Newman University hosting its third annual Earth Week as part of its seven-year Laudato Si’ commitment.
In November 2021, Newman University joined the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) cohort in support of a Laudato Si’ action platform to be developed and implemented on campus. The platform committee was formed in response to Pope Francis’ encyclical, “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home,” which outlines the challenges that Earth and all its inhabitants face, and how sustainability plays an integral part in our future.
Earth Week at Newman includes an art in nature activity, an outdoor Mass, and more and culminates with International Earth Day on April 22.
Read on to find the full schedule of Earth Week events.
Monday, April 15
- An art in nature day begins at 2 p.m. outside the Marian Grotto to the north of Sacred Heart Hall. Use sketchpaper and pencils to sketch your favorite nature scene on campus, plus meet Professor Tomo Bell’s “pawfessor.”
- Students can also join the fun at 2 p.m. during the Mental Health Advocacy Team’s “De-stress with Yoga” event on Founders’ Plaza.
Tuesday, April 16
- A campus-wide declutter day will be held 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Staff and faculty can bring recyclable items or electronics from offices or homes (no TVs) to six outdoor campus sites for some spring cleaning.
Wednesday, April 17
- Newman University students, staff and faculty can take advantage of a service day at the Kansas Food Bank with service times from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Click here to sign up.
Thursday, April 18
- At 11 a.m. Thursday during gardening day, all are welcome to buy seeds and learn how to grow vegetables with ICT Treehuggers at the upraised flower beds between Sacred Heart Hall and Mabee Dining Center.
- At 3:30 p.m., learn tricks of the trade from garden expert Father Tom Welk.
Friday, April 19
- Ever wondered what those numbers on recyclable materials represent? Learn more during Jet Friday donuts from 8:30-10 a.m. with Professor Alan Oberley. Then cheer on the Jets during a 3 p.m. baseball game.
Saturday, April 20
Join us for fresh air and cheer on the Jets at the 2 p.m. baseball game.
Sunday, April 21
Enjoy fresh air and friends at the Newman Jets baseball game at 1 p.m.
Monday, April 22
In honor of Earth Day, celebrate an outdoor Mass at 12:05 p.m. outside the Marian Grotto, then participate in planting butterfly bushes immediately following Mass.
All are welcome to enjoy refreshments on Founders’ Plaza. Students with a meal plan can indulge in Earth-day themed desserts in the Mabee Dining Center.
