Two SUNY Morrisville students have been honored with prestigious SUNY Student Sustainability Awards for their efforts to advance sustainability on campus.
Chancellor John B King Jr. recognized students from across the SUNY system for projects that address climate and sustainability through areas such as research, innovation, environmental justice and campus engagement. The awards provide students with funds to expand their initiatives and engage peers in sustainability efforts.
Harper Callard, an aquaculture & aquatic science associate degree student from New Hartford, was named a SUNY Climate Sustainability Champion, receiving $1,000 for her work promoting sustainable practices.
Beau Bidwell, a horticulture business management bachelor's degree student from Russell, was recognized as a SUNY Climate Sustainability Leader, receiving $500 for his contributions to environmental projects on campus.
“I applaud the dedicated SUNY students who are eager to participate and learn about climate and sustainability actions and initiatives,” said Chancellor King in a prepared statement. “Our exceptional students are leading the way and I am proud to celebrate them for the work they have done to advance the understanding of climate and sustainability on their campuses through the Student Sustainability Awards.”
Callard’s initiatives include encouraging reusable water bottles, reducing single-use plastics, purchasing and distributing menstrual products to campus community members and creating a sustainability tour highlighting features such as solar panels, greenhouses, the food forest and refillable water stations.
She also helps organize Earth Day and other awareness events, maintains a campus swap table to encourage reuse and supports Morrisville’s sustainability ambassador and volunteer programs.
A member of the Sustainability Council and a resident assistant, Callard was part of the inaugural Empire State Service Corps cohort in 2024, earning an Innovation Service Award for her initiatives.
“I began this program wanting to make Morrisville more sustainable through compost and infrastructure, and quickly realized that we needed education first,” Callard said. “Through this, I found a passion for teaching people about what recycling and sustainability are. It’s become more than I ever imagined through community and outreach.”
Callard hopes to become a marine biologist focusing on coral research and environmental education, building on her campus experience to make a broader impact.
Bidwell promotes sustainable living as a resident assistant and as an Elite Leader, supporting environmentally focused programming and participating in tree planting initiatives that enhance campus biodiversity and reduce carbon impact.
Bidwell has worked at the college’s Horticulture Department for two years, supporting daily operations and sustainability initiatives and hosts Botanical Chronicles, a podcast promoting plant conservation and sustainable practices.
Bidwell’s future plans include owning and operating a sustainable brewery that incorporates native plants into craft brews.
“By combining horticulture, business management and environmental stewardship, I aim to create a brewery that highlights local ecosystems, supports native plant conservation and promotes sustainable agricultural practices,” he said.
The SUNY Student Sustainability Awards are part of ongoing efforts to highlight applied learning projects and strengthen SUNY’s leadership in climate initiatives. Students from across the system submit proposals in categories including arts and communication, environmental footprint, research, innovation and entrepreneurship, and environmental justice.
