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Southern Miss Celebrates Earth Day; SGA President Signs Climate Commitment |
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Wednesday, April 22, 2009 |
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Contact David Tisdale - 601.266.4499
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University of Southern Mississippi students, faculty and staff witnessed history Wednesday on the university’s Hattiesburg campus with the signing of the American College and University Student Government Presidents Climate Commitment.
Southern Miss Student Government Association President J.R. Robinson inked the document, one of several activities held on campus in conjunction with Earth Day.
The commitment is considered the first of its kind in the nation. It is the counterpart to the College and University Presidents Climate Commitment signed last year by Southern Miss President Martha Saunders, affirming the SGA’s support of the university’s Green Initiative.
Robinson encouraged all Southern Miss students to do their part to make the university more environmentally friendly through support of its sustainability goals. “In signing this, we’re taking Southern Miss one step closer to the top,” he said.
The commitment’s language includes the establishment of a sub-committee to oversee sustainability efforts within student government; working directly with Southern Miss Dining Services to deal with proper waste disposal; endorsement of alternate transportation for improved energy usage and personal health; and planning of service projects pertaining to sustainability efforts; among other initiatives.
“This commitment from the SGA is a good signal of a student body commitment to the administration’s efforts,” said Larry Lee, director of the university’s Office of Sustainability. ”It’s only logical that if there is synergy, the initiative can only be stronger.”
For more information on Southern Miss’ Green Initiative, call the Office of Sustainability at 601.266.5687. On the Web visit www.usm.edu/green
Southern Miss Student Government Association President J.R. Robinson signs the American College and University Student Government Presidents Climate Commitment, one of many Earth Day activities taking place on the university’s Hattiesburg campus Wednesday. (Southern Miss Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse)
Area children visiting the Southern Miss Hattiesburg campus for Earth Day activities admire wind chimes made from recycled glass. (Southern Miss Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse)
Southern Miss student Jason Jones of Lumberton blows up an inflatable Earth globe Wednesday on the university’s Hattiesburg campus in preparation for Earth Day activities. (Southern Miss Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse).
About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu. -30-
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