Earth Month and Seattle University

As we enter April and celebrate Earth Month, Seattle University is preparing to mark a historic milestone. This June 30, the university will successfully complete its five-year process of fully divesting its endowment from fossil fuels. As of Dec. 31, 2022, the university’s endowment had just one percent of fossil fuel exposure remaining.

Initiated by SU’s students, divestment is a significant step in deepening our commitment to sustainability and environmental justice. Ranked #14 on the Sierra Club’s most recent list of “Cool Schools,” Seattle University is recognized as a leader in sustainability-focused academic programs and coursework, energy-efficient operations, waste diversion practices and organic landscaping, to name just a few of our eco-friendly programs and initiatives.

From President Eduardo Peñalver:

“Sustainability and environmental justice are central to who we are called to be as a Jesuit and Catholic university. We should all take pride in the significant progress we have made as an institution. At the same time, we have before us a climate crisis that is urgently demanding even more from us. That’s why we have made Pope Francis’ Seven-Year Journey Toward Integral Ecology through the Laudato Si' Action Platform foundational to Reigniting our Strategic Directions (2022–2027) and strive to embed this commitment into everything we do, including our work to reimagine our curriculum. I encourage our campus community to take the opportunity Earth Month provides and bring renewed energy and purpose to our leadership in caring for the planet and those who are most significantly impacted by climate change.”

Under the leadership of the LSAP Executive Committee, Seattle University just recently adopted its first sustainability action plan, the “Laudato Si Action Plan” setting the Priorities and Goals SU envisions to advance “sustainability in the holistic spirit of integral ecology.”

This Earth Month we also celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability. Watch for an article marking the anniversary in the spring Seattle University Magazine, which comes out this month.

Earth Month at Seattle University

A full slate of events and activities is planned to celebrate Earth Month at Seattle University. Following are some highlights.

• Governor Jay Inslee to Speak on “How America Can Lead the World in Alleviating Global Climate Change” | Friday, April 14, 2–3 p.m., Pigott Auditorium
  
  As part of the Institute of Public Service’s “Conversations” series, and in conjunction with the Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability, SU will host Washington Governor Jay Inslee, who will speak on “How America Can Lead the World in Alleviating Global Climate Change.” The governor will be answering questions on climate policy and other sustainability-related topics.

• Breaking Bread: Food Justice Summit and Sustainable Development Goals Lab
  Virtual session: Monday, April 17
  In-person sessions: Friday April 21, Bannan Auditorium; and Saturday April 22, Pigott Auditorium
  
  In partnership with the Foundation for Environmental Stewardship (FES) and sponsored by the Community Foundation for Snohomish County, the Center for Social Transformation and Leadership (CSTL) at Seattle University is proud to bring together students, faculty, community leaders and state officials for learning and action. This three-part interdisciplinary event is centered on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will aid attendees in developing the skills and training necessary to mobilize for action for food justice. Upon completion of this interactive program individuals will receive a certificate and badge to add to their resume and professional development journey! For all event details and registration, visit Seattle University — SDGs LaB (thesdgslab.com). For questions about the event, contact Stacy Hicks at hickss@seattleu.edu.

• Earth Talks 2023: Care for our Common Home | Friday, April 21, noon–1:45 p.m.;
  LeRoux Conference Center (Student Center 160)
  
  Earth Talks is Seattle University’s annual showcase of 5-minute sustainability-focused presentations by students, staff, faculty, and community partners. This year’s keynote is SU alumni Patience Malaba, Executive Director of the Housing Development Consortium, 2020 Bullitt Foundation Environmental Fellowship awardee, and named as one of the 2023 Puget Sound Business Journal’s top “40 Under 40.” All speakers will attend in person, but audience members can attend virtually. Light lunch will be served. Hosted by CEJS and co-sponsored by CEIE and ICTC. You can learn more at www.earth-talks.org.

• Turning the Tide for Ecology—2023 Catholic Earth Day Summit | Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; LeRoux Conference Center (Student Center 160)
  
  All are welcome to join the Creation Care Network for its annual environmental justice summit. The day will provide space to ground our collective work spiritually, discern how the Spirit is calling us to build reciprocity with the earth and take action together for climate justice. The day will include Mass by Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, keynotes on integral ecology and salmon restoration, a panel on climate action and more. Learn more and register here. Co-sponsored by SU’s Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture (ICTC).