Replacing Thomas Meaders seemed to be an impossible task, but the MTC Green Team has found a new recycling coordinator, Aaron Buller. Aaron is working on his Associate in Arts degree and hopes to be a history teacher one day; Ben Franklin is one of his favorite characters from American history.

Aaron has already made a positive impression on faculty and staff who have met him. Jeanne West, administrative assistant for the Paralegal Program on Airport Campus, commented on Aaron’s reliability and good manners. So if you have paper that needs to be picked up, look for Aaron Buller.

For over three years, Thomas Meaders has been the friendly face of MTC recycling on both Airport and Beltline Campus. Thomas graduated with honors in May, 2006. For most of his tenure as recycling coordinator, Thomas received work study funding as well as numerous scholarship funds he earned for his outstanding academic work. However, Thomas was no longer eligible for work study monies the final semester he attended MTC. With no replacement in sight, it appeared that the recycling program at MTC would come to a dead stop. Thomas, however, was unwilling to allow the recycling program he had helped develop and manage to die. He volunteered to continue recycling on both campuses until a new recycling coordinator was found. Even when Green Team member Helen Kingkade expressed doubts in finding a replacement, Thomas had faith. Fortunately, Thomas’ instincts proved correct, and Aaron Buller was hired the third week in April.

From January 2006 to April 2006, Thomas devoted over 160 hours of his own time and energy to continue the recycling program, not to mention the gas he spent traveling from Airport to Beltline Campus. During this time, and during his entire tenure as recycling coordinator, Thomas has been punctual, personable, reliable, resourceful and generous. Faculty and Staff Councils and MTC President Dr. Sonny White recognized Thomas’ efforts with a plaque during the May 19^th Retreat. Thomas received a well-deserved standing ovation. Thank you, Thomas, on behalf of the Green Team and the entire college, and good luck as you continue to pursue your educational goals at Columbia College!