(Worcester, Mass.) -- Worcester State University will host its Fourth Annual Sustainability Fair, Thurs., September 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Nationally recognized in 2010 and 2011 as a "Most Environmentally Responsible School" by the Princeton Review, WSU strives to develop practices and strategic priorities to continue reducing its carbon footprint. The sustainability fair annually draws hundreds of attendees to learn more in an interactive environment.
Faculty will deliver lectures and lead discussions on climate change, sustainable food, agriculture and sustainable energy and the university will host a lecture from Haiti Project Director of U.S. Operations Chantal Healey at 10:30 a.m. in the Student Center North/South Auditorium. The Haiti project provides economic opportunity to women in rural areas by bringing the embroidery skills of local women to a global market and provides services including a health clinic, library, technology center and scholarship fund. Healey, the daughter of a Haitian immigrant, has a history of nonprofit management and works with refugee women to assist them in rebuilding and leading sustainable lives through micro-enterprise. She is an experienced attorney and former in-house counsel for a Fortune 500 healthcare corporation. For more information, visit www.haitiprojects.org.
In addition, students will have the opportunity to explore employment opportunities and sustainable products with over 20 employers and vendors from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Student Center Exhibit Area. A farmer’s market and collection for the Worcester County Food Bank will also be held in the Student Center throughout the event.
The fair’s schedule includes the following “teach-in” topics:
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How to Solar Your Home with Dr. Mark Wagner at 10:00 a.m. in the North/South Auditorium
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Climate Change and Response with Dr. Allison Dunn, Dr. Meghna Dilip, and Dr. Maura Pavao at 10:00 a.m. in the Blue Lounge
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Haiti Project featuring Director of U.S. Operations Chantal Healey, at 10:30 a.m. in the North/South Auditorium.
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Sustainable Food and Agriculture with Dr. Charlotte Haller, Dr. William Hansen and Dr. Patricia Benjamin at 11:30 a.m. in the Blue Lounge
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Conserving the Environment for All Generations with Dr. Marybeth Smuts of the US Environmental Protection Agency at 11:30 a.m. in the North/South Auditorium
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Sustainability Initiatives with Dr. Margaret Kerr, Robert Daniels, Rich Perna and Marcia Eagleson at 1:00 p.m. in the Blue Lounge.
The event will close with a tour of WSU “greening” initiatives with Robert Daniels at 2:00 p.m. (weather permitting, tour attendees will meet Daniels in the Student center Exhibit Area.) For more on WSU greening initiatives, visit www.worcester.edu/greening.
The fair is cosponsored by Career Services, Campus Ministry, Physical and Earth Sciences, Chartwells, Facilities and the Alumni Office.
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