Casella Waste Systems Pledges Generous Gift for Scholarships

"Casella Waste Systems has a long history as a generous benefactor of the Center for Earth and Environmental Science at SUNY Plattsburgh. This gift for scholarships will benefit students majoring or minoring in earth and environmental science for many years to come and will consequently have a long term positive impact on our environment," said Anne Hansen, vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the foundation.

Carla Canjar, environmental compliance and project manager for Casella Waste Systems and a 2004 graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh, was a benefactor of Casella's commitment to higher education when, as a junior, she was a recipient of a Casella scholarship.

"As a Casella employee and a Center for Earth and Environmental Science at SUNY Plattsburgh alumna, I am thrilled that Casella has chosen to continue their support of a program that I so strongly believe in and owe a great deal to," said Canjar.

The gift, which will be spread over five years, will support five $2,500 scholarships per year. "A portion of the gift will also be designated to establish the Casella Earth and Environmental Sciences Endowment, which will eventually maintain the Casella scholarship program in perpetuity," said Hansen. "We are very excited about this because building the endowment is one of the College's top priorities, and Casella Waste Systems has really stepped forward as a leader in this regard."

Dr. Robert Fuller, director of the Center for Earth and Environmental Science, said that the five annual scholarships funded by the Casella Waste Systems endowment will provide a unique opportunity for Casella Scholars.

"Students will have the opportunity to learn first-hand how operations at solid waste plants, including recycling and alternative energy generation, are critical to protecting our environment," said Fuller. "Scholarship recipients will complete a course in solid waste management taught by environmental science alumni, and this program will also allow some of our best local students, as well as those from around the state, access to some outstanding employment opportunities. The Center for Earth and Environmental Science is grateful to Casella Waste Systems for making this educational opportunity and financial support available to our students."

Clinton Community College students interested in transferring to SUNY Plattsburgh and studying in the Center for Earth and Environmental Science are also eligible to apply for a Casella Scholarship. 

"On behalf of the many students who will be supported by this scholarship program, I want to thank Casella Waste Systems for their commitment to higher education, their generosity to the Center for Earth and Environmental Science at SUNY Plattsburgh and their assistance in enabling Plattsburgh State to be a good neighbor and partner with Clinton Community College," said President John Ettling.

For more information about the Casella Waste Systems scholarship, contact the Plattsburgh College Foundation at 518-564-2090.
 
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