Seattle University
EN-3: Student Life

1. Sustainable Student Action (SSA)
SSA is an environmental justice group that engages in political education, student organizing, direct action, and solidarity efforts. SSA’s framework for understanding and addressing the complicated issue of climate change includes analyses of the science behind greenhouse gas emissions, the interplay of environmental racism and ecological degradation, economic systems that contribute to climate change, and is rooted in democratic rather than hierarchical leadership development. SSA has led the campaign to divest the University's endowment from fossil fuels.

See: https://seattleu.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/sustainable-student-action


2. Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW)
ESW offers engineering, science, and ALL interested students the opportunity to collaborate on sustainable design projects in the local community and abroad. In addition to working on student-initiated projects, we also have guest speakers and go to events as a group to learn more about sustainable initiatives in Seattle and all around the world.
See: https://seattleu.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/engineers-for-a-sustainable-world


3. Environmental Law Society (ELS)
The primary goal of the Environmental Law Society is to promote environmental awareness and activism, with a focus on achieving sustainability and environmental justice at SU and in the greater legal community.
https://seattleu.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/environmental-law-soceity

EDIBLE CAMPUS:
Seattle University is an edible campus that is 100% organically maintained without the use of synthetic fertilizer or pesticides. Six Edible Campus Gardens (intended to be "food for all") provide habitat for pollinators and urban agriculture: https://www.seattleu.edu/grounds/edible-campus/

EDIBLE CAMPUS INITIATIVE:
SU Grounds Edible Campus Initiative focuses on integral ecology of multiple systems of growing edibles highlighting food security and justice issues. Students are encouraged to take an active role in growing food for harvest and donation supporting social need for food security and helping care for others.
Student interns engage in leadership opportunities working with campus Gardeners learning organic greenhouse management, starting veggies from seed, transplanting, organic plant and pest management, harvest, coordinated harvest donation.
The edible campus is a sustainable urban agriculture tool for teaching others, a springboard for rethinking broken food systems, and an incubator for inventive ideas about food security for future generations. By designing edibles into the existing gardens, we are encouraging students to identify and harvest food in their own backyard.
https://www.seattleu.edu/grounds/the-edible-campus/

MOTMOT COFFEE:
MotMot began in 2015 when a group of business and engineering students at Seattle University received a global grant focused on economic development. With the grant, the students and several faculty from the Albers School of Business and Economics traveled to Nicaragua to help install 8-15 filters on coffee farms to combat agro-chemical contaminated water runoff into coffee farms. While in Nicaragua, the group decided to purchase 400 pounds of coffee from the farms. After transporting it back to America, roasting the beans and packaging it, they sold all 400 pounds of coffee within one year. The students and faculty advisors realized that their investment in a small batch of coffee could revolutionize Seattle University's initiative to help and invest. With the help and funding of Albers, MotMot was established as a business at Seattle University with a team of students working together to create an identity in the coffee industry.
MotMot found its first partnership with Golden Coffee Sorting co-operative because the coffee was ethically and sustainably sourced by small farmers and employees who were respected in the company. Over the years, MotMot received the same global grant 4 years in a row and made progress in the coffee industry by partnering with coffee co-ops to foster ethically sourced product quality and community development. As a direct trade business, MotMot pays premiums significantly higher than Fair Trade and ensures a close personal connection with farmers and co-op management.
While advancing as a business, MotMot also built its team of executives while simultaneously integrating a student intern team. Students on the MotMot team gain unparalleled business experience in international business and ethical company management. They develop skills through experiential learning and educates & encourages consumers on ethical coffee consumption.
MotMot Coffee: https://motmotcoffee.com/pages/about-us

Seattle U’s Ramp-UP program:
Ramp-up partners students and coaches with local small businesses and microenterprises to help preserve the social, ethnic, and economic foundations of the Central District and surrounding neighborhoods. The program has helped support numerous minority proprietors in the Seattle community.
RAMP-up is part of Seattle U’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. MBA students who work in the program are paired with businesses to help provide “long-term wrap around services” that combat displacement, including help with standardizing financial records, developing business and marketing plans, providing loan application support, and negotiating leases.
https://www.seattleu.edu/business/centers-and-programs/iec/ramp-up/

1. (Annual since 2020): EARTH TALKS at SEATTLEU:
Earth Talks is an annual showcase of 10-15 short, five-minute TEDx-style presentations by Seattle University faculty, staff, students, and community partners, followed by a keynote speaker. Presentations could cover service projects, research, advocacy, artwork, performance, poems, and more. The theme of Earth Talks is “Care for our Common Home.” Keynote speakers have included Patience Malaba (2023), Senator Rebecca Saldaña and David Mendoza (2022); Jamie Margolin and Donna Moodie (2021); and a video interview with Denis Hayes (2020).
www.seattleu.edu/earthtalks


2. (October 2020 - 2022) Food Justice Week and (Feb 2024) Food Justice Summit:
Food Justice Week has been organized since 2020 each year during the Month of October, to highlight the global World Food Day. It served as an invitation to explore the complex relationship between food and justice through interactive, educational and thought-provoking events. Colleagues and students from across campus hosted events ranging from films, cooking demonstrations and panel discussions. See: https://www.seattleu.edu/media/college-of-arts-and-sciences/graduate-degrees/master-of-social-work/documents/Food-Justice-Week-Calendar-of-Events-Poster.pdf

In academic year 2023-2024, Food Justice week was replaced by a full-day Food Justice Summit to challenge our campus community to engage critically and create radical solutions to solve our community problem. The summit includes a keynote address from Carmen Smith, Executive Director of the White Center Food Bank, and panel discussions including representatives from college campuses, local community action groups, as well as state representatives: https://seattleu.campuslabs.com/engage/event/9833157


3. Indigenous Plant and Food Traditions, April 26, 2022:
This event featured Indigenous and non-Indigenous plant experts offering introductions to Indigenous relationships with plants, storytelling, plant walks, and hands-on learning experiences with plants, including salve or lip balm making. See: https://www.seattleu.edu/media/cejs/files/events/Gaffney-event-flyer.pdf


4. Governor Jay Inslee on: "How America Can Lead the World in Alleviating Global Climate Change.", April 14, 2023 (2:00-3:00PM):
As part of the Institute of Public Service’s “Conversations” series, and