Cedar Rapids' new Sustainability Coordinator developed skills at Luther

Cedar Rapids new Sustainability Coordinator Eric Holthaus began his career in sustainability while working for Luther as its Energy and Waste steward.

While at Luther, Holthaus conducted energy office visits to help instruct others on how to reduce energy consumption. He also coordinated recycling efforts around campus.

Holthaus says that the skills he learned at Luther were invaluable to him as he continued to work in the emerging field of sustainability.

"I think I got to understand how to work with people," Holthaus said. "And more than that, how to articulate sustainability, which is a big issue right now. The [Luther] community helped me to learn how to harness interests of other people and strengthen an existing vision."

Holthaus credits several members of the community in helping him develop not only the skills to work in the field, but the passion.

"People like Dan Bellrichard, Jim Martin-Schramm and Jon Jensen were all helpful and gave great guidance," Holthaus said. "Particularly Dan Bellrichard, I think he is someone that effectively combines vision with pragmatism."

Ultimately, Holthaus commented on the benefit he received from the Decorah community at large.

"Luther and Decorah are great places to work in this field," Holthaus said. "It's so nice to work within a culture that's looking to move forward and is supportive of sustainability initiatives."