accomplishments in the field of higher education sustainability who have had a significant impact on a large number of individuals and organizations.
Some of the initiatives championed by Shi during his Furman presidency include the following:
- Furman was a charter signatory of the Association of College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, and the university aims to be carbon neutral by 2026
- 史研究所可持续社区established and serves as a hub for exploring complex sustainability issues on campus and beyond
- A general education requirement in sustainability (Humans and the Natural Environment) was established for all students
- A Bachelor of Science in sustainability science was created
- Furman built South Carolina’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified building and is now home to eight LEED buildings
- Furman’s Community Conservation Corps was established in 2009 – a program conceived by Shi for mobilizing students, faculty and staff members to weatherize homes for low-income residents in Greenville
- Furman developed an organic practice farm that is tended by students and supplies weekly produce to the university’s dining hall
Shi previously served 16 years as Furman University’s president. He is also a graduate of Furman.
