Gamma Theta Upsilon members created events to educate and inspire

A group of NMU students believes that more than one day needs to be dedicated to celebrating the Earth. Starting next week, events promoting environmental protection are designed to raise awareness about environmental issues for students and the Marquette community.

From April 15 to 19, NMU’s Earth Environmental and Geographical Sciences (EEGS) Department will host its fifth annual Anderton’s Earth Week. The week is packed with events: including a trivia night, nightly environmental film showings, guest speakers and an interactive art installation. Students will have an opportunity to respond to a prompt relating to the theme of the day from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. where those responses will be displayed throughout the remainder of the week. The events will take place at various locations across campus. The week-long celebration will be hosted in honor of John B. Anderton, a former EEGS professor who passed away several years ago.

“This is actually the first year that none of the board members were students of Professor Anderton so it’s kind of special that we’re keeping it going even though we never actually got to know him,” geographic honor society Gamma Theta Upsilon President Kit Collins said.

Each day will be themed with a particular focus. Monday begins with land management and agriculture. Tuesday’s theme will be water; Wednesday: civic engagement; Thursday: climate and Friday will finish with municipalities. Several panelists will come to campus and present, including government and community vitality educator at MSU extension Brad Neumann and Mary Martin, member of the NMU Biology Department, who will both talk about living off the grid at 6 p.m. on Monday.

The week will also feature NMU EEGS graduate Kathleen Henry, who will speak about her experience with the Peace Corps. Henry, who was recently accepted into Johns Hopkins University graduate program for environmental education, will speak about an experience that is of interest to many students. Collins said this is the event that she is most looking forward to as she is considering following down a similar path to Henry’s post graduation.
Everyone is urged to participate in the event, Collins said, adding, especially those who are passionate about learning about environmental issues in the Marquette area.