iSustain, a national leader in industrial recycling and sustainability solutions, is deepening its commitment to the next generation of environmental leaders by increasing its endowment to the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. With an additional $300,000, the total endowment reaches $1 million, ensuring continued financial support for graduate students dedicated to sustainability in business.
The original iSustain Graduate Fellowship Endowment, established in 2023 with a $400,000 investment, was the first of its kind at the Haslam College of Business. It has already made a significant impact, with its first recipient, Emma Strieter, benefiting from the scholarship in 2024. This latest contribution further strengthens iSustain鈥檚 mission to foster sustainability-minded business professionals who will drive positive environmental change in their careers.
鈥淲e are doubling down on our commitment to sustainability leadership,鈥� said Mark Huber, Vice President of Business Development at iSustain and a University of Tennessee alumnus. 鈥淚nvesting in these students means investing in the future of sustainable business. This endowment ensures that passionate, dedicated individuals have the support they need to develop the skills that will shape a greener tomorrow.鈥�
For Emma Strieter, receiving the iSustain Sustainability Endowment was more than just financial assistance鈥� it was a pivotal moment in her journey. 鈥淚鈥檓 very honored to be the first recipient of this endowment. The funds came at just the right time, and meeting with Mark and Dawn at iSustain showed me that it鈥檚 possible to have a career that makes a tangible di鈥�erence. iSustain鈥檚 dedication to sustainability is inspiring, and I鈥檓 excited to see where this journey will take me.鈥�
Emma鈥檚 drive to merge business with environmental impact underscores the endowment鈥檚 purpose: 鈥淢y goal is to work with organizations that prioritize sustainability and environmental impact, helping to create a better world for future generations. For me, it鈥檚 about finding a role where I can blend my passion for the environment with strategic business solutions.鈥�
The additional funding will increase the number of students benefiting from the endowment, expanding opportunities for those who are passionate about sustainability but may otherwise face financial barriers in pursuing graduate education. Dr. Stephen L. Mangum, dean of the Haslam College of Business, previously emphasized the significance of iSustain鈥檚 initial investment, stating that it would 鈥渁ssist generations of UT students in achieving their career and life goals鈥� while ensuring that 鈥渢he business leaders of the future are both well trained and committed to preserving our planet鈥檚 natural resources.鈥� With this expanded endowment, iSustain is further solidifying that commitment, allowing even more students to benefit from financial support as they pursue sustainability-driven careers in business.
Paul Clark, executive director of development at UT, previously spoke about the critical need for sustainability-focused scholarships, saying: 鈥淭his will be the first scholarship, undergraduate or graduate, within the Haslam College of Business that gives preference for students who are passionate about, and engaged in, promoting sustainability. This is a truly groundbreaking investment. This fellowship could be the difference between a full-time graduate student working multiple jobs or being able to focus on their studies.鈥� 聽With iSustain鈥檚 latest contribution, this endowment will now support even more students in achieving their academic and career aspirations.