Past Events

September 2025

9th Annual Catholic Immigration Summit: Opening Our Hearts to Faith in Action

When: September 27, 9am-3:30pm
Where: STCN Le Roux Room
Description: At the Ninth Annual Immigration Summit, engage with the work of local organizations and networks to develop and strengthen our advocacy strategies. We are pleased to welcome Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, Texas, and the Gospel Truth Choir as well. Hosted by Seattle University's Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture and co-sponsored with the Archdiocese of Seattle, St. James Immigrant Assistance, and St. Vincent de Paul of Seattle-King County

SUstainability Fair

When: September 26, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Where: STCN Hearth
Description: Come visit us at the SUstainability fair and learn all about environmental justice and sustainability on Seattle U's campus. Meet with colleagues and students from the Sustainable Student Action club (SSA), Engineers for a Sustainable World club (ESW), Residence Hall Association students (RHA), the edible campus students, the Wellness Cafe and Food Pantry, Redhawk Dining, Campus Ministry, Seattle Public Utilities, and CEJS. Enjoy some goodies and prizes from the different booths.

Early Bird Immersion - Roots & Routes

When: Sunday, September 14, 2025-Thursday September 18, 2025
Where: Lake Crescent, Olympic National Park
Description: Hosted by University Recreation and Campus Ministry. Find and build your SU community over 5 days and 4 nights on the shore of Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park! Spend your days hiking, biking, and canoeing and your evenings engaging in fun activities. All programming is beginner-friendly and previous outdoor experience is not required. In the evenings, we will reflect on the start of your college experience and discuss different possibilities for connecting with your new SU community. Transport, food, lodging, and activities are all included in the cost of the program.

Orientation Leaders Training

When: Friday, September 12 2025
Description: CEJS will provide an introduction to sustainability on campus so Orientation Leaders can educate incoming students.

October 2025

Women of Color Coalition x Environmental Law Society Clothing and Candy Drive

When: October 27-31
Where: Sullivan Hall, Courtroom Level
Description: Seattle University's Women of Color Coalition (WOCC) and Environmental Law Society (ELS) are teaming up to host a clothing drive during the last week of October. They are collecting women’s and gender-neutral clothing (no children's clothing), new socks, underwear, hygiene products, and Halloween candy for some fun! These items will be donated to the Jubilee Women's Center in Seattle. See flyer

Dr. Michael Goodchild Presentation - The Future of GIS

When: Monday, October 27, 6:00pm
Where: Casey Commons (Casey 530)
Description: Join the Environmental Studies department for an evening with one of the world's most influential geographers. Michael F. Goodchild, Professor Emeritus at UCSB, is a leader in Geographic Information Science and the author of 600+ publications. 

Waterlines Project Talk

When: Monday, October 20, 10:55am-12:20pm
Where: SINE 200
Description: This event is open to Seattle University students, faculty, and staff. Join the conversation with Amir Sheikh, an interdisciplinary urban environmental researcher, co-curator, and collaboration builder alongside the Waterlines Map Project which charts the ecological history of Seattle, centering indigenous place-narratives, and tells us how the past ecologies of the Duwamish river and its watershed continue to shape our current experiences with the landscape in the age of climate change. In his talk, Sheikh will explore the relationship between landscape history, justice, mapping, and planning/place in our city. This event is sponsored by First-Year Academic Engagement, Indigenous Peoples Institute (IPI), and the Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability (CEJS). (see flyer).

CEJS Student and Faculty Research Fellowship Meeting (Fall quarter)

When: Tuesday, October 7
Description: We will be having our first meeting of the year with our CEJS faculty and student research fellows. The purpose of this meeting is for our fellows to meet each other, introduce their projects, review the project timeline, and have the opportunity for initial feedback.

Immigration Pilgrimage of Hope

When: Saturday, October 4
Where: St. Leo Parish, Tacoma
Description: Catholics from across Western Washington will make a pilgrimage to the detention center to demonstrate solidarity and express hope and compassion for detainees and all immigrants. We welcome and encourage all people of goodwill and faith traditions to join us! The pilgrimage is co-sponsored by the Archdiocese of Seattle's Immigration and Refugee Ministry, St. James Cathedral and St. Leo Church.

Involvement Fair

When: Thursday, October 2, 11:00am-2:00pm
Where: Lower Mall
Description: Come visit the CEJS table at the Involvement Fair to learn about our programs and events, learn about sustainability on campus, and have the chance to play a game to win a prize!

November 2025

Seattle Public Utilities Green Business Program: Seattle University Tour

When: Thursday, November 20
Where: Seattle University Grounds
Description: Seattle University is hosting members of the Seattle Public Utilities Green Business Program in collaboration with Seattle 2030 District for a tour of our campus and facilities. At this event, property managers, building owners, and sustainability professionals will learn about the university's sustainability measures around food waste reduction, recycling, solid waste management, water conservation, and more from our sustainability and facilities team. 

UREC Outdoors Trips

When: October 4-November 23
Where: Locations across Washington
Description: UREC Outdoors Trips this fall will be packed with incredible hikes and adventures across Washington. From Snow Lake and Granite Mountain to Oyster Dome and Wallace falls, there is something for every level of hiker. See more details and register on the UREC Outdoors webpage.

December 2025

YMCA Earth Service Corps Environmental Leaders Summit

When: Friday, December 5, 9am-2pm
Where: Campion Ballroom
Description: Hosted in Seattle University's Campion Ballroom, the YCMA Earth Service Corps is facilitating the Environmental Leaders Summit. This event brings together high school youth from across Western Washington. Environmental professionals from many fields will lead round table conversations on youth-selected environmental issues. This is a unique opportunity for youth to share ideas and learn from others in the environmental community.

