Guided by a passion for environmental stewardship and shaped by transformative experiences at Westminster, Danny Owoc ’17, has carved a unique career path for himself, merging science, business, and sustainability. From helping to get the Westminster Tiny House on the ground – so to speak – to working with global sports and entertainment organizations, Danny’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, WC mentorship, and saying “yes” to new opportunities. Discover how Westminster prepared him for his dynamic career, and the fulfilling work he’s doing today to make a lasting environmental impact.

How did you come to find and ultimately attend Westminster College for your undergrad degree? 

I originally found out about WC through one of my high school teachers and WC alum, Melissa Sutmire. After completing an overnight with students who ended up becoming some of my best friends and meeting Brad Tokar from the admissions office, I knew Westminster was right for me. The 2012-2013 transition years from high school to Westminster were some of the most challenging, yet best years of my life. 

Describe your career / educational journey since graduating WC.

My educational journey and career path follow a similar trend of a young professional trying to find the "right fit" through many years of trial and error. I am very much a generalist who enjoys learning about diverse subject matter and applying different ways of thinking to solve a problem. This is probably why "Range" by David Epstein is one of my favorite books. I started out as "exploratory" my freshman year but knew deep down that I wanted to explore a science-based curriculum as my course work progressed. I ended up choosing biology and merging the technical, lab- and field-based work with a business background via a "management for scientists" minor (under the guidance of Prof. Jesse Ligo). The merger of science and business ultimately served me well and set me up for pursuing my masters in environmental management and sustainability. 

Tell us about your current job.

After great experiences working as a GIS analyst for Duquesne Light Company and a sustainability specialist for PNC Financial Services Group, I have recently merged my passion for sports and sustainability into my current position at WM (Waste Management). As a sustainability advisor for WM's Advisory Services team, I work with sports and entertainment groups to help them achieve their environmental sustainability goals through waste diversion and GHG emissions management services. Across the U.S and Canada, my team works with all 30 MLB clubs, a number of NFL, NHL, and NBA venues/teams, the PGA Tour, and NASCAR - just to name a few. My team initially kicked off their work with the WM Phoenix Open (WMPO) in Arizona and for the last 11 consecutive years, the WMPO has been recognized as the largest zero waste sporting event in the world! We continue to expand our efforts into the commercial and public sector advising customers along their sustainability journeys.  

When/how did you discover your interest in sustainability?

As someone who grew up in the U.S National Parks, my love for the environment and the natural world is truly innate to who I am as a person. During my junior year, however, my biology coursework paired with a pivotal independent study that ultimately turned into the Westminster Tiny House project, transformed my career outlook forever. Working with a small group, led by none other than Dr. Helen Boylan, I had the opportunity to design, fundraise, construct, and dedicate the WC tiny house on the grounds of Mother Fair. Talking to the students who are now living in the tiny house, I feel a sense of accomplishment knowing our small team with the help of countless others has provided a new generation the ability to experience a sustainable lifestyle on a small (some might say tiny) scale. I feel truly fortunate having attended Westminster College and saying "yes" to as many opportunities as I could. You truly never know where trying something new may take you. 

How did your experience at Westminster prepare you for your graduate studies and career path?

Westminster's biology and business curriculum set me up well to thrive in grad school whether in Virginia finishing my graduate thesis or during regular course and lab work during my studies abroad in the small Mediterranean country of Malta. As a dual international masters student, I was able to take the technical and liberal arts aspects of my Westminster foundation and establish a solid footing in a holistic, international setting learning about environmental management on a global scale. Coming back to the U.S after a year away, I felt confident looking ahead at the next chapter of my life. 

If you weren’t working in sustainability/enviro management, what would you be doing?

If I were not working in environmental sustainability, I would certainly be a National Geographic photographer traveling to the most remote areas of the world to document various cultures and ways of life (albeit with an environmental lens, of course). 

Did you have any memorable moments and/or professors during your time at WC?

There are too many memorable moments and notable professors to count, however, I truly feel I would not be in the position I am today without the mentorship and friendship of some of the most inspiring people I have ever had the chance of knowing. Dr. Helen Boylan, Dr. Diana Ortiz, Dr. Patrick Krantz, and Dr. Jeffrey Bersett, along with Dr. Dar Huey and Mr. Brad Tokar are just a few of those people who inspire me to be better each and every day. With God's guidance I pray I can inspire the next generation of Titans that will do even greater things in the many years to come.

Connect with Danny Owoc on LinkedIn.

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