POTSDAM -- Christina Lesyk, director of university events at Clarkson University, recently presented at the 13th annual conference of the North American Association of Commencement Officers in Washington, D.C.

Her session on sustainable commencements was titled “Green is the New Black: How Green is Your Commencement?”

Lesyk discussed how Clarkson’s efforts to be more sustainable in all that it does -- from dining services to decor -- positively impacts one of the most important ceremonies of the university.

While at the meeting, Lesyk also attended sessions on protocol, graphic design, audio-visual technology, emergency preparedness, the use of live music and inauguration savvy and success.

“Commencement officers are event planners, facilities staff and registrar office personnel, among other positions," said Lesyk. "We all understand that it is a privilege to work on commencement and be part of a major rite of passage for our students.

She said that the most valuable part of the conference was the opportunity to network with representatives from 159 colleges and universities from across North America and Canada.

Lesyk has worked at Clarkson since 2005 and has been director of university events since 2009.