December 2015
Emily Zack
Title/s: Farm Operations Manager
Email: ezack@luc.edu
About
Department/School/Division: Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus
Campus: Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus
Years at Loyola: 2
What is your favorite thing about working at Loyola?
Working with the students. I love when groups come out to work on the farm during our work days, or when I'm discussing the farm at the farmer's market or a classroom. I love their enthusiasm and passion!
What is your most memorable achievement as a Loyola employee?
Probably after the first season I worked out here, we added the numbers together and realized we produced over 9,800 pounds of produce. I never thought that was possible. Also, when a woman bought one of our heirloom tomatoes at the market and the next week telling me she hasn't eaten a tomato that tasted that good since her childhood. Seeing people enjoy what I grow at the market or eat at our buffet, makes it worth the work.
What does Loyola's mission mean to you?
Eating sustainably is important for our planet's health, plus our own, which is what working at the "ecology campus" is all about. Loyola's commitment to the environment is important in my job and in my home. I produce fresh, healthy, and organic food.
What motivates you to succeed each and every day?
Growing vegetables has been around forever but some people are just beginning to realize the importance of growing food at home. I love sharing what I know about how to eat sustainably, and locally, and to why it is so important. Gardening is an ever changing field with so many variables to deal with each season. From insects and disease to weather, things can change very quickly. Plus, I have to beat my numbers in vegetable weight from the season before!
Tell us how you show your Rambler pride.
I attend area events representing Loyola such as the Earth Day Celebration, Green Drinks, and volunteer days. This shows LUREC has a place in the local environmental scene and cares about our planet.
Tell us something most people at Loyola would be surprised to know about you.
Yes, I love kale salad and beet juice, and I try to eat healthy but fried food, I have little control over. Mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and fries; if you can bread it and deep fry it and dip it in ranch, I'll eat it!
