The University of Georgia (UGA) sustainability certificate program's overarching goal is to equip students with practical learning in interdisciplinary settings, providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to address global sustainability concerns through real-world solutions. In order to address the impact of the UGA sustainability certificate program on alumni, I explored (1) the student experiences, including alumni sustainability practices, and certificate impact on their professional, personal, and academic life; and (2) teaching and curriculum effectiveness, which includes strategies, attributes of the certificate, and participant recommendations. This qualitative research study used semi-structured interviews for data collection and a reflexive thematic analysis approach. The study's findings contribute to a deeper comprehension of the role of sustainability certificate programs in shaping student experiences and promoting sustainable practices in higher education. Equally important, this investigation provides valuable insights for university faculty, policymakers, administrators and sustainability advocates looking to evaluate certificate program impact and to improve the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives in the academic setting.