"Sustainable U" Collegewide Seminar Series

For the 2009-2010 academic year, the College of Engineering has established a collegewide seminar series designed to share sustainability experiences, challenges, and best practices from industry leaders recognized for world-class sustainability programs with students, faculty, staff, local and state government officials, and corporate partners.

The series includes two Thursday afternoon, 50-minute college-wide seminars – one during each semester -- featuring senior people from industry associations and select corporations. They will be held from 4:30-5:20 p.m.


February 4, 2010 4:30-5:20 p.m. Shambaugh Auditorium, Main Library Laurie Zelnio Director of Safety, Environment and Standards Deere & Company, Moline, IL
UI alumnae Laurie Zelnio (BA in biochemistry) is Director of Safety, Environment and Standards at Deere & Company, Moline, IL. Zelnio began her career with Deere in 1979 as a chemist at the company's Harvester Works and has held several successive assignments until being named director of safety, environment and standards in 2002. Previously, she served as a biochemist at The University of Iowa and as a chemist at Lutheran Hospital in the Quad Cities. She is a member of the board of directors of the National Safety Council, and a member of the Corporate EHS Roundatable, Conference Board-Environmental & Safety/Health Councils, and Manufacturers Alliance-Environmental Council. Zelnio also is a member of the University of Iowa Water Sustainability Initiative Advisory Board, the College of Public Health Advisory Board, and a board member of the Deere & Company Credit Union.
October 1, 2009 4:30-5:20 p.m. Shambaugh Auditorium, Main Library Jean Sweeney Vice President of Environmental, Health & Safety Operations 3M Company, St. Paul, MN
Jean Sweeney is Vice President of Environmental, Health & Safety Operations of 3M in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Born and raised in Montana, she is a graduate of Montana State University with a B.A. in Chemical Engineering and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, Minn. Jean joined 3M upon graduation from MSU and has had a diversity of assignments with 3M including product development, plant management, and marketing. Prior to attaining her current title in 2007, she was General Manager of 3M’s Visual Systems Department. She has had two international assignments including Manufacturing Director for 3M Australia in Sydney and Managing Director of 3M Taiwan in Taipei. Jean is involved in nonprofit organizations as a volunteer to feed the homeless and board member of Any Baby Can serving young children in need. Ms. Sweeney also is a member of the new University of Iowa Water Sustainability Advisory Board.