On Thursday, Jan. 19, the Elizabeth River Project hosted the 2023 River Star Business Recognition Luncheon at Founders Inn in Virginia Beach, Virginia. At the luncheon, Norfolk State University received a Sustained Distinguished Performance award. NSU was named a Model Level River Star Business last year, and this award recognizes Norfolk State’s continued exemplary effort as one of “the finest environment stewards” supporting the Elizabeth River Project.
Sustained Distinguished Performance is awarded when River Star Businesses complete a significant new initiative with no change in their overall recognition level.
“Without the help of our River Star Businesses, improving the health of the Elizabeth River would be impossible,” the project said in a statement. “We work hard to help businesses find the grants, expertise and resources they need to reduce toxic pollution, improve flood control, and restore crucial wetlands and wildlife habitat.”
To date, the Elizabeth River Project and its partners have established 2,512 acres of wildlife habitat and cleaned up 373 million pounds of pollution and 1 billion pounds of waste.
NSU President Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston serves as the Vice President on the Board of Directors of the Elizabeth River Project, and NSU students and faculty regularly engage in volunteer efforts supporting the restoration of wildlife habitat, mitigating flooding, and supporting other goals of the project.