SMU staff, students attend sustainability conference

Jason Richter, assistant dean for Leadership, Service and Activities; Andy McLees, associate Resident Life director; Mary Gleich, Student Senate president; Brenda Welscher, Student Senate vice president for Campus Life; and Chris Kendall, vice president for Student Development;attended a conference at the University of Notre Dame titled, “Renewing the Campus, Sustainability and the Catholic University” on Oct. 9-11.

Forty Catholic colleges and universities sent 280 representatives to the three-day conference.

The conference addressed a multiplicity of approaches to environmental issues at Catholic institutions of higher learning including those of theologians, scientists, sustainability practitioners, student activists and clergy. The aim of the conference was to address theological implications of climate change as well as the ethical implications viewed through the lens of Catholic Social Thought, with a focus on opportunities for Catholic universities to assume leadership roles on stewardship of creation and environmental justice both within academic and faith communities.