January 2026

Garden Meditation: Embracing the Dark and the Light 

When: January 29, 2026 4-5:30pm
Where: SeattleU Labyrinth and Casey Atrium  
Description: Join the Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious engagement for a Winter garden meditation exploring the dark season and emerging light with a walk through the winter spiral and time in natural space. After, join in conversation at the Casey Atrium and a hot cocoa bar. RSVP

February 2026

CAMPUS RACE TO ZERO WASTE: Weigh the Waste & Trash Talk

When: February 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th, 12-1:30pm
Where: Student Center 2nd floor info table
Description: How much food do we waste each day at lunch at Seattle University? How many compostable to-go boxes are used in Cherry Street? Throughout the first week of February during the lunch hour at Cherry Street Market, we will be collecting compostable to-go boxes and food waste to track how much waste we’re producing. The purpose of this event is to help educate people on where to properly dispose of their food waste, raise awareness of the amount of food waste generated and to-go boxes used every day, and to encourage people to reduce their food waste and to use more sustainable plating options (i.e. traditional plates or Ozzi boxes). We’ll also have volunteers giving "Trash Talks" to help you figure out which items go into which waste bin. This event is part of Campus Race to Zero Waste. Visit the Race to Zero Waste webpage to learn more. 

Threadhawk Thrift

Where: Student Center Hearth, First Hill Campus
When: February 5, 11:30am-1:30pm
Description: Needing new professional clothing? Check out Seattle University Career Engagement's Threadhawk Thrift event. Any SU student is allowed to come and grab a couple items for their future career needs. To support this event, Career Engagement is seeking gently used clothing donations, with a particular need for men’s trousers, shoes, and belts. Donations can be dropped off at the Career Engagement Office (PAVL 110) between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday–Friday.

Coast Salish Storytelling Speaker Series

When: February 5, 2026, 4-5pm
Where: Byte Cafe Lemieux Library
Description: Hosted by the Indigenous Peoples Institute, spend an evening with master storyteller, oral historian, traditional healer, and spiritual leader Johnny Moses who is a member of the Tulalip Tribes and fluent speaker of eight Native languages. RVSP to Coast Salish Storytelling Event

The Keys to A Happy Society Conversation with Consul General of Finland

Where: Pigott Auditorium 
When: February 10, 2026, 4pm 
Description: The Department of Public Affairs and the Department of International Studies is hosting a discussion on the “Keys to a Happy Society” by the consul general of Finland, co-hosted by Joni Balter, Naho Umitani. See more event details and RSVP. 

CAMPUS RACE TO ZERO WASTE: Community Recycling Days

When: February 18th & March 11th, 8:30am-12:30pm
Where: Bellarmine Turnaround
Description: The annual community recycling day is back and better than ever. Have too much "stuff" or hard to recycle items at home? Get your spring cleaning done early and bring in your dorm, home, or office items that you no longer need to SU’s Community Recycling Days for FREE recycling and item donations! Items accepted include electronics/e-waste, housewares, kitchen-wares, clothing, books, office supplies, styrofoam, plastic film, toner and printer cartridges, and batteries. Note: Furniture, large appliances, and items containing hazardous waste are not accepted. Learn more and see what items are accepted. This event is part of Campus Race to Zero Waste. See the Community Recycling Day Flyer

CAMPUS RACE TO ZERO WASTE: E-waste Drive

When: February 2nd-27th
Where: Lobbies of residence halls, 4th floor community room at Murphy Apartments, Hub Desk in Student Center, 2nd floor entrance to Lemieux Library
Description: Do you have old, outdated, electronics or e-waste? Donate and/or recycle your old electronics with the SU Recycling team! Throughout the entire month of February, we will collect old electronics and e-waste. If an item has a cord and/or circuitry components, it can be donated. This event is part of Campus Race to Zero Waste. See the E-Waste Drive Flyer

Earth Talks Proposals 

Students, staff, and faculty are invited to submit a proposal for a 5-minute "Earth Talk" to present on Earth Day 2026. The theme this year is "Care for Our Common Home." Presentations can cover advocacy, artwork, performance, poems, research, service projects, education abroad experiences, etc. related to environmental justice and sustainability. Proposals must include your name and position (student/faculty/staff/SU partner), a short speaker bio, and a 100-150 word presentation proposal. Submit proposals to cejs@seattleu.edu by March 2, 2026. Learn more on the Earth Month webpage. See the Earth Talks Proposals Flyer

Earth Month Logo Design Competition Applications 

Calling all SU students! Get creative, design a logo, and your creation may become the face of Earth Month 2026 at Seattle University! The winning design will be used to publicize Earth Month events across campus through social media, flyers, and web presence. The winner will receive a $50 gift card to the SU Campus Store, Peloton Cafe, or Crossroads Trading OR a donation to an environmental organization of their choosing. Submit designs to cejs@seattleu.edu by March 2, 2026. See design guidelines and requirements​​​​​​.

Ignatian Advocacy Summit Northwest Town Hall Planning Meetings

When: Meetings over Zoom every Monday 6-8pm in preparation for event March 5-7
Description: Join the planning team for a local town hall event! We are advocating for salmon restoration and sustainable fisheries, accesses to affordable housing, and just and humane treatment and engagement of immigrants. University Ministry hosts the annual Ignatian Advocacy Summit Northwest each year (March 5, 6 and 7 2026). The Summit is a student-led advocacy network that develops advocacy via our shared local Ignatian network with participation from both Jesuit Universities in the state and 5 Jesuit high schools in the area. Register for the planning meetings

Wildlife and Animal Trafficking Research-a-thon

When: February 21, 2026 2:00-8:00pm 
Where: Boeing Room (first floor Lemieux library) 
Description: A day long research-a-thon event for Seattle University criminal justice, criminology, and forensics students, this research-a-thon will focus on wildlife and animal trafficking and is being held on World Pangolin Day. This event is organized by the Seattle University Crime and Justice Research Center (College of Arts and Sciences). Learn more.

