Alumni and students come together to raise awareness of going green

Members of the newly formed Interior Design Alumni Network put the finishing touches on their “Green” tree on display at the Festival of Trees. Sponsored by Kurtis Chevrolet, the tree features energy saving lights and sustainable materials. From left to right are: Marie Cheek, jr. vice president; Allison Wagaman, president; April Thurston and Megan Fodrie members of Carteret Community College's Interior Design Alumni Network.

By: Abe Nelson | WNCT
Published: December 14, 2008

Carteret Community College’s alumni and students came together to decorate a Christmas tree for the annual Festival of Trees at the Crystal Coast Civic Center.

The tree decoration wasn’t just for fun, but had a meaning behind it. The participants wanted their tree to stress the importance of going green.

“We used “Tis a Green Christmas” as our theme to provide awareness about products that are sustainable or reduce energy usage,” said Allison Wagaman, president of the CCC Interior Design Alumni Network (IDAN). “The 400 plus lights are bright multi-colored LED which under use well under 10 percent of the energy of an incandescent bulb.”

In addition to decorating a tree, the Interior Design alumni established a mission and purpose for their group as well.

“One purpose of forming this group is to provide networking between current students and graduates of the Interior Design Program,” said Marie Cheek, jr. vice president, of IDAN. “We want to provide current students with the opportunity to learn from the experience of the alumni. The second purpose for the group is to volunteer for community events.”

CCC graduates or anyone who would like to connect with former classmates, can visit the college’s website at www.carteret.edu/foundation/alumni and complete the Alumni Link or contact Mary Schronce at mhs@carteret.edu or 252-222-6143.