Newswise — The Newton Marasco Foundation, a Virginia-based non-profit environmental organization, has honored Salisbury University President Janet Dudley-Eshbach with its first annual award for Leading Environmental Stewardship (LES).

"The idea is that 'les' is more," said Amy Marasco-Newton, foundation president. "We wanted to honor individuals or organizations that are doing practical yet innovative sustainable actions in their local communities. At Salisbury University, Dr. Dudley-Eshbach combines both of these factors."

Committed to sustainability on campus, Dudley-Eshbach was lauded for such initiatives as adding more bike racks on campus, pursuing the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certification for all new construction and signing the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. Under her leadership, SU also became the first university in the United States to implement the environmentally-friendly "PrecisionWash" laundry system in residence halls campus wide.

Since 2005, NMF has partnered with SU to host the Green Earth Book Awards—the nation's first and only prize to laud "green-minded" authors and illustrators for encouraging sustainability among children and young adults. It's just one of NMF's many innovative programs that promote awareness and responsibility for the environment. The LES Award will be given annually to a Delmarva leader during the Green Earth Book Awards at SU. For more information, call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu./eof