Environmental Justice Virtual Symposium, organized by the American Bar Association – FREE event

When: February 25, 2026 1pm-6pm 
Where: Zoom  
Description: The symposium brings together leading practitioners to examine how environmental justice advocacy, policy, and practice are evolving in today’s shifting legal and regulatory landscape. Discussions will explore the implications of recent federal changes, including evolving agency policy, enforcement, and the future of EJ-focused funding.

Seattle University International Dinner

When: Saturday, February 28, 2026, 6-9pm
Where: Campion Ballroom
Description: Seattle University is hosting its 49th annual international dinner. This tradition brings together a community of over 200 students, staff, faculty, and local community members for an evening of international cuisine, music, dance, and cultural performances. All are welcome! Buy tickets

March 2026

CAMPUS RACE TO ZERO WASTE: Clothing Drive

When: March 2nd-31st
Where: Lobbies of residence halls, 4th floor community room at Murphy Apartments, Hub Desk in Student Center, 2nd floor entrance to Lemieux Library
Description: Do you need to clear some space in your closet? Look no further than the clothing donation bins that will be on campus. The SU Recycling team will be hosting a clothing collection drive throughout the entire month of March. Clothing will be donated to our partner, Northwest Center. All clothing of any condition (excluding soiled or wet) will be accepted. Items that cannot be used again will be recycled through King County’s Threadcycling program. Learn what clothing items are accepted. This event is part of Campus Race to Zero Waste. See the Clothing Drive Flyer

Winter Catholic Heritage Lecture: The Nonviolent Shift is Coming (If We Want it)

When: Tuesday, March 3, 4:30pm-6:00pm 
Where: Le Roux Room, Student Center 
Description: The greatest movement in human history is on its way. A movement of movements. Join changemaker, author, and Professor Ken Butigan in unpacking how we all have more power than we think to build something better. RSVP

Nonviolence Training: More Power Than We Think: Tools for Nonviolent Change in Our Lives and Our Wounded World 

When: March 4, 4-6PM 
Where: Student Center 210 
Description: Join SeattleU’s Institute for Catholic thought and culture in a nonviolence training with Ken Butigan, a movement builder, campaign organizer, professor, writer, and trainer to unleash power for more nonviolent lives and a more just society. Spots limited, please RSVP for the training

Washington Oregon Cascadia Higher Education Sustainability Conference (WOHESC) 2026

When: Monday, March 2 – Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Where: University of Washington Husky Union Building (HUB), 4001 E Stevens Way NE, Seattle, Washington 98195 
Description: WOHESC (Washington Oregon Cascadia Higher Education Sustainability Conference) convenes students, faculty and staff from across Washington and Oregon to explore what it means to intentionally cultivate sustainable communities within higher education and beyond. Attendees engage in thought-provoking discussions, interactive sessions, and meaningful networking opportunities, all centered on fostering environmentally conscious and socially responsible communities.

• Use SU's discount to register: Contact CEJS (cejs@seattleu.edu) to join SU’s group rate.
• Volunteer at WOHESC to receive access to the full conference for just $25 in exchange for completing one volunteer shift.

SeattleU Ministry Thriving Together: Care, Community, and Creation Town Hall

When: March 7th 10-11:30am 
Where: LeRoux Conference Center (STCN 160) 
Description: Are you interested in engaging with King County Council members regarding healthcare, housing, immigration, and ecological justice? We invite you to join us in sharing a vision for what a flourishing community looks like with our local representatives. Please stop by University Ministry STCN 120 or email mgass@seattleu.edu with any questions. RSVP for the Town Hall

SeattleU Philosophy Department, Jerry Martein Reading and Conversation, FREE Event

When: March 10, 6pm 
Where: Seattle University Stuart T. Rolfe Community Room  
Description: Hosted by the SeattleU Philosophy Department, please join Jerry Martien, author of Waveshock: Ed Ricketts, the Voyage of the Grampus, and Our Biopoetic Future, and editor of A Watershed Runs Through You. Contact Dr. Jason M. Wirth (wirthj@seattleu.edu) for more information. 

CAMPUS RACE TO ZERO WASTE: Community Recycling Day

When: March 11th, 8:30am-12:30pm
Where: Bellarmine Turnaround
Description: The annual community recycling day is back and better than ever. Have too much "stuff" or hard to recycle items at home? Get your spring cleaning done early and bring in your dorm, home, or office items that you no longer need to SU’s Community Recycling Days for FREE recycling and item donations! Items accepted include electronics/e-waste, housewares, kitchen-wares, clothing, books, office supplies, styrofoam, plastic film, toner and printer cartridges, and batteries. Note: Furniture, large appliances, and items containing hazardous waste are not accepted. This event is part of Campus Race to Zero Waste. See the Community Recycling Day Flyer

Eco-Spiritual Silent Retreat

When: March 22-24th, Register by February 23rd  
Where: Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center, Stanwood, WA 
Description: Apply now for Ecological Spirituality Silent Retreat taking place over Spring Break, open to all students, staff, and faculty! On this retreat, you will experience a waterside retreat environment, as well as time for silence, prayer, contemplation and rest. The retreat includes thematic presentations and activities inspired by our connection to the natural world and Ignatian Spirituality. The cost is $65 and includes food, transportation, and your own private room during the retreat. If you are faculty/staff, apply by February 23rd with this form. If you are a student, apply with this form. If you have any questions, reach out to mgass@seattleu.edu. Scholarships are available. 

