University Plans Series of Events to Celebrate Earth Day
The many events planned at The University of Scranton to celebrate Earth Day include an “An Evening of Environmental Science” on Wednesday, April 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Loyola Science Center.
The University of Scranton will host nearly a dozen events in the coming weeks to celebrate Earth Day. Organized by the University’s Office of Sustainability, most of the events are free of charge, open to the public and intended to raise awareness of ecological issues and promote sustainable practices. This year’s environmental theme focuses on air quality.
From Monday, April 13 to Monday, April 20, the “Earth Day Weinberg Memorial Library Art Show” will showcase work submitted by faculty, staff and students. The artwork promotes sustainability and ranges from photographs and paintings to repurposed goods. The show will take place in the Heritage Room of the Weinberg Memorial Library and is free of charge during library hours. A reception for the show will take place Tuesday, April 14, in the Heritage Room from 5 to 7 p.m. The reception is also free of charge and open to the public.
On Tuesday, April 21, University students and faculty will join area business representatives at the “Earth Day Fair” to provide interactive presentations and information about the environment and sustainable practices. The fair, which is free of charge and open to the public, runs between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the DeNaples Center Patio.
On Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, the University will host “An Evening of Environmental Science” from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Loyola Science Center. The event will include interactive science experiments and displays presented by University students and faculty, refreshments and an evening astronomy observation (weather permitting). The event will showcase essays submitted by local middle and high school students for The University of Scranton and Pennsylvania American Water essay contest. Essay award winners will be announced at the event. Hosted by the University’s sustainability club, the event is open to the public and free of charge.
Also on Wednesday, April 22, and Thursday, April 23, The University of Scranton Programming Board will host “Pay it Forward for a Sustainable Scranton” to promote living in an environmentally friendly manner. It takes place between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the second floor of the DeNaples Center.
The Weinberg Memorial Library Annual Book Sale will be held on Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sunday, April 26, from noon to 4 p.m. All of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Endowment.
Also on Saturday, April 25, the University will host its first Scranton Environmental Bike Tour. The inaugural event is offered in conjunction with the Lackawanna Valley Heritage Association (LVHA) and University’s Bike Share program. The route will avail participants to environmental sight-seeing and learning destinations throughout the City of Scranton and includes the LVHA trail and Nay Aug Park. The event is free of charge and open to the public. Contact Mark Cruciani, assistant director of purchasing at the University, for additional information.
On Wednesday, April 29, a lecture and panel discussion will examine “The Air We Share.” The Spring Sustainability Symposium begins at 7:30 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center. The event is free of charge and open to the public.
On Thursday, April 30, the University will host a screening of the documentary “Can't Stop the Water” followed by question and answer session with filmmaker Rebecca Ferris. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. in the PNC Auditorium of the Loyola Science Center. It is free of charge and open to the public.
On Saturday, May 2, hundreds of University students will participate in its “Street Sweep.” Students will plant flowers in downtown Scranton and clean up areas near campus and at Nay Aug Park.
On Saturday, May 9, the University will hold a “Campus Electronic Recycling and Document Shredding Event.” Area residents can bring paper to shred as well as several items to recycle, ranging from cables to blenders to air conditioners. A list of items accepted at the event is available on the University’s website. The event is sponsored by Cintas Document Management and Vintage Tech Recyclers and is free of charge. It will occur from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Monroe Avenue and Linden Street circle.
The University will also host a kayak event on Sunday, May 3; a faculty research seminar on Friday, April 17; and a sustainability workshop for faculty on Thursday and Friday, May 28 and 29; among other events.
For additional information, visit www.scranton.edu/sustainability or call 570-941-7520.
