The University of Evansville participated in an eight-week recycling competition among colleges and universities across the United States. UE won the local competition by  collecting 15.45 pounds of waste per student compared to the University of Southern Indiana’s 5.64 pounds per student. In the final rankings, the University of Evansville placed 29th among a total of 630 schools who participated in all divisions.  According to University of Evansville president Thomas A Kazee, “By creating the first two LEED-certified buildings in Vanderburgh County, the Schroeder Family School of Business Administration and the Ridgway University  Center, the University has proven itself to be a community leader on issues of sustainability.” Both buildings were designed by Mackey Mitchell in collaboration with Hafer Associates.