The new center plans to develop more programming and keep the momentum toward green going.

The director of the center is sociology professor Mike Keen. He said the sustainability movement takes an integrated approach to the environment and business. "We need to pay attention to society, economy and the environment."

Keen said in the next few months the center will develop a presence on campus, opening the center's office in the fall and developing funding.

The office will be in the Gunther and Barbara Jordan International Center, 1722 Hildreth St. The International Student Organization will maintain an office and use the reception area in the center.

The director of international programs is Scott Sernau and he has maintained his office in Wiekamp Hall. Sernau said he sees a benefit for the two programs using the center on Hildreth.

Gunther Jordan salutes the mission of Keen and the sustainability center.

"The center's mission is to meet the needs of the community for the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs," Jordan said. "That says it all."

The focus on sustainability integrates natural scientific understanding of the causes and environmental impact of climate change with the human contributions to the problem as well as the solution, Keen said.

The goals for the center will be to build on sustainability efforts already established, provide for sponsored research, incorporate sustainability into courses and curriculum, develop community outreach, network with local businesses, form international partnerships and use campus resources wisely.

Eventually, with more classes being added, a sustainable minor or certificate will be offered for students.

Businesses such as Wal-Mart and Starbucks, and communities are jumping on the sustainability bandwagon. Keen sees the center working with and being a regional resource. "Sustainability is a reflection of what is happening in the community," he said. People are interested.

Keen said sustainability would be a way to break down the barriers between the community and campus through outreach to businesses and agencies, and presentation of learning modules in schools.

In terms of research, this past year, a member of the sociology department has conducted research into farmers markets and two students in the master's of liberal studies have established a community garden in Potawatomi Park.

Other possible research areas could be green buildings, biofuels and renewable energy sources, as well as health and wellness, business and the arts.

For information about the center, contact Keen at (574) 520-4815 or mkeen@iusb.edu .