In the blink of an eye, another semester has come and gone. Looking back on Spring 2018, Sustainability Education has been a part of some amazing events and experiences! Take a look back with us on this sustainable semester.

Student Engagement & Leadership Forum on Sustainability conference (SELF Sustain)

Rooftop tour of AICHO

In March, students from four of the University of Minnesota campuses came together in Duluth to share sustainability stories, make connections with other students, and experienced UMD’s sustainable initiatives first hand at the SELF Sustain Conference. One especially impactful experience happened at the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) where students were led on a tour of the facility. Connections of environmental justice and creative art displays sparked conversations on how indigenous values and community empowerment can come together to make positive impacts.  

Sustainability and Energy Expo

This past April, we co-hosted the 2nd Annual Sustainability and Energy Expo with the UMN Energy club. The Expo showcased the work of over 30 students in sustainability and had over 100 people in attendance. This was not only a great opportunity for students to present their work, but to network with other students and compete for prizes. Our grand prize winners were Lightning Talk: Sydney Bauer, Leeore Levinstein, Vaneesha Dusoruth; Creative Work: Elja Roy; Poster: Tyler Vogel. We want to thank everyone involved in the Expo and are looking forward to planning another great event for next year!

Sustainability Film Series

Jose Luis and Siddarth leading conversation at City of Trees.

The Spring Sustainability Film Series kicked off in February with City of Trees, followed by Overburden in March and ending with Dead Donkeys Fear No Hyenas in April. All of these films had one common thread: environmental justice. We are thankful for all of the thought-provoking speakers throughout the series. We heard from Jose Luis Villasenor of Tamales Y Bicicletas , Barb Jacobs of the Energy Transition Lab and Shiney Varghese from the Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy. These films stimulated courageous conversations about real environmental issues happening across the world and in our neighborhoods. A memorable moment occurred at the Dead Donkeys Fear No Hyenas showing when an audience member, who was actually from the city this film was centered around, spoke up about her experience and emotional ties to the topics of the film and lent us all a unique and vulnerable perspective to connect with. Thank you to all who came and participated in this year’s film series!

Earth Day

To celebrate Earth Day, a collaborative cohort of sustainability-minded student groups and organizations on campus including the Environmental Student Association, The Office of Sustainability, Ski and Snowboard Club, and many, many more stationed themselves along Coffman Memorial Union’s front lawn to spread the joy and knowledge of sustainability to those passing by. The Earth Day Celebration continued with a West Bank Community Garden with an after party celebration with music, food, and the garden, of course! Check out this Earth Day Compilation Video made by the lovely Marielle Wosepka!

Thank you to all who made this semester one to remember, and congratulations to all the graduates!  Have a wonderful summer and stay sustainable!