Professionals Without Borders: Belize Spring Break Program

When: March 21-29, 2026
Where: Liberty Children's Home, Ladyville, Belize
Description: Seattle University's Professionals Without Borders hosts a 7-day immersion experience in Belize where participants will work with children at the Liberty Children’s Home in Ladyville, Belize, through assistance in homework and recreation time. Find more information on the Education Abroad webpage.

April 2026

Please view Seattle University's Earth Month 2026 webpage for a full list of Earth Month happenings on SU campus.

May 2026

Seattle 2030 District Energy Week

When: Monday, May 11th to Friday, May 15th
Where: Locations across Seattle and Bellevue
Description: Seattle 2030 District is hosting Energy Week, an immersive event series designed to explore the latest advancements in energy efficiency, decarbonization, and renewable energy solutions for the built environment. Through partnerships with property owners, industry professionals, and stakeholders, they will offer a comprehensive lineup of educational opportunities that support the achievement of the 2030 energy targets. Learn more about Energy Week and register for events.

Discovery Park Restoration Day

When: Saturday, May 16th, 8:30am-12:30pm
Where: Meet at SU First Hill campus; event at Discovery Park
Description: Have you been looking for a chance to get off campus and spend some time outside? Have you been looking for ways to get involved in your Seattle community? We have just the thing for you! Join us May 16th from 9am-12pm at Discovery Park to pull some Himalayan blackberry. We will have vans available to transport students, staff, and faculty from SU. Register soon because spots are limited! Transportation, snacks, and all tools needed will be provided. Open to all students, staff, and faculty from SU. See and share the Discovery Park Restoration Day Flyer.

Celebrating the Laudato Si' Action Platform - Year 5

When: Wednesday, May 20th, 3-5pm
Where: Le Roux Room (STCN 160)
Description: On behalf of the Office of the Provost, LSAP co-chairs Dr. Jeanette Rodriguez, Executive Director, Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture, and Yolanda Cieters, Acting Director, Institute for Environmental Justice and Sustainability, invite the SU community to celebrate the fifth year of Seattle University’s participation in the global Laudato Si’ Action Platform. Please RSVP for the celebration.
The celebration includes:

• Highlighting the university's Laudato Si' achievements and contributions
• Introduction to the Institute for Environmental Justice and Sustainability
• A recognition of gratitude for Dr. Rodriguez’s contributions to SU's Laudato Si' Action Plan
• Breakout conversations with diverse sustainability initiatives from across campus
• A concluding community reception!

2025-26 IEJS Student & Faculty Research Fellowship Showcase

When: Tuesday, May 26, 4:00-5:30pm
Where: Casey Commons (Casey 530)
Description: Join IEJS for our annual fellowship showcase! This event is an opportunity for the 2025-2026 IEJS student and faculty fellows to share the results of the research they have been conducting this academic year. We will also hear introductions from the 2026-2027 fellowship awardees about their proposed research projects: Terryanna Blodgett, Ayca Gillett Dabis, Betul Coban, Dr. Elaine Gunnison, Dr. Meena Rishi, Dr. David Kwon and Dr. Valentina Zamora. Light appetizers will be served. This year's fellows and their presentations are: 

• Ibrahim Badawi (SJD candidate, School of Law): “Legislative and policy reforms under the Electronics Accountability, Sustainability, and Longevity Act”
• Abby Robertson (Doctor of Nursing Practice Candidate, College of Nursing & Health Sciences). “Empowering Nurses to Advocate for Sustainability”
• Prof. Nazune Menka (Assistant Professor, School of Law; Faculty Director, Northwest Center for Indigenous Law): “Northwest Tribal Nations & Environmental Justice”
• Dr. Jessica Ludescher Imanaka (Associate Professor, Management and Philosophy, Albers School of Business & Economics): “Institutions and Environmental Sustainability: Understanding Legitimation in the Papal Encyclical Laudato Si’”

RSVPs are encouraged. For more information on the presenters and their projects, visit IEJS Fellowships. View and share the 2025-26 IEJS Fellowship Showcase Flyer

January 2025

Environmental Lunchtime Career Talks

When: January 9 and 16, 12:30 p.m.
Where: BANN 353
Description: Please join the Civil & Environmental Engineering department for cookies and conversation while learning about potential career paths related to the environment. On Jan. 9, Shasta Ferranto, US Forest Service. Shasta is the Program Manager of Fires, Fuels, and Smoke and will give a talk about fire science. On Jan. 16, Beth Friedman, WA Dept of Ecology. Beth will give a talk about air quality and ecology.

Lushootseed Lecture Series

When: January 24, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Byte Cafe (Lemieux Library)
Description: Acclaimed local author Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe will be reading passages from her memoir, Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk, as well as from her latest collection of essays, Thunder Song.
Hosted by the Indigenous Peoples Institute, the Lushootseed Lecture Series invites tribal members, Indigenous people, and other scholars to speak about the Lushootseed language and culture, its cultural importance and what it has to teach us. Past topics have included “"Living Legends: Lushootseed Stories in My Work and Life", “On Rich Soil” and “Walking in the Footsteps of the Ancestors: Coast Salish Artists."

