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 acknowledgement
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.
You can learn more about the land acknowledgment here
Our Officers!
President – Gabriel Kosmacher
Gabe (he/him) is a senior studying Mathematics and Computer Science. He is also an avid baker (culturally Jewish breads are my specialty) athlete (well, if 16” softball is athletics) and reader (Love in the Time of Cholera is his fave).
Vice President – Zoe Huspen
Zoe (she/her) is a senior studying Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability! She loves to spend time outdoors, color, and skateboard. She is excited to keep growing our environmental community this year!
Outreach Coordinator – Owen Jennings
Owen (he/they) is a senior studying Earth, Society, Environmental Sustainability, and Philosophy! He is an avid and intermediately experienced rock climber, keeper of 40+ houseplants, frequent reader of sci-fi and fantasy fiction, occasional journeyman, and infrequent beekeeper!
Media Officer – Lexi Delmonico
Lexi (she/her) is a senior studying political science. She loves going on hikes even when she underestimates them and they exhaust her. The ocean is her first and constant environmental love. She loves cats, museums, good food, and cheap wine.
Action Coordinator – Rudy LaFave
Rudy (he/him) is a sophomore studying environmental economics and policy. He loves to go camping, he loves to fish, star watch, he loves long distance running and fighting climate change.
Education Officer – Claire Sullivan
Claire (she/her) is a sophomore 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 new and returning faces!
Treasurer – Danika Ford
Danika (she/her) is a junior studying Natural Resources and Environmental Science. She loves to cook, read, and knit in her free time!
Secretary – Alex Chavez
Alex (he/him) is a senior studying NRES and Portuguese. During his free time, he loves to take care of his home garden, skate around campus, play soccer, and paint.
Diversity and Inclusion Officer – Nancy Peña
Nancy (she/her) is a sophomore studying Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability. In her free time she enjoys going to concerts, photography, and thrifting. She joined SECS to meet other people who are interested in environmentalism and to collaborate with them to help raise more awareness about the environmental issues on campus.
Community Chair – Faith Losbanes
Faith (she/her) is a senior studying Integrative Biology. In her free time, she likes to write and play music. She joined SECS because she wanted to get more involved with green initiatives on campus, and she believes SECS is a good vessel for that.