As part of its seven-year Laudato Si’ commitment, Newman University is hosting its first event-filled Earth Week.
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 has events geared toward building more eco-friendly habits into day-to-day life, culminating in International Earth Day, April 22. Read on to find the full schedule of Earth Week events.
Monday, April 18
Campus closed for Easter Monday
Take a nature walk, visit Botanica, the Sedgwick County Zoo or Great Plains Nature Center right here in Wichita!
Tuesday, April 19
All day — Professional/ Business Clothing Share
The Student Affairs Office is collecting new and gently used business attire for the Jets Resource Hub. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to donate or take what they need.
3 – 4 p.m. — The Art of Composting
Join Sister Janet Rowley, ASC, at The Landing (across from Carrocci Hall) as she gives a presentation on the art of composting for a healthier planet.
Wednesday, April 20
12 – 1 p.m. — The Importance of Grasslands in our Ecosystem & Our Role in Preserving Them
Presentation by Nicole Brown, co-founder of Grassland Groupies, in Bishop Gerber Science Center Room 105. All are welcome to bring their own lunches! This event is open to the public.
Thursday, April 21
12 – 2 p.m. — Ecologically Sustainable Business Expo
Visit the former bookstore space to shop and learn from local businesses about how to implement sustainable practices into day-to-day life. Businesses include Grate Fill, Wichita’s first zero waste refill shop, Children’s First: CEO of Kansas and ICT Food Rescue. This event is open to the public.
3 – 4 p.m. — Interconnections: Nature and Us
Presentation by Lorna Harder, Professor Emeritus of Ecology, Hesston College, at the Wichita ASC Center (convent just south of Newman).
Friday, April 22 – International Earth Day
12 – 1 p.m. — Giving Myself Grace: Contemplative Nature Walk
Meet in front of the Bishop Gerber Science Center and take part in a guided walking meditation to the ASC Center, led by professors Marguerite Regan and Shannon Johnston. Learn about the importance of being still and how we can better connect with and care for our natural world.
This event is sponsored by Newman Human Resources, Mission Effectiveness and the Mental Health Task Force. RSVP is required for a plant-based lunch. Sign up by 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 19.
3 – 5 p.m. — Campus Spring Beautification Project
Students, faculty and staff are welcome to help beautify campus with a project led by Darrin McKim, head groundskeeper at Newman University. Meet at Dresselhaus Patio to volunteer for this outdoor project.
Video PSA: Recycling on campus
As part of Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Lab Coordinator Alan Oberley’s Navigator class, first-year students filmed, edited and published a public service announcement about how to recycle on the Newman University campus. Enjoy!