Student Convening - Environmental Justice and Sustainability at SU

When: January 28, 12:30 - 1:20 p.m.
Where: PIGT 200
Description: Dr. Tanya Hayes (Environmental Studies; Public Affairs & Nonprofit Leadership) and Yolanda Cieters (Interim Director CEJS) would like to invite you to an informal gathering of students who share both interest and concern around the issues of sustainability and environmental justice.
They want to hear your ideas for Earth Month (April 2025); learn from sustainability related clubs about their activities for Winter and Spring quarters; and receive any input you may have on student engagement in this work at SU and the role that the CEJS can play to enhance and facilitate involvement.
Bring your lunch; CEJS will bring cookies and lemonade! And please tell anyone you know who may be interested in joining the conversation.

Indigenous Decolonial Climate Hope through the Land

When: January 28, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Stuart T. Rolfe Community Room
Description: Brian Burkhart is an Associate Professor of Philosophy, affiliate faculty in Native American Studies at the University of Oklahoma, director of the Native Nations Center and author of Indigenizing Philosophy through the Land: A Trickster Methodology for Decolonizing Environmental Ethics and Indigenous Futures (Michigan State, 2019). His research specializes in Native American and Indigenous philosophy, specifically Indigenous land-based conceptions of well-being and environmental ethics. Burkhart is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma with roots in the Jaybird Creek community of Northeastern Oklahoma as well as the Indian Wells community of the Navajo Nation in Arizona

Envisioning a livable future: “The Current State of Climate Science"

When: January 29
Where: Virtual
Description: Marking the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. "Envisioning a Livable Future” is a seven-part series aiming to create lively interdisciplinary dialogues 1) raising ecological consciousness, 2) drawing attention to climate-forward initiatives, and 3) encouraging both personal discernment and social action.
Session one panelists will include:
-Katharine Hayhoe, Chief Scientist for the Nature Conservancy & Paul Whitfield Horn Distinguished Professor and Endowed Chair in Public Policy and Public Law, Texas Tech University.
-Ben Sovacool, Director of the Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability and Professor of Earth & Environment, Boston University.
-Nancy Tuchman, Founding Dean of the Loyola University Chicago School of Sustainability and Professor of Biology, Loyola University Chicago.

Shaped by Nature: A Garden of Memories and Joy

When: January 25 - March 31
Where: Gallery Two, Lemieux Library, Second Floor
Description: Arturo Araujo, SJ, Shaped by Nature: A Garden of Memories and Joy is an exhibition that reflects on the profound bond between art, nature, and the human spirit during a time of uncertainty and change. In this collection, Father Araujo explores the beauty and resilience of the natural world as a source of inspiration amidst the complexities of an evolving political and social landscape. Learn more about the show here. This is a re-visioning of last year's Shaped by Nature exhibit, now beautifully displayed on the second floor of Lemieux Library, a co-sponsor of the exhibit. Contact Fr. Arturo Araujo if you are interested in scheduling a class or department-guided tour of the exhibit (araujoa@seattleu.edu).

February 2025

Learning-by-doing & Adapting to Climate Change: Mitigating Emissions and Increasing Life Quality in Mexico

When: February 5, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Where: PIGT Auditorium
Description: Mark your calendars for the second Bosanko Public Lecture, delivered by Dr. María Ibarrarán, Academic Director at Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla, Mexico, on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, from 5:30-6:30 pm at Pigott Auditorium. The topic of her talk is "Learning-by-doing & Adapting to Climate Change: Mitigating Emissions and Increasing Life Quality in Mexico". Dr. Ibarrarán is in the task force of Environmental and Economic Justice of the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU). She has taught the Global Environmental Citizenship course of the MAGIS Exchange Program and is the contact person for the Laudato Si’ Action Platform (LSAP) from IBERO Puebla. For more details and any questions, please contact Dr. Meena Rishi at rishim@seattleu.edu.

Community Recycling Day

When: February 19, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Bellarmine Turnaround
Description: The annual community recycling day is back and better than ever. Join us in celebrating two community recycling days. Have too much "stuff" at home? Get your spring cleaning done early and bring in your dorm, home, or office recyclables to SU’s Community Recycling Days for FREE recycling and donation! Sign up to volunteer here.

Lushootseed Lecture Series: Janet Yoder

When: February 19, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Lemieux Library, Byte Cafe 
Description: Local author Janet Yoder will be speaking at Seattle University on Wednesday, February 19, from 4 – 5 p.m. as part of the Lushootseed Lecture Series. Sponsored by the Indigenous Peoples Institute (IPI) and the Lemieux Library, the Lushootseed Lecture Series invites tribal members, Indigenous people, and other scholars to speak about the Lushootseed language and issues impacting Native Americans and Native American history and culture. The event is open for all to come and listen. 
Yoder will read from her book, Where the Language Lives: Vi Hilbert and the Gift of the Lushootseed, which was a finalist for the 2023 WA State Book Award. Janet Yoder draws from interviews conducted over her thirty-year friendship with Hilbert to pay tribute to the woman whose determination and passion helped breathe life into her language and culture.  

Waste Disposal Education

When: February 21 and 22, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
Where: Student Center, 2nd Floor
Description: Interested in how to properly sort your waste? Join us in educating the campus community and bringing awareness to proper waste disposal. We will discuss the disposal stream accepted in King County/Seattle (and special streams at SU), where they need to be discarded, and answer any lingering questions of what goes where. Sign up to volunteer here.

