William Gilliland, an Associate Professor in Biological Sciences, exemplifies the spirit of sustainability through his remarkable initiatives in beekeeping and environmental education. His dedication to fostering a greener campus and community will leave a lasting impact on both the university and the environment.

William’s journey into sustainability began with his involvement in the Howard Area Community Garden. His wife, Katje, applied for a grant from The Bee Conservancy, which led to the installation of a beehive in the community garden. Drawing on his background as an insect biologist, William’s fascination with a different insect species ignited his interest in beekeeping.

This interest translated into a larger initiative, supported by a Quality of Instruction (QIC) award from DePaul to install beehives on campus. William secured permissions from various campus entities, ensuring that the project was aligned with sustainability goals. Three beehives were successfully installed proximate to the Lincoln Park campus, adding not only to the academic landscape, but also to the local ecosystem.

William’s commitment to sustainability extends to his teaching. He recently developed a service-learning course focused on urban beekeeping. This course not only imparts knowledge about beekeeping, but also emphasizes community engagement, and students collaborate with local community gardens to install and maintain beehives, fostering a deeper connection between education and practical sustainability efforts.

The installation of beehives on campus has already shown positive outcomes, including increased pollination in Lincoln Park. While still in its early stages, the initiative has received positive feedback, and William envisions future scientific research involving the bees. William’s efforts are a powerful example of how our faculty can apply their academic interests in projects that benefit our human and non-human communities alike!