Students for Environmental Concerns is the oldest and largest environmental organization at the University of Illinois, dedicated to environmental activism and justice.
SECS will hold weekly meetings in the Channing Murray building (1209 W Oregon St) at 6:30pm every Wednesday, unless otherwise noted.
SECS Constitution
The SECS constitution is in accordance with the University of Illinois Registered Student Organization office. The constitution for the 2022-23 academic year can be accessed via this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ExNpB6yN7vfuWhCQywYBHNO2hrq68HYr5bqGoe32OXg/edit?usp=sharing
OUR MISSION
SECS aims to promote environmental action on campus by spearheading campaigns and collaborating with other organizations on projects that lead to a greener Earth. We believe that all individuals and institutions, particularly those in the Global North, have an important role to play in resolving the current climate crisis. Our primary mission is to work to maintain the stability, integrity, and beauty of the natural world, promote and participate in the sustainable food revolution, and pursue clean energy on and off campus.
Our Projects
SECS is currently running two legacy campaigns during the 2022-23 academic year: Fossil Fuel Divestment and iCAP Accountability. You can learn more about these student led initiatives here.
Our Past
With a proud history of environmental activism, we would like to highlight the recent success of our Beyond Coal campaign.
The Beyond Coal campaign served as a student-led coalition aimed at lobbying the University of Illinois to “Divest all university endowment funds out of … the dirtiest utilities, coal operators and mining companies in the U.S.” Today, this initiative is viewed as an historic success, “with coal exposure now comprising less than one half of one percent of total [endowment] holdings” – as per the Chancellor. You can read more about the Beyond Coal campaign on their website https://uiucbeyondcoal.blogspot.com .
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
SECS is a community of students. As such, we have a responsibility to lead in creating inclusive practices toward people of different ethnicity, religions, genders, ages, social classes, physical abilities, and sexual orientations.
We would also like to highlight the University of Illinois’ land acknowledgment
As a land-grant institution, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has a responsibility to acknowledge the historical context in which it exists. We are currently on the lands of the Peoria, Kaskaskia, Peankashaw, Wea, Miami, Mascoutin, Odawa, Sauk, Mesquaki, Kickapoo, Potawatomi, Ojibwe, and Chickasaw Nations. It is necessary for us to acknowledge these Native Nations and for us to work with them as we move forward as an institution.
Our Officers!
President – Danika Ford (she/her)
Danika is a senior studying Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. She enjoys going on walks, knitting & crocheting, and reading.
Email: djford2@illinois.edu
Co-Vice Presidents – Alex Chavez (he/him) and Rudy LaFave (he/him)
Alex is a senior studying Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. During his free time, he loves to skate around campus, play soccer, cook, and paint.
Email: achavez5@illinois.edu
Rudy is a Junior studying Environmental Economics and Policy. He enjoys hiking, fishing and long distance running!
Email: rlafave2@illinois.edu
Secretary – Julia San Miguel (she/her)
Julia is a junior studying Environmental Economics and Policy. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, poetry, and taking long walks near bodies of water.
Email: julials5@illinois.edu
Treasurer – Averhy Sanborn (she/her)
Averhy is a sophomore studying Political Science. You can often find her reading on the quad, making collages, and trying new restaurants in the C-U area.
Email: averhys2@illinois.edu
Action Coordinator – Trey McCallister (he/him)
Trey is a sophomore studying Sustainable Design. He enjoys biking and hiking, capturing landscapes and candid moments with his camera. He often spends quality time with friends while thrifting, stumbling upon unique vintage finds that add a touch of nostalgia.
Email: tmcca7@illinois.edu
Education Officer – Claire Sullivan (she/her)
Claire is a junior studying NRES. She is excited to be the education officer this year and help facilitate teach-ins, documentary showings, etc. She loves reading, swimming, and spending time outdoors. Look forward to seeing all the new and returning faces!
Email: csull7@illinois.edu
Media Officer – Sophia Beem (she/her)
Sophia is a sophomore studying Creative Writing and Global Studies. She loves spending time in nature and exploring thrift shops. You can often find her kicking a soccer ball around or playing her trumpet in one of our Illinois bands.
Email: beem2@illinois.edu
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer – Fatima Naveed (she/her)
Fatima is a sophomore studying Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. She loves constantly exploring new paths on runs, picking up new hobbies on the daily (crocheting, gardening, climbing), and attempting to write new poems.
Email: fnave2@illinois.edu
Community Chair – Joya Weissman (she/her)
Joya is a sophomore studying Sociology with a minor in Social Work. She loves reading character-driven books and biking through heavily forested areas. You can often find her enjoying live music at an Urbana house show.
Email: joyarw2@illinois.edu
Land Management Chair – Liam Henry (he/him)
Liam is a sophomore studying Hospitality Management. He is an avid gardener and certified plant dad. He also loves to create new recipes and explore everything about food. In his free time he loves to play guitar and paint watercolors.
Email: liamjh2@illinois.edu
Outreach Coordinator – Izzy Wilder (she/her)
Izzy is a sophomore studying Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability. She enjoys walking her dog, thrifting with friends, and connecting with nature!
Email: iwilder2@illinois.edu