Obermiller Lecture in Marketing Sustainability with Dr. Karen Page Winterich 

When: February 26, 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Where: SINE 200 
Description: Dr. Karen Page Winterich is the Gerald I. Susman Professor in Sustainability and Professor of Marketing in the Penn State University Smeal College of Business. Dr. Winterich is also the current co-editor for the Journal of Marketing Research, and past President of the Academic Council of the American Marketing Association. In this talk, she will share ongoing research on how companies can use behavioral science to enhance customer participation in a circular economy.  
This panel discussion will focus on behavioral interventions that can encourage sustainability among consumers. Dr. April Atwood (Marketing faculty member at Seattle University) will facilitate the discussion, featuring Dr. Karen Winterich (Marketing faculty member at Penn State) and Cleo Escarez, founder of the circular jewelry recycling startup Redyoos. 

The Northwest Jesuit Advocacy Summit

When: February 27, 28, and March 1
Description: This summit brings together Jesuit students, volunteers, parishioners, faculty, priests and other leaders to use the power of our collective voices to put our faith into action. Held at Seattle University, the event takes high-school students through a 3-day experience of Ignatian reflection towards prophetic action, with university students, Jesuit volunteers, parishioners, faculty and other adult allies joining for evening programming and a direct-action town-hall on Saturday morning. For the 3rd year in a row, the summit will focus on standing with Native peoples in collaboration on care for common home. Built around the pastoral cycle, it will include direct encounter with creation and those being most impacted by climate change, social and pastoral analysis, skill training and direct collective action with public officials.

March 2025

Sacred Salmon Town Hall

When: March 1, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Where: Student Center 160 
Description: Inspired by the Washington State Catholic Bishop’s Call for Plan to Care for Creation and the Common Good in the Lower Snake River and “to develop and implement a holistic plan for the Lower Snake River region that seeks input from the Original Peoples of Washington state as principal dialogue partners,” this collective action, led by Jesuit students and Native peoples, will be an opportunity for faithful collective action to public officials, along with prayer, ritual and next steps to take the work home.

FREE Screening of the 2024 5Point Film Festival

When: March 1, 5:00 p.m.
Where: Pigott Auditorium
Description: Join UREC Outdoors for a free screening of the 2024 5Point Film Festival. 5Point is a selection of the films from the annual Carbondale festival. 5Point Film Festival believes that communities are made better when their people pursue adventure and intentionally live their own best stories. Please e-mail outdoor@seattleu.edu with any questions. 

Race To Zero Waste: E-WASTE COLLECTION MONTH

When: March 1-31
Where: Lobby of all residence halls and Student Center HUB desk 
Description: All for the month of March, donate any broken electronics and other E-waste you might have. Professionals will properly dispose of e-waste for you, keeping hazardous material out of our landfills and oceans. This event is part of Seattle University' participation in the annual Campus Race to Zero Waste competition. 

Reimagining Climate Futures: Creative Practices for Social Change Workshops, at Common OBJECTS

When: March 1 and 9, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., and March 2 and 8, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where: 2601 1st Ave
Description: Reimagine your relationship with the climate crisis and transform feelings of powerlessness into creative action. Join Cadence Video Poetry and filmmaker Kamila Kuc (CEJS 2024-2025 Student Fellow) for a series of ecological identity, dreams, poetry, and film workshops designed to engage with the climate crisis through creative storytelling and collective reflection. Through poetry prompts and guided filmmaking, together we will make a poetry film that functions as a love letter to the future.
These workshops are open to everyone, regardless of artistic experience, and aim to provide a safe, inclusive space for personal and community expression. For more information visit here. For registration visit here.  

Seattle U Gives: Support CEJS Student Fellowships

When: March 4
Description: Seattle U Gives is on March 4 and CEJS needs your support! Your gift will fund the Gary L. Chamberlain and Francis Student Research CEJS Fellowships, allowing students to work on solutions to global sustainability problems through dedicated research, experiential learning, and faculty mentorship. Forging a sustainable relationship between humankind and planet earth is an unprecedented challenge facing us all. Your support for CEJS cultivates that relationship by giving talented, passionate students the chance to research sustainability at SU, in the greater Seattle area, and around the world. Please visit Seattle U Gives on March 4 and help us meet our goal of $5,000 for Student Fellowships. No matter the size of your gift ($5, $10,…), your participation directly impacts our students. From all of us at CEJS: Thank you! 

Nonprofit Leadership Connection & Reflection Group: Social Change Now

When: February 25, March 4, 11, and 18, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Where: Online Zoom
Description: Building a More Equitable Future Together Are you feeling uncertain about the political and cultural changes happening in our communities? Wondering how you can make a real impact? Or simply looking for a space to connect with others who care about social change? We invite you to join our Reflection and Connection Group, a supportive space to reflect on these questions and explore how we can all contribute to meaningful change.  Learn more and register here: https://events.seattleu.edu/event/NPLBookClub2025  

Washington Oregon Cascadia Higher Education Sustainability Conference (WOHESC)

When: March 5- 7
Where: Portland Community College Campus
Description: CEJS is a community partner of the WOHESC conference. WOHESC is a platform for students, faculty, and staff from Washington and Oregon higher education institutions to empower and inspire change, facilitate action, and share, network, and collaborate around sustainability and social justice.
Explore this year’s theme, Cultivating Sustainable Communities, and the WOHESC Program here. Interested in attending? Register to join at wohesc.org/register and use code CEJS30 for 30% off! The link to apply the discount automatically is here. 

2025 Food Justice Summit: A Recipe for Change

When: March 7, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Pigott Auditorium
Description: Join the Health and Wellness Promotion Center for the 4th Annual Food Justice and Action Summit, themed “Recipe for Change”. They will confront food injustice at Seattle University and in our surrounding communities. Engage with fellow students, dedicated faculty, and keynote speaker Angel Swanson, while tackling urgent issues surrounding food access, sustainability, and empowerment. This year’s theme highlights the strength found in combining knowledge, collaboration, innovation, and action to create a more equitable and sustainable food system. 

