Building a greener campus: A Q&A with Sarah Knott, sustainability specialist in the Arrupe Center

As Marquette continues to expand its commitment to environmental stewardship, the Arrupe Center for Community Service and Social Responsibility is playing a key role in connecting sustainability and community engagement. At the center of this work is Sarah Knott, a 2023 Marquette graduate and the university's new sustainability specialist.

Since earning her degree in interdisciplinary environmental studies from Marquette, Knott has built a diverse background spanning conservation, local government sustainability and environmental research - all focused on addressing climate change and restoring natural landscapes.

Her connection to Marquette's sustainability efforts began as a student intern, where she helped launch initiatives like MarKept Move Out, a program designed to reduce waste and redistribute usable items during campus move-out.

Now, in her role with the Arrupe Center, Knott is helping integrate sustainability into the university's broader mission of service and social responsibility. One of the latest examples of this work is the recently updated sustainability map, an interactive resource that highlights the many ways sustainability is embedded across campus and beyond.

In this Q&A, Knott shares more about her background, the inspiration behind the map, and how the Marquette community can engage with environmental efforts during Earth Month and throughout the year.

Earth Month is a great time to reflect on sustainability - what events or actions should the Marquette community look forward to this April?

One standout is the Sustainable Styles Ungendered Clothing Swap, a collaboration between Campus Sustainability and the Office of Inclusion and Belonging on April 28. This event provides students the opportunity to donate gently used clothing and shop from their peers at no cost, to bring them confidence while also participating in sustainable behaviors, helping extend life of clothes, reducing waste and even learning mending skills.

On April 25, the Burke Scholars Sustainability Committee will host a campus cleanup. It is an opportunity to channel Earth Day energy into making a difference.

Beyond events, I believe Earth Day is a great time for reflection. As we go forth into spring, I encourage everyone to think about the everyday choices made and how sustainable practices can fit into routines.

What are your main goals for sustainability on campus this year?

I am interested in highlighting opportunities that connect people with their local environments through service-based activities. This includes helping students better understand Marquette's role in the greater Milwaukee environment and caring for our world through clean-ups, invasive plant species removals and community science initiatives. Through peer-to-peer education, large scale programs, resource guides and events, we aim to empower students to become informed and effective sustainability changemakers.

What inspired the recent update to the Marquette Sustainable Landmarks Map, and how can the campus community use it?

The updated map highlights sustainability efforts across campus, including green infrastructure, research spaces and biodiverse landscaping added as Marquette has grown. It helps students, faculty and staff discover ways to engage with sustainability in daily life, from bike stations and plant-based dining to nearby parks and trails, serving as both an educational tool and an invitation to connect with the environment on and off campus.

What role do you see sustainability playing in Marquette's Jesuit mission and values?

In Laudato Si', Pope Francis called on all people to take collective responsibility for caring for our common home, an idea that closely aligns with Jesuit principles.

This call to care connects with cura personalis, or care for the whole person. By integrating environmental education into our holistic approach, we can prepare individuals to become thoughtful stewards of our world, no matter what paths they pursue.

Ultimately, sustainability reinforces the Jesuit commitment to responsibility, reflection and service. Encouraging us to consider how our actions impact others and the environment and how we can contribute to a sustainable future.

What can students do during move-out to help support sustainability on campus?

During move-out, students can participate in MarKept Move Out by donating gently used dorm items instead of throwing them away. From May 4-9, items can be placed in designated bins located in all residence hall entryways.

These donations are then made available to incoming students at low or no cost during the August 2026 move-in period. Students and staff can also get involved by volunteering through the Campus Sustainability MarKept Move Out sign-up form.