Samantha Jameson , UVA Dining's Sustainability Coordinator, received the Sustainability Award at this year’s SustainaBanquet on Wednesday, April 18 at Newcomb Ballroom, an event that celebrates sustainability achievements at UVA during Earth Week. There were over a dozen nominations for people who each made a positive impact with students, parents, employees, and the community. Dana Schroeder, Outreach and Engagement Specialist for the Office for Sustainability presented the award to Samantha Jameson, Sustainability Coordinator for UVA Dining.

“Samantha was selected for her vision, leadership, and can-do spirit in the realm of sustainable food and green dining practices at UVA. She has big ideas for what is possible at UVA from waste reduction initiatives to local purchasing and so much more! She inspires others with her boundless enthusiasm for the plant-forward lifestyle, and she makes quick work of any task she signs up for. She is generous with her time - helping plan, promote, and execute many-a-sustainability event throughout each year. We couldn’t even begin to tally the number of people that she has impacted, but from her colleagues at Aramark to students curious about a healthier, sustainable diet, we have all seen how strongly Samantha’s passion shines though.” -Dana Schroeder.

As part of the award, Samantha was given a hand crafted bowl, made from a 100 year old tree that once grew next to Thomas Jefferson’s vegetable garden at Monticello.