Newspapers / Elon University Student Newspaper / May 19, 2012, edition 1 / Page 1
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loiz. Congratulations Class of 2012! The Elon community welcomes you to the ranks of alumni! WELCOME! The entire Elon community sends enthusiastic congratulations to the entire Class of 2012. It is the university's promise that the events and ceremonies of commencement week will create a memorable captstone to your Elon experience. This guide was developed to provide useful information for graduates and their guests leading up to Saturday's undergraduate ceremonies. We also celebrate graduates as they join the alumni role and hope the pages related to this next chapter will guide them onward. Please refer to the maps and diagrams on page 4 and 5 that indicate where specific events will take place as well as the locations for public parking on Saturday morning. Also Inside is information from Alumni Engagement about regional programs and homecoming. ' ■ L: ■ Ik #28'' Commencement gowns made from recycled plastic bottles As part of the university’s sustainability commitment, a new line of Commencement apparel is being introduced this year made from recycled plastic bottles. Each gown is made from about 23 plastic bottles by a Virginia- based company, Oak Hall Cap & Gown. They look and feel the same as gowns used in previous ceremonies, and all future ceremonies for both undergraduate and graduate students will use the earth-friendly robes. The traditional colors will remain the same: maroon for undergraduates and black for graduate students. “We believe this change has a good educational message for our students and their families,” said Gerald Whittington, Elon’s senior vice president for business, finance and technology. “The more we implement this sort of sustainable practice, the lower the ultintate cost will be, and the greater the benefit to our planet.” Oak Hall’s “GreenWeaver” line first launched in 2009 and is growing in popularity among universities committed to sustainable practices. The company notes on its website that with 60 million plastic bottles going into landfills every day, the gowns offer universities “a chance to turn trash into keepsakes.” To make the robes, recycled plastic bottles are processed to remove impurities such as labels and caps. Bottles are then “chopped” into fragments, which are melted and solidified into pellets. Those pellets are melted yet again and extruded into filament yarn. The yarn is woven, dyed and finished. The gown uses a “tag less” size label printed with soy ink and the cap contains recycled cardboard. The only parts of regalia not currently made from recycled materials are the zipper and the tack that holds the cap button in place. “I’m excited to be able to wear a cap and gown that has been made from plastic bottles,” said Kristi Jacobsen, Elon Class of 2012. “It is a great example of something small that can be done to help lessen our environmental impact. I think it is fantastic that Elon has decided to support this line of eco-friendly graduation wear. It really showcases Elon’s growing dedication to sustainability.” According to Oak Hall, carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by nearly 55 percent in manufacturing the gown fabric from recycled plastic rather than virgin polyester, and petroleum use is cut by 52 percent through thermal recycled energy. “Just think graduates, you’re wearing 23 plastic bottles instead of having them go to the landfill,” said Elaine Durr, Elon’s director of sustainability. “The gowns are just one example of Elon’s commitment to sustainability.” Stay plugged in at www.elon.edu/alumni We are here to keep you connected to Elon. Make sure you update your post-graduation contact information at www.elon.edu/updateyourinfo PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Elon University Student Newspaper
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May 19, 2012, edition 1
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