A-State to Host Earth Day Celebration with Campus Events
JONESBORO – To celebrate Earth Day the department of Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) at Arkansas State University will host its annual event on Friday, April 21, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.The theme of Earth Day this year is “Invest in our Planet.” This educational opportunity will be held on the Heritage Plaza Lawn, east of the Reng Student Union.Several speakers from A-State and area organizations will be on hand to discuss recycling, local conservation, and earth-friendly practices.Speakers include Brandon Tabor of KASU, who will serve as the emcee. A-State Chancellor Todd Shields will welcome everyone to campus.Other speakers include Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver and a representative from the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce Green Business Committee.“We are expecting up to 409 elementary students, 140 parents, and up to 200 A-State faculty, staff and students,” said Melissa Dooley, director of EHS.She said the public is welcome to attend this free event.Area businesses and non-profits will have booths set up to highlight their efforts and show their environmentally friendly practices.A-State will have a variety of student representatives from several on-campus organizations.Food will be provided at the event including hot dogs donated by Sodexo that will be grilled by Centennial Bank, buns from Textbook Brokers, chips from Frito Lay, and drinks from Coca-Cola.“We hope, with this event, we bring increased environmental awareness and increased sustainable actions throughout the campus and the Jonesboro region,” said Dooley.Also happening that day, International Programs will host an Earth Day celebration for all students at the International Studies Building on the back patio from 9 a.m. - noon. Students may stop in for food, gift bags and activities.Also, transportation will be provided for students to a picnic in the park from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. held at Craighead Forest Park. Food will be provided, and students are welcome to bring snacks for themselves or to share. A competitive scavenger hunt will also take place.
Students walk across campus
