Even though the public affairs theme has shifted from “Sustainability” to “Evolving Economic Realities,” Missouri State University continues to make progress toward sustainability. “Continuing Path to Sustainability,” a series of speakers and exhibits, will be held at Plaster Student Union Nov. 18 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. to educate the public and showcase the sustainability efforts of the Springfield and campus community.“This is an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to share all of the sustainability projects happening throughout campus,” said Dr. Tammy Jahnke, dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences. “We need to celebrate our successes and also look for opportunities for the future.”
Speakers will present on a variety of topics relating to sustainability throughout the day:
12-1 p.m.: “Going Green off the Grid: Highlighting the Bull Shoals Field Station” will be presented by Dr. Janice Greene, professor of biology; and Nathan Jones of PowerSource Solar, Inc. in Plaster Student Union, Room 313.
1:30-3 p.m.: “Sustainable Design and Construction of the University Recreation Center” will be presented by Doug Sampson, university architect, along with members of Cannon Design in Plaster Student Union, Room 313.
3:30 p.m.: “Heartland,” a production by students in the green theatre course, facilitated by Dr. Kurt Heinlein, assistant professor of theatre and dance, will be presented in Plaster Student Union, Room 317.
5 p.m.: “Fresh,” a documentary celebrating the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system, will be presented by the departments of sociology and biology in the Plaster Student Union Theater. A public discussion, facilitated by students from these departments, will follow.
7 p.m.: “Sodexo’s Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives” will be presented by Christy Cook, area support services of sustainability in the education services division of Sodexo, in Plaster Student Union, Room 313.
Exhibits showcasing sustainability initiatives, faculty research, student projects and community groups will be available to peruse in Plaster Student Union Ballroom from 8 a.m-7 p.m.
“It is our hope that attendees will include not only students, faculty and staff, but also members of the greater Springfield community,” said Ken McClure, vice president of administrative and information services. “We are extremely fortunate to have several members of the community involved in the planning process for this event.”
This is not only an opportunity to showcase current projects, but it should also assist attendees in finding a way to implement sustainable actions into their lives, according to Jahnke.
“I hope that we develop a synergy among the many diverse projects across campus so that groups might work together on various projects,” she said. “In addition, I hope that those who would like to be involved but didn’t know how will find that opportunity during the fair.”
“Continuing Path to Sustainability” is free and open to the public. Parking is available in Lot 13, at the corner of National and Monroe.
For more information, contact Jahnke at (417) 836-5249 or McClure at (417) 836-5233.
