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 Millsaps
is celebrating its first Green Semester this spring, sponsoring events
that focus on environmentalism, conservation and consumer responsibility.
"We thought
it was important to organize the Green Semester because this planet is
our life-support system," said Dr. Debora Mann, an assistant professor
of biology at Millsaps. "We need a healthy planet in order for us
to be healthy."
The concept
of the Green Semester originated in the Millsaps department of performing
arts. The chair of the department, Dr. Timothy Coker, was planning an
environmentally themed concert, and he wanted to make the concert part
of a larger series of events focusing on the health of the environment.
Dr. Darby Ray, a religious studies professor at Millsaps and director
of the Faith & Work Initiative, was also looking for ways to incorporate
environmentalism into her curriculum.
With the enthusiastic
support of faculty members and students, the resulting Green Semester
was planned. Highlights include a March 6 lecture by Dr. Jerald I. Schnoor,
a professor in the department of civil environmental engineering at the
University of Iowa. Schnoor will discuss "Eco-Logic: A Perspective
on Global Change and Sustainable Development." The annual Millsaps
Summers Lectures will also feature an environmental theme, with religion
professor Mark Wallace discussing Christian eco-theology on March 27.
The lecture will be immediately followed by a Millsaps Singers concert
with an environmental focus. Lester Brown, president of the Earth Policy
Institute in Washington, will speak at the College on March 28, exploring
ecologically sound business practices. The capstone for the series will
be a presentation by Dr. Jane Goodall, which
is also offered as part of the Millsaps Nova Series. The presentation
will take place on the evening of April 8.
The Millsaps Green
Semester is intended to be more than lectures and performances. Environmental
courses such as Religion and Nature and Environmental History are giving
students a classroom component for environmental activities. In addition,
environmental service projects allow students to make a difference in
the future of our planet.
For more information
about the Millsaps Green Semester, contact Debora Mann at (601) 974-1415
or manndl@millsaps.edu. For a
full schedule of Green Semester events, click
here.
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