Ripon College Days

Issue date: 4/18/07 Section: Features

Making a case. EGOR stands proud in their sustainability efforts during their conservatory day trip.

The Environmental Group of Ripon (EGOR) will celebrate Earth Day and kick off the Ethical Leadership Program's (ELP) new certification in Environmental leadership Sunday, April 22 with a dinner and symposium.

The sustainable dinner will take place at 5 p.m. in the Heritage Room, invite-only for trustees, staff, and students. The Earth Day Symposium, open to everyone, will follow the dinner at 6:30 p.m. in Great Hall.

The symposium will feature keynote speakers Dave Newport, environmental director at the University of Colorado at Boulder and pioneer in sustainability. Joining Newport is a senior representative of the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, Stan Gruszynski, director of the Global Environmental Management Education Center at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and Chamomile Nusz, executive director of the Citizens Energy Cooperative.

These kenoters will highlight the importance of keeping the Earth clean and how organizations like EGOR and the new Green program within the ELP can help promote these ideas both on the Ripon College campus and in the community.

"We hope to generate support for a green campus initiative that will include discussion of alternative energy, a variety of sustainable practices Ripon might consider, and a curricula-based approach for students in this arena," says sophomore Emily DeVillers, member of EGOR.

The main purpose behind the event is to advance environmental awareness in Ripon. EGOR also hopes to promote the new Environmental Leadership program.

The program is open to all students, but is especially suited to those who wish to enter a career directly involved with environmental and conservation issues.

"Students completing the certification will be especially cognizant of the personal contribution each is capable of as an ethically and environmentally minded individual," says DeVillers.

Ripon's program does not stand alone. There are many universities and colleges working to promote environmental education and activism.

"Institutions across the country are moving to create environmentally friendly, or green, campuses," says senior Hilary Smith, member of EGOR.

Although Ripon has made great strides in the realm of environmental awareness, the college is still catching up to other institutions.

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