MIDDBRIEFS

Author: KATHRYN FLAGG

ICICLE racks up energy

savings for institution during April contest

Halfway through the month of April, the Inter-Commons Initiative to Consume Less Energy (ICICLE) has saved the College over $1,000. The month-long event, organized by Bobby Levine '08 in conjunction with several on-campus organizations, encourages students to reduce energy consumption by facilitating inter-commons competition.

Leading the way in conservation efforts, Atwater Commons has saved the College nearly $500. Close behind, Ross Commons has saved over $300, while Wonnacott and Brainerd Commons currently hover near the $100-savings mark. Trailing the pack, Cook Commons has actually increased energy spending for its dormitories, as compared to past April spending accounts, by $13.

In order to facilitate energy conservation, ICICLE organizers recommend utilizing free compact fluorescent light bulbs, which are available in commons offices, as well as hibernating or turning off personal computers and laptops. ICICLE's Web site also stresses the importance of turning off lights when leaving the room, coining the popular and pithy phrase, "do it in the dark."

The members of the winning commons will, at the end of the month, participate in a commons ice cream and pizza party, as well as a raffle event. Prizes include a Fusion messenger bag with an integrated solar panel, carbon offsets from TerraPass for to account for emissions from students' automobiles and a signature ICICLE jumpsuit.



PSLA dinner recognizes student volunteer efforts at 13th annual dinner

Middlebury College celebrated the public service efforts of its students on Tuesday, April 11, honoring 39 nominees for excellence in volunteerism and ultimately recognizing nine students with special commendation. The event, which marked the 13th annual Public Service Leadership Award dinner, included a keynote address from Carrie Williams '00, as well as remarks from Dean of the College Tim Spears.

Following remarks from the speakers, as well as the announcement of all nominees, four awards were bestowed for exceptional service: the Public Service Leadership Award, the John M. McCardell, Jr. Award for Public Service, the Bonnie McCardell Award for Public Service and the newly-created Dana Morosini Reeve '84 Memorial Public Service Award. Each award was accompanied by a $300 donation made by the College on behalf of each award recipient to the organization of the recipient's choice. In the event's 13-year history, over $21,000 have been donated.

The six recipients of the Public Service Leadership Award were seniors Ashley Calkins, Thomas Hand and Mary Mendoza, Katherine Hawkins '06.5 and sophomores Emily Peterson and Ashley Valle. Erica Goodman '06 received the third annual John M. McCardell, Jr. Award for Public Service, Jessica Cox '06 received the Bonnie McCardell Award for Public Service and Gillian May Boeve '06 received the first ever Dana Morosini Reeve '84 Memorial Public Service Award. All nine students were recognized for their outstanding volunteer work, which ranged from local endeavors with Addison County residents to national leadership in climate change awareness and environmentalism.

In addition to these particular award recipients, all 39 student nominees were called forward, recognized for their particular service endeavors and presented with a commemorative achievement certificate.

These annual awards were prompted in 1993 by Patrick Durkin '79, who continues to underwrite the program. Durkin was on hand in Vermont on April 11 to attend the awards dinner and congratulate and honor the students.