Quinlan President’s Medallion Winner Discusses Favorite Professor, Future

The Quinlan President’s Medallion is an award bestowed upon students who excel not only in the classroom, but also in the world. Quinlan School of Business students receive this honor upon the recommendation of their academic dean because they exemplify a combination of achievement in scholarship, leadership and service, and are dedicated to helping those around them.

Christie Kochis is one of these students. She wants to make the world a better and more sustainable place. Kochis worked on several eco-friendly initiatives at Loyola and has been an intern in the Office of Sustainability since 2013. She’s also worked for Nielsen and Sustainable Business Australia in an effort to leave her own, positive mark on the environment.

Kochis, a President’s Medallion recipient, recently spoke with the Quinlan School of Business about her favorite Loyola memory, her leadership role with the Student Environmental Alliance, and how she wants to help businesses see the value in sustainability. Here are a few excerpts from that interview:

Kochis was asked about a professor or mentor who inspired her.

“I’ve had several influential mentors who have supported me to get to where I am today. One person in particular who has helped shape my Loyola experience is Aaron Durnbaugh, Loyola’s director of sustainability. He has shared his wealth of sustainability knowledge as well as his professional connections to provide me with more opportunities for learning and growth.”

She was also asked what she hopes to be doing 10 years from now.

“I would like to make a difference within businesses and the way they think about their role in relation to the environment. Communicating the value of sustainability to my employer and company will be my primary goal and challenge. Wherever I end up, I want to work toward bettering our society and our environment—and to be happy while doing it.”

You can read the full interview here.

regions: Chicago

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