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Net Impact chapter receives “Gold” status
Published: 2009-08-18
The Ohio State University Net Impact chapter, launched at Fisher, was elevated to “Gold” status becoming one of only 12 university chapters out of the organization’s 241 chapters internationally to earn the designation. The chapter, which recently celebrated its first anniversary this year, is one of very few chapters to leap over the “Silver” level to receive “Gold” status.
“Gold chapters are the most outstanding chapters in the Net Impact network,” according to a statement on the organization’s Web site. “They are characterized by energetic members, dynamic leadership and excellence in all that they do. They also go above and beyond minimum requirements to actively give back to the network by sharing best practices, mentoring other chapters and working with Net Impact Central to improve chapter offerings.”
Last year, Ohio State Net Impact took the membership from six to 80, hosted 11 speakers, conducted two site visits, worked with companies such as PepsiCo and Owens Corning on projects, hosted Sustainability Week in May and co-sponsored the poverty summit in February.
“Net Impact Central has a very stringent process of selection and looks at a host of requirements to be met,” said Venkatesh Ganapathy, the graduate president of the chapter. “This includes membership, type of events, volunteer work, regional outreach, submission of best practices to Net Impact and attendance at the national conference.”
Another unique aspect of the Ohio State chapter of Net Impact that sets it apart from other university chapters is membership is comprised of both graduate and undergraduate students.
"The advantage of working in a chapter composed of graduates for an undergrad is that we are able to develop a level of maturity and professionalism beyond our age," said James Balch, undergraduate president of Net Impact. "It has become a valuable mentoring tool for our undergrads. It is also helpful to hear about their experiences and areas we should focus on as we begin our career."
Also active in the Ohio State Net Impact chapter are area professionals.
“The very supportive efforts of business leaders, student leadership and the college combined with a strong desire to understand the many challenges and benefits of sustainable business practices were important factors in receiving this recognition,” said Curt Haugtvedt, Net Impact academic advisor. “We look forward to another year of activities that will move the bar even higher.”
