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Southeastern ‘graduates’ into Keep Louisiana Beautiful Program

 Keep Louisiana Beautiful has graduated Southeastern Louisiana University and Dillard University into its KLB University Affiliate Program.

Tonya Lowentritt

October 3, 2024

Keep Louisiana Beautiful logo

 

     Keep Louisiana Beautiful has graduated Southeastern Louisiana University and Dillard University into its KLB University Affiliate Program. KLB engages college students in environmental stewardship and sustainability practices and is the most successful program of its kind in the U.S. with 12 affiliates.
     “Litter removal in our state is just one step in the process. It’s going to take all Louisianans working together to solve this problem,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “One piece of the puzzle is waste reduction and reaching our young adults and youth to create a significant culture shift, changing habits in Louisiana so we can let our light shine for all to see the beauty we have to offer.”
     Southeastern and Dillard join Grambling State University, Louisiana State University, Loyola University New Orleans, Nicholls State University, Northwestern State University, Tulane University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of Louisiana Monroe, University of New Orleans, and Xavier University of Louisiana.
     “Southeastern is proud to announce its affiliation with KLB as one of the newest members of the University Affiliate Program,” said Professor and Manager of Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station Robert Moreau. “This partnership underscores Southeastern’s dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship, bringing with it a range of impactful initiatives aimed at reducing waste and fostering a cleaner, greener campus.”
     Southeastern Physical Plant Director Chris Asprion emphasized the university’s excitement.
     “Partnering with Keep Louisiana Beautiful aligns perfectly with our mission to engage students in sustainable practices benefitting not only our campus, but our surrounding community as well,” he said. “We are thrilled to be a part of this innovative network.”
     The universities have been working together and exchanging ideas in monthly meetings throughout the school year. To become a university affiliate, the applicants were required to conduct a waste audit, litter survey and assessment, participate in Love the Boot Week, form an affiliate leadership committee, design an affiliate logo, and create a work plan.
     “Louisiana’s universities are leading the way in sustainability and waste reduction in higher education,” said Community Engagement and Affiliate Services Director Cabell Mouton. “Together, these 12 institutions have developed a collaborative forum for learning from one another. There is no other statewide group like this in the country, and I’m just so proud to be a part of their journey.”
     KLB is the state’s leading anti-litter and community improvement organization focused on achieving a cleaner, greener Louisiana through education, enforcement, public awareness, and community engagement. KLB is affiliated with the national organization Keep America Beautiful and is supported by a robust statewide network of community affiliates and university affiliates. More information is available at KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org.

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