Alberici Foundation Contributes $5 million to Establish Sustainability Center at Saint Louis University
April 27, 2010
ST. LOUIS –Saint Louis University has announced a $5 million grant from the Alberici Foundation to establish the new Center for Sustainability at the University. The center offer a master’s degree in sustainability, the first of its kind in the Midwest, and will support research and education of sustainability issues.
"The Alberici family has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to St. Louis, and the Alberici Corporation is recognized throughout the country as a leader in green building practices," said University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J. in a statement. "By combining these passions into one very generous gift, the Alberici Foundation has positioned SLU to become one of the nation's leaders in the field of sustainability."
One of the primary ways the center will achieve its mission is by educating the next generation of leaders in sustainability. It will begin offering the new master’s degree in sustainability in fall 2010.
Students in the interdisciplinary two-year program will explore advanced green practices in business, engineering and urban planning. They will be well prepared for success in one of the fastest growing industries in the United States.
The Center for Sustainability also will seek to foster discovery through groundbreaking research. Of the $5 million Alberici grant, $1 million has been directed to create the Alberici Fund for Innovation in Sustainability, a seed grant program to grow green-related research projects.
Another priority for the Center for Sustainability is public education. Twice a year, the center will offer "Energy Matters," a six-week lecture series for business professionals looking to advance their knowledge of energy efficiency and sustainability.
On Wednesday April 21, the Center for Sustainability hosted its first event, Greenovation Place. The event consisted of an afternoon tradeshow, followed by an open forum and expert panel featuring John Alberici, Jim Curran from the IBEW, Terry Zintel from Midwest Biodiesel and Michael Doane from Monsanto.
The Alberici grant does much more than lay the foundation for the new Center for Sustainability. Part of the grant has been directed toward a $1.5 million endowment to support the center's regular operations well into the future.
About the Alberici Corporation
Founded in 1918, the Alberici Corporation is an employee-owned corporate parent of all Alberici Enterprises. The firm has its corporate offices in one of the highest rated LEED® Platinum buildings in the world. The St. Louis-based company has regional offices in Detroit, Atlanta and Ontario. Alberici's sustainable consulting division, Vertegy, has helped 23 projects achieve LEED Certification, four at the Platinum level.
About the Alberici Foundation
The Alberici Foundation makes grants reflecting the charitable interests of the Alberici family and corporation. It is a supporting foundation of the Greater St. Louis Community Foundation.