President's Message: New ideas about sustainability take root at CSUEB

• June 3, 2010 5:00am

Cal State East Bay’s President Mohammad “Mo” Qayoumi shares his ideas about sustainability in the spring issue of Cal State East Bay Magazine. At CSUEB, the quest for solutions to critical societal needs has begun, as students, faculty, staff, and alumni together seek answers to one of today’s most critical and vexing conundrums: What is sustainable?

“Typically, the term “sustainable” is associated with land use, natural resources, and recycling. But at Cal State East Bay, we believe it applies to far more,” said Qayoumi. “Our students are finding creative new ways of thinking and raising awareness about sustainability, as well as bringing new earth-friendly services to the University. Assistant Professor Erik Helgren’s work to improve solar energy cells in collaboration with a small team of undergraduate student research assistants demonstrates the practical application of theory and technology that is a CSUEB hallmark. Beyond the classroom, the University continues to make progress in its quest to model and teach sustainability. CSUEB already has one of the largest solar installations in Northern California, supplying the regional grid with enough energy to power 1,000 homes.”

KL