On September 4, Dickinson College in Cumberland County announced Matt Steiman, energy projects manager at the Dickinson College Farm, has been awarded the prestigious Epstein Lifetime Achievement Award by the Sustainable Energy Fund.

The award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of sustainable energy practices.

Steiman, co-founder of the 90-acre educational production farm, has been a leading figure in the field of sustainable agriculture for decades.

His innovative work at the farm has included the implementation of numerous renewable energy systems, including solar thermal, photovoltaic (PV), electric vehicles and a biogas system.

"The pursuit of sustainable energy at the Dickinson College Farm has been a team effort with numerous students, apprentices and colleagues sharing the load on this long and exciting journey,” said Steiman. “I'm humbled to be recognized with the Epstein Award. Eric Epstein and the Sustainable Energy Fund helped launch my career in renewable energy more than 20 years ago, so receiving this honor feels like coming full circle,” he added.

Steiman's passion for renewable energy began at Wilson College, where he was an original trainee in the Sustainable Energy Fund Solar Scholars program.

Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to building and teaching practical renewable energy solutions to students of all ages.

Recently, he and the farm hosted Gov. Josh Shapiro to discuss the farm's groundbreaking biodigester project, which is now fully operational.

Click Here for a video of the visit.

“We are thrilled to be putting our waste-to-energy biodigester to work,” said Steiman. “I am especially excited to share these experiences with students here at Dickinson as well as farmers and energy professionals from around the region."

The Epstein Lifetime Achievement Award honors Steiman's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and his belief in the power of sustainable practices.

 His work has had a profound impact on the Dickinson College community and beyond, inspiring countless others to join the movement toward a more sustainable future. 

To learn more about sustainability efforts, visit the Dickinson College Farm and  Dickinson College Sustainability webpages.

Visit the Sustainable Energy Fund to learn more about their support of clean energy projects in Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

[Posted: September 4, 2024]

9/9/2024