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And then it hit me. Why not start a new kind of company? “What? A company that always reaches out to the community, that’s always giving back, are you nuts?

“No, not nuts. Coffee beans. I knew I could make it work. I knew it because of my engaged learning experience at RMU while I was doing my graduate work. My advisor suggested I get involved in what was a five year sustainability study, and it literally changed my direction.

Today, my company, Beecher’s Coffee, roasts fair trade and organic coffees, we use cellulose packaging and 100-percent recycled paper, and a major share of sales goes to the Glad Run Foundation.

My next goal is a doctorate in sustainable development.

Oh, I might write another children’s book based on sustainability, I’ve just published my first one, dedicated to my son.

No kidding, you never know where engaged learning will take you. Like the rest of your life, for instance.”