[April 04, 2012] Rob and Melani Walton Fund Contributes to Arizona State University's Global Institute of Sustainability Tweet Apr 04, 2012 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- The Rob and Melani Walton Fund of the Walton Family Foundation is providing $27.5 million to Arizona State University's Global Institute of Sustainability to develop and deploy solutions to sustainability challenges. According to a release, the investment to Arizona State University is designated entirely for program support. The Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Fund will support four strategies over the next five years. One of these strategies is to deliver sustainability solutions to the front line through a sustainability consulting service, training of practitioners and educating youth. Another is to seed fund the most promising, high-impact ideas in sustainability research. One strategy is to build an international sustainability network by implementing a global sustainability studies program and establishing sustainability solutions centers on three continents. Also, one is to train the next generation of sustainability scholars, government and non-governmental practitioners through a fellowship program. "Rob and Melani Walton have been integral in helping ASU realize its sustainability vision with Rob as a board member of GIOS, facilitating the creation of the nation's first School of Sustainability, and now, with this investment," said Arizona State Univeristy President Michael M. Crow. "Their commitment will significantly advance our work to find local solutions to global problems that will help us create a sustainable way of life." Officials noted that the Waltons have long supported sustainability and conservation programs. Melani Walton is active with the Nature Conservancy of Arizona and Conservation International, in addition to other philanthropic organizations. Rob Walton is co-chair of the board of directors for sustainability at Arizona State University and a director of Conservation International, as well as chairman of the executive committee. He also is chairman of the board of directors of Walmart. ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]