ADA, Okla. – The East Central University Glass Recycling Program’s Director, Adrian Odhiambo, earned the People’s Choice Award at the 2025 Grow Ada Pitch Competition after receiving overwhelming community support for his innovative presentation representing the university’s sustainability and entrepreneurship efforts.
Grow Ada’s annual pitch competition gives local entrepreneurs and visionaries the opportunity to share their business ideas with a panel of judges and community members while competing for funding and recognition.
In his pitch, Odhiambo spoke passionately about the program’s plans to expand operations and increase production capacity, including raising funds for a new industrial glass grinder to improve efficiency. He also emphasized building partnerships with organizations such as the U.S. Silica to explore how recycled glass sand can extend the life of silica mines, sustain local jobs and strengthen regional industries.
Odhiambo further highlighted collaborations exploring how recycled glass sand can serve as an environmental resource, protecting groundwater, enhancing water filtration and even being used as a sustainable proppant in oil and gas operations. These innovations build on his ongoing master’s research in Water Resource Policy and Management, in collaboration with experts from the oil industry and the EPA Lab in Ada.
“The Glass Recycling Program started as a small, grant-funded project and has grown into a model of sustainability and community partnership,” said Dr. Christine Pappas, Policy and Education Coordinator for the Oka Institute, “Adrian’s leadership and vision are showing how creative problem-solving and collaboration can drive meaningful environmental progress right here in Ada.”
Odhiambo credited the Oka’ Institute, ECU and the Ada community for their continued support, noting that this recognition reflects the collective effort behind the program’s success.
“This award means a lot, not just for me, but for our team and everyone who believes in sustainable solutions,” Odhiambo said. “The community’s support continues to inspire us to turn environmental challenges into opportunities.”
Cutline: The Ada community celebrates Odhiambo’s accomplishment as a reflection of ECU’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and local collaboration.
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