For questions contact Health and Wellness’ Instagram @wellnessatseattleu or visit their ConnectSU page.  

Screening and Special Performance at Benaroya

When: March 7, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Benaroya Hall 
Description: The Seattle Symphony is excited to partner with Lushootseed Research to present Hilbert’s commissioned work by Bruce Ruddell, The Healing Heart of the First People of This Land, paired with a screening of the documentary, 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 7, at S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, Benaroya Hall. Visit Seattle Symphony to learn more about this free event.  

In Defense of Nature: How the Washington AGO Protects Wildlife and the Environment

When: March 11, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Sullivan Hall C5
Description: Join SALDF and ELS at a panel event with several attorneys from the Environmental Protection Division of the Washington AGO. Our panelists will discuss environmental laws and regulations that safeguard animals and the broader environment. This will include insights into any past litigation or cases they have been involved with, covering both civil and criminal aspects. Lunch will be provided! Hybrid option available.

Shared Concerns, Competing Perspectives: Catholic Social Thought in Economics

When: March 12, 12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Where: Pigott 107
Description: This project makes a case for the inclusion of Catholic Social Thought (CST) in the introductory economics course. The presenters argue that the contrast between the perspectives of CST and economics, especially with regard to the environment, can deepen students’ understanding of the underlying assumptions of economics and enable students to see the role that economics should play in an interdisciplinary effort to address climate change. The paper provides practical guidance to economics faculty who wish to bring the urgent call of Laudato Si' and Laudate Deum into their classrooms effectively. Register here.  

Annual Richard Delgado & Jean Stefancic Distinguished Lecture featuring Gerald Torres: "The Evolving Crisis of Human Rights and Climate Migration”

When: March 11, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Where: Sullivan Hall room 110  
Description: Dean Anthony E. Varona and Seattle University School of Law invite you to the annual Richard Delgado and Jean Stefancic Distinguished Lecture featuring Gerald Torres, Dolores Huerta & Wilma Mankiller Professor of Environmental Justice and Professor of Law at Yale University. 
Acclaimed law professors who previously served on the faculty, Delgado and Stefancic returned to Seattle U Law in the summer of 2022. As leading authors and theorists on race and social change in the United States, they have published numerous books and articles over their remarkable careers that have explored groundbreaking legal frameworks, including critical race theory. Torres' talk, "The Evolving Crisis of Human Rights and Climate Migration,” will discuss the challenges created when climate change fuels natural disasters that force large populations to move around the world. Register here. 

Race To Zero Waste: BOOK DONATION DAY

When: March 12, all day
Where: Lobby of all residence halls and Student Center HUB desk
Description: Donate any books you no longer read; books collected will be donated to Better World Books. This event is part of Seattle University's participation in the annual Campus Race to Zero Waste competition.  

Green Jobs Career Conversations: Sustainable Transportation

When: March 12, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Description: For students in middle school through grad school, CTE Directors and teachers, career counselors, parents, and community. This conversation focuses on the many cool green jobs related to transportation, from planning and engineering to operations and maintenance, bike infrastructure to regional light rail. Ask questions, hear personal career path stories, get career advice, and learn how you can be part of the green jobs workforce! Register here.   

Nonprofit Leadership Connection & Reflection Group: Social Change Now

When: March 18, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Where: Online Zoom
Description: Building a More Equitable Future Together Are you feeling uncertain about the political and cultural changes happening in our communities? Wondering how you can make a real impact? Or simply looking for a space to connect with others who care about social change? We invite you to join our Reflection and Connection Group, a supportive space to reflect on these questions and explore how we can all contribute to meaningful change.  Learn more and register here.

Community Recycling Day

When: March 19, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Bellarmine Turnaround
Description: The annual community recycling day is back and better than ever. Join us in celebrating two community recycling days. Have too much "stuff" at home? Get your spring cleaning done early and bring in your dorm, home, or office recyclables to SU’s Community Recycling Days for FREE recycling and donation! 

Eco-Spiritual Silent Retreat!

When: March 24 and 26, all day
Where: Warm Beach Camp
Description: Come join on an Ecological Spirituality Silent retreat during Spring Break for rest, reflection, and time outdoors! Undergraduate, graduate, and law students of all philosophical, non-religious, religious, and spiritual identities are welcome to apply, especially those with an openness to deepening one’s reflective experience. Over three days and two nights, this retreat includes: · A waterside environment of silence, prayer, contemplation, and rest · Thematic presentations inspired by Ignatian Spirituality and based on the connection to our natural world · Optional personal conversation with a spiritual companion (one of the attending Campus Minister staff members) · Daily communal prayer experiences · Led by professional ministers from Campus Ministry and campus partners, skilled in accompanying all traditions and identities · All meals and transportation are included in the cost. Cost: $60 Apply by March 5th on Connect SU.  

April 2025

Please view Seattle University's Earth Month 2025 webpage for a full list of Earth Month happenings on SU campus.

May 2025

Creative Messaging to inspire social and environmental change. Thais Lazzeri, Founder and Executive Director of FALA Impact Studio, Brazil.

When: May 1, 10:15 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
Where: Pigott 205
Description: Thais Lazzeri is the founder and director of FALA, a Brazilian impact studio focused on social change through storytelling and strategic communication. An award-winning journalist and filmmaker, Lazzeri has received Thomson Reuters Foundation’s Stop Slavery Award for her work on human trafficking, among other international honors. At FALA, she leads projects focused on creating solutions aimed at driving real change in human rights, environmental advocacy, democracy and information integrity on climate. During her fellowship, Lazzeri plans to lay the groundwork to launch a Climate Information Integrity Hub at the COP30 climate change conference in Brazil in 2025 to amplify accurate climate narratives and influence global policy. Thais will be talking in my International Environmental Governance class on messaging to support climate action and how you can use creative and strategic communication in your own work. All are welcome!

