The Shi Institute in a Snapshot

“So… what is the Shi Institute?”

Hi! My name is Maggie Kropf and I am the Communications and Outreach Fellow for the Shi Institute for this summer. This role combines my deep passion for sustainable lifestyles that enrich communities with my growing interest in accessible communication that connects broad audiences.

This fellowship has inspired me to interact with a multitude of mediums and to connect with a vibrant community. Broadly, my responsibilities as the Communications and Outreach fellow involve coordinating with the other fellows to post their Instagram and blog content, creating a variety of promotional materials for the Shi Institute, managing our social media outlets, and connecting with a variety of the Shi Institute’s stakeholders including alumni, volunteers, and students and staff of the University. My favorite role is working at outreach events, such as the new student

orientation tabling. The most common question I receive is the one above, “so what is the Shi Institute?” Through this tabling experience I am able to personally share the impact of the work, research, and momentum built through sustainable pursuits from the Shi Institute and the Furman Farm. I enjoy watching students and parents’ faces light up as I describe the closed loop cycle between the Furman Farm and the dining hall on-campus. One of my initiatives this summer is to create and produce content that even through a screen feels personable and engaging, similar to the feeling of having an in-person conversation.

Throughout the past 5 new-student orientation tabling sessions, I have pondered how to best inform students about the work and mission of the Shi Institute without overloading them or getting lost in a mound of information that is larger than one of our compost piles. This has led me to want to develop a memorable snapshot of what the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities is and what current and future students should know. My fellowship has led me to take a variety of snapshots on a camera, but this is my written snapshot of the Shi Institute:

1. The work and research of the Shi Institute extends beyond the Cliffs Cottage and the gates of Furman: The Shi Institute works with and conducts research with a variety of non-profit, municipal, and corporate partners across Greenville and the state of South Carolina.
2. The Shi Institute is home to an awesome team of staff (pop in and say hi!) and a biodiverse community of plants, animals, insects, and more! Inside the Shi Institute you can find friendly human faces, and outside you can find an ecosystem that consists of produce from the farm, native wildflowers, bees, birds, and even cats. However, please do not feed any wildlife and don’t take any produce from the farm.
   

   One of the koi fish that call Shi home

3. There are a multitude of opportunities to get involved with the Shi Institute as a student: From bike rentals, to living in the Greenbelt housing as a sophomore, to becoming a fellow (like me!) There are a variety of ways to make a difference with the Shi Institute regardless of your major or time commitment. Learn more here.
4. The Shi Institute alumni base is sustained: From alumni events to career conversations, the Shi Institute cultivates leaders that stay connected even after their tassel has turned. Are you a Shi Institute alum looking to get involved? Contact Joy Baker joy.baker@furman.edu to learn more!
5. The Furman Farm awaits: Whether you like to snack on fresh produce in the Daniel Dining Hall, or you are interested in getting your hands in dirt, the Furman Farm is an integral hub on campus for students. Come check it out for yourself and volunteer at the farm during the summer from 8:30-10:30 am every Thursday!
6. The couch is really comfy! Come inside and try it for yourself, you might even find me on it!
7. The Shi Institute is committed to transforming students into the next generation of sustainability leaders. Curious to learn more about the Shi Institute? Head over to our website to get an in-depth picture and follow our Instagram (@shi_institute_furman) and LinkedIn! Don’t forget to keep an eye out in the coming days and weeks for updates from the Shi Institute’s other fellows this summer!