Honoring Earth Month

Spring is often the season of change and renewal. The very spring month of April also marks the start of Earth Month® and at Seattle University that means an opportunity to focus and reflect on our common home. As a leader in sustainability and environmental action, this means a host of events and programming to celebrate the month—and bring awareness to the role each of us play in protecting the planet—leading up to Earth Day of April 22.

Overseeing these events is the newly renamed Institute for Environmental Justice and Sustainability (IEJS), formerly the Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability.

This is the 10th year SU has recognized the month of April as Earth Month®, elevating conversations about environmental justice, sustainable development and climate solutions campuswide.

Along with other programming, the seventh annual “Earth Talks” happens on Earth Day and will showcase inspirational, five-minute talks—from students, faculty and staff alike—on the theme, “Care for Our Common Home.” The presentations will cover advocacy, research, art performance and service projects related to environmental justice and sustainability, in alignment former Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home.

“Earth Talks on Earth Day originated with a student‑driven idea in 2020, when students sought a meaningful way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. They partnered with the then Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability to create a forum that would showcase how our Seattle University community advances environmental justice, sustainability and the call to Care for Our Common Home,” says Yolanda Cieters, acting director of IEJS. “Fast forward to today and we are preparing to celebrate the seventh edition of this campus‑wide event, carrying forward the spirit of that original student initiative and the collective commitment it inspired.”

Here is a sampling of some of the events happening for Earth Month®:

Student-Led Events
When: Throughout April
Where: Campuswide
What: Join various student organizations for events such as an educational panel on Indigenous Rights & the Environment, an e-waste drive, a park clean-up, decorating pots for dorm plants, native flower bouquet-making, a documentary screening, clothing drive, gear swap and more.
Info: Get all the details here.

Rudy (the Redhawk) Goes to Galápagos: Earth Month Walking Challenge
When: Throughout April
Where: Virtual
What: Join the Education Abroad Office for a virtual trek through the Galápagos Islands, one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. As you log miles via the Conqueror app, you’ll unlock stories about the islands and contribute to real conservation efforts along the way. Hike 80 miles, your way—complete it solo (about 2.7 miles/day) or team up and split the miles with friends or colleagues.
Info: The cost is $38.99. Complete the interest form to reserve a spot.

Westcrest Park Restoration Day
When: 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Saturday, April 11
Where: Westcrest Park (9000 8^th Ave., Seattle, WA 98106)
What: Students, staff and faculty are invited to participate in a celebration of Earth Day by taking care of a section of the West Duwamish Greenbelt. Led by Dirt Corps, volunteers will learn about the unique forest ecosystem, apply mulch around native plants and trees and remove weeds.
Info: Registration on ConnectSU is required.

Bosanko Public Lecture on Sustainability and Growth in Developing Economies
When: 4–6 p.m., Monday, April 20
Where: Casey Commons (CASEY 530)
What: In this public lecture hosted by the Albers School of Business and Economics, Aparna Sawhney, professor at the Centre for the Study of the World Economy in the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (India), will examine India’s clean energy transition through the lens of sustainability, economic growth and energy security in a developing-economy context. The lecture will be followed by a moderated Q&A.
Info: Learn more and register for this free event.

An Evening with Amy Bowers Cordalis
When: 4–5 p.m., Tuesday, April 21
Where: Oberto Commons (SINE 200)
What: Join the Indigenous Peoples Institute for an evening with Amy Bowers Cordalis, a Yurok mother, fisherwoman, attorney and nationally recognized leader in Indigenous environmental advocacy. Bowers Cordalis was named a Time 100 Climate Action Leader (2024) and a United Nations Environment Programme Champion of the Earth (2024). She also became a key figure in the Un-Dam the Klamath movement, which resulted in the removal of the Klamath River Hydroelectric Project dams.
Info: Learn more and register for this free event.

Earth Talks at Seattle University
When:  Noon–1:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 22
Where: Le Roux Room (Student Center 160)
What: Join IEJS for the seventh edition of “Earth Talks,” Seattle University’s annual Earth Day celebration showcasing inspirational five-minute talks on the theme, “Care for our Common Home.” Sponsored by the IEJS, the Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture and the Indigenous Peoples Institute.
Info: Learn more about event presenters and register here for this free event.

Annual Earth Day Summit: Finding Common Ground
When: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Saturday, April 25
Where: Le Roux Conference Center (Student Center 160)
What: The Laudato Si’ Movement Washington chapter (LSM-WA) invites you to attend the annual Earth Day Summit, Caring for Creation: Finding Common Ground. This event features a diverse group of presenters from across Washington state, including Lynda Mapes, retired Pulitzer Prize-nominated environmental reporter for the Seattle Times and National Outdoor Book Award winner.
Info: Learn more and register for this free event.

View more Earth Month events at seattleu.edu/earthmonth.