Congressman Adam Smith on Trump’s First 100 Days 

When: May 2, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Where: Rolfe Room
Description: Seattle U’s Political Science Department invites you to join Congressman Adam Smith for a conversation about U.S. and global politics, as he reflects on President Donald Trump’s first 100 days of his second term. Join Congressman Smith as he discusses his priorities around creating equal economic opportunities by expanding education, job-training opportunities, affordable housing, public safety, and quality and affordable health care, including mental and behavioral health care. 

Washington AG Nick Brown Coming to SU

When: May 6, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Oberto Commons (SINE 200)
Description: The attorney general, elected in November, will discuss the important role AGs play in the current national political climate. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has a message to Washington, D.C.: “Follow the damn law.”
The recently elected Washington Attorney General will join Seattle University President Eduardo Peñalver and Professional-in-Residence Joni Balter on campus to discuss his time thus far as AG and the implications and impact of what’s happening in the other Washington on the day-to-day lives of Washingtonians. 

Laudato Si’ Book reading group

When: May 7 and 28, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Description: This May marks the 10th anniversary of the publication of Pope Francis’ powerful and prophetic encyclical letter Laudato si’: On Care for Our Common Home, and as part of our celebration the Center for Jesuit Education invites you to a faculty and staff reading group. The group will meet twice and discuss roughly half of the text at each gathering. Please join as we reflect on our beautiful and fragile home and on Pope Francis’ call to do more to care for both the earth and our fellow human beings!
Light lunch will be provided. RSVP here. If you have any questions, please email Yancy Dominick at dominick@seattleu.edu.

One Heart, One Home, One Vision: Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si'

When: May 20, 3:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m.
Where: STCN 160, Le Roux Room
Description: On behalf of President Peñalver we want to invite you all to celebrate the fourth year of Seattle University’s participation in the global Laudato Si’ Action Platform (LSAP) and the 10th anniversary of the encyclical Laudato Si’. The event takes place 3–5 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, in the Le Roux Room, Student Center 160, and includes a keynote from Dr. Nancy Tuchman (Founding Dean of the School of Environmental Sustainability at Loyola University Chicago), faculty and student panels, and it concludes with a community reception. For planning purposes, please RSVP.

Event Schedule:

• Welcome and Introduction: Provost Shane Martin and President Eduardo Peñalver
• Keynote: Dr. Nancy Tuchman, Founding Dean of the School of Environmental Sustainability at Loyola University Chicago; the title of her talk is Keeping Pope Francis’s Call to Action Alive in Jesuit Higher Ed: Addressing the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor in the AJCU and at Loyola University Chicago
• Faculty Panel:
  • Dr. Henry Louie, PhD, Professor Electrical Engineering, College of Science and Engineering
  • Dr. Valentina Zamora, PhD, Professor of Accounting, Albers School of Business and Economics
  • Dr. David Kwon, PhD, Assistant Professor, Theology and Religious Studies
• Student Panel:
  • Team 1: Solana Dicus Breen and Isabelle (Izzy) Shedd (Environmental Studies majors specializing in ecological systems)
  • Team 2: Reed Odette, Abbygail Wells, Phoom Langsamang (Psychology majors minoring in Catholic Studies)
• Community reception at the conclusion of the event 

For more information and the full message by President Peñalver, please see Laudato Si’ Celebration.

The Seattle University Student Research and Creativity Conference

When: May 23
Where: Various locations on SU campus 
Description: Calling all undergraduate and graduate students! The Seattle University Student Research and Creativity Conference is just around the corner. SRCCON, or Sur-Con is a great opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to share the research or creative works that they have been working on throughout the academic year. See more details including the schedule. 

2024-25 CEJS Student & Faculty Research Fellowship Showcase

When: May 29, 4:00 p.m. -5:30 p.m.
Where: Stuart T. Rolfe Community Room (ADAL building, 12th & Marion)
Description: Join CEJS for our annual fellowship showcase! This year's fellows and their presentations are:

• Dr. Rob Efird (Anthropology and Sociology): Unsettling Environmental Education
• Dr. John Armstrong (Environmental Studies): Cities as Climate Leaders: Achieving Low-Carbon and Just Transitions
• Simren Rai (MFA, Arts Leadership candidate): Engrained is our Story - Creating a storytelling Quilt.
• Kamila Kuc (Clinical Mental Health Counseling program). Transforming Narratives about Climate Change through Counseling and Film

For more information on the presenters and their projects visit CEJS Fellowships. For the event posting, see the SU event calendar.

People vs. Profits: The Climate Rollback

When: May 30, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Pigott 101
Description: Want to learn more about the climate crisis?  
This Friday, Seattle University’s Sustainable Student Action club will be hosting an event about the entanglement between climate change and capitalism. “Join us to unpack the truth behind the headlines—from fast-tracked fossil fuel projects to forest exploitation and clean energy rollbacks. Together, we’ll look deeper into the real impacts of Trump’s “pro-environmental claims.”

June 2025

Energy Week

When: June 2-6
Where: Seattle and Bellevue
Description: Our community partner, Seattle 2030 District is organizing Energy Week: a series of education events across Seattle and Bellevue focused on energy efficiency, decarbonization and renewable energy for the built environment. SU students can enjoy a discount for the events using the code student2025. For more info, contact Daniel Poppe at danielpoppe@2030districts.org or see the program online here.