As part of University of St. Thomas’ celebration of sustainability this week, the campus community is invited to participate tomorrow in a symposium concerning sustainability issues. Four members of the campus community will speak on a variety of topics at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, in the 3M Auditorium, Owens Science Hall.
Symposium speakers:
Jim Brummer, UST construction manager and LEED AP, will give an overview of what it means to receive LEED Silver certification for the new Anderson Student Center. Many have asked the “whys” and “whats” of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and Brummer will explain why LEED certification is important to the University of St. Thomas.
Dr. Mark Neuzil, director of the Office of Mission and professor in the Communication and Journalism Department, has been a visitor to the Boundary Water Canoe Area (BWCA) for many years. He has led a number of students, staff and faculty groups on canoeing trips through the area. The Pagami Creek Fire, which still is burning, has already consumed more than 100,000 acres of BWCA wilderness. Neuzil will share what the effects are on the area and what is being done to contain possibly the largest fire in Minnesota history.
Dr. Chester Wilson, instructor and lab coordinator in the Biology Department, has worked for years turning what usually is discarded into an excellent additive for flower and vegetable gardens. He takes the plentiful coffee grounds from Beakers Coffee Cart in Owens Science Hall and with the help of red worms turns it into rich compost. Red worm composting is easy and can be done in most office and resident rooms to use food waste instead of throwing it in the trash. Wilson will demonstrate how it can be done.
Ashela Richardson, environmental studies major, has been the student coordinator for this year’s Stewardship Garden. The garden was moved last spring from a Summit Avenue backyard to its present location in the open area southwest of Brady Educational Center. The garden has thrived in its new location and has enjoyed success because of volunteer help from students, and the Reaching Excellence Academics and Leadership program. More than 900 pounds of food have been given to the Dorothy Day Center from this year’s harvest. Richardson will share a garden report and her reflections on the project.
Each speaker will offer an opportunity to ask questions after their presentations. The symposium is co-sponsored by the Office of Mission, the Office of Business Affairs, and the Physical Plant.
