When Brad Spanbauer came to UW-Oshkosh as a freshman in 2007, he thought it would be a two-year stop. He wanted to save money before transferring to another school to research stem cells.

But after taking courses in ecology and environmental studies, he changed that plan, and the trajectory of his life.

Those introductory classes sparked his passion for ecology, sustainability and social justice, and set him on a path that has kept him deeply connected to the University ever since. He graduated in 2011 with a degree in biology. He came back to UWO for a master's in biology and never really left.

Today, Spanbauer, of Oshkosh, serves as the University's director of sustainability; and in April, he also began serving the community after winning a seat on the Oshkosh Common Council. Spanbauer is the recipient of the UW-Oshkosh 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award.

At UWO, he started his work in sustainability as a student intern, where he helped develop sustainability teaching materials and a literacy assessment in the Sustainability Office. He now leads initiatives that impact every part of campus life, from facilities and finances to curriculum and student mentorship. Thanks in large part to his efforts, UW-Oshkosh has become a national leader in sustainability.

"It is a rewarding feeling to be recognized as the local resident sustainability expert because it epitomizes the excellent education I've received from the world-class faculty we have at UWO, and the opportunities I have been afforded to help make an impact in this community and beyond," Spanbauer said.

Since stepping into the role of sustainability director, Spanbauer has done the following:

• Helped UWO save over $754,000 in utility costs (in fiscal year 2025)

• Secured one of three $10,000 national grants for climate action planning (2022)

• Guided UWO to earn the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Award (2022)

• Maintained Tree Campus USA status for 14 consecutive years

• Led UWO to coal-free status as of 2020

• Maintained STARS ratings for sustainability performance for more than a decade

What makes Spanbauer stand out, UWO colleagues say, is not just what he does but how he does it. He introduces himself to students as someone who grew up in Oshkosh and is a proud double graduate of the University, said Stewart Cole, acting director of the Environmental Studies program. Cole often has Spanbauer as a guest speaker in his classes.

"I know from student feedback that Brad inspires students because he lets them know that problems can be solved, so that in encountering him, students come away empowered rather than inclined towards pessimism or despair," Cole said, adding "that Brad conveys this as someone who actually went to UW-Oshkosh makes the message all the more powerful, as he serves to exemplify to students the kind of real, tangible difference they themselves can go on to make in the world."

Spanbauer's work is also deeply embedded in the academic life of the University.

When the Environmental Studies department faced a staffing shortage, he stepped up to teach Introduction to Sustainability, even though teaching wasn't part of his official role. His experience and knowledge made him an ideal instructor. He also co-taught the senior seminar capstone in environmental studies, where students worked on real-world sustainability projects with support from national organizations.

His involvement with students goes beyond the classroom. Spanbauer supervises interns in the Sustainability Office, where he himself once worked, providing them with real work experience in energy management, policy planning and communication.

"He has been an excellent boss, mentor, and friend," UWO student Dylan Stone said. "I have gained critical work experience from the impact I have been able to have through my internship."

Another student, Meredith Agnew, noted that she has learned from Brad "how to be a leader, changemaker and collaborator in the sustainability field."

Spanbauer's efforts have resulted in major cost savings for the University. In June 2024, then-Chancellor Andrew Leavitt asked him to find $1 million in utility savings for the fiscal year. Spanbauer and his collaborators delivered more than $754,000 in the most recent fiscal year. Additional rebates from energy programs are expected to bring in tens of thousands more.

His commitment extends into city and state work. He serves on the City of Oshkosh's Sustainability Advisory Board, where he has contributed to municipal planning, salt reduction efforts and policy around sustainable landscaping. He helped the city join the Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition, opening new grant opportunities and strategic support.

At the state level, Spanbauer is part of several working groups focused on climate action and utility systems. He is regularly consulted by other universities for advice on campus energy systems and institutional planning.

Hayden Hendersen, sustainability coordinator for the Universities of Wisconsin, appreciates the work that Spanbauer does.

"Brad is an active energy manager, a professor, a planner, an investigator, and more all wrapped into a sustainability coordinator," Henderson said." "From getting grants to working closely with students, Brad uses every tool to advance his work and, in turn, educate and advance the work of others."

He has also brought visibility to UWO on a national scale. His leadership has helped position the university as a model for other institutions. His TEDxOshkosh talk, titled A World Without Elephants, reflects the same passion for environmental connection and protection that drives his work every day.

Spanbauer remains deeply connected to the UWO faculty who mentored him as a student. His former professors Greg Adler, Misty McPhee and Stephanie Spehar were all on his graduate committee. Adler has since retired, but today, McPhee and Spehar are his colleagues.

"I hope they see what they instilled in me and what I can give back to their students now that we work together everyday: a profound understanding and appreciation for nature; the importance of sustainability to every aspect of our lives on this planet, and the importance of reciprocity and working together," Spanbauer said. "Students like me who have gained valuable skills and experience from the faculty and staff of UWO often remark at what a great place this is, with down-to-earth people who care, and for that I'm grateful and proud to be an alum of UWO."

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh will celebrate the talents and successes of 11 alumni during Homecoming 2025 this October. Spanbauer is among five top graduates to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award for their accomplishments in their professional fields; five will be honored with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award for their professional and civic accomplishments within 15 years of receiving their degrees, and one will receive the Alumni Outstanding Service Award for making exemplary contributions to support UWO through volunteer efforts, energy, leadership and/or philanthropic donations.

The 2025 Alumni Awards Celebration will be held Friday, Oct. 17 at the Culver Family Welcome Center, with a reception at 5 p.m. followed by the dinner and program beginning at 6 p.m. Cost of the event is $40 per person. More information is available by contacting UWO Alumni Relations at (920) 424-3449, or [email protected]

Learn more:

UW-Oshkosh Homecoming

Eleven UWO alumni to be honored at Alumni Awards Celebration Homecoming weekend

Brad Spanbauer TEDx Oshkosh Talk: A World Without Elephants