Q&A: Erin Kurtz '18, UofL’s first sustainability graduate

Editor's note: Louisville Alumni digital media intern Michael Jester recently caught up with Erin Kurtz '18 to talk about her experience in the sustainability major and what hopes she has for the future. Here is an excerpt. 

What was your journey toward choosing this as a major?

The sustainability degree was first announced over summer 2017. I was about to start my final year of classes at UofL, so making this decision was difficult. I knew that if I decided to pursue the sustainability degree, I would need to stay at UofL at least one extra semester – if not two. It was stressful for me to consider the extra money, as well as breaking from the longtime assumption that I would graduate in four years, but I’m so grateful for the extra semester I spent at UofL. In the end, no matter how upsetting the changes seemed to me, I knew that I had to stay and study sustainability. The fact that it was so new and untested didn’t really cross my mind. I was excited to be a part of the pioneering group of sustainability students.

What was your experience as a sustainability major at UofL?

It wasn’t exactly what I expected, but I think that was for the best. I really appreciate the knowledge that I gained about sustainability work within our community, and the issues that community groups face regarding sustainability. I feel as though I have the tools now to do the work that I’m most interested in.

Would you recommend the program to others?

It's important that the students involved really communicate and voice their concerns to help it grow. I really care about the sustainability program and everyone involved, and I’m so excited to see the ideas and change makers that come out of it.

Read the full Q&A with Kurtz at uoflalumni.org. Kurtz also was a part of The Cardinal Cupboard, a free food pantry for students on campus. View more about her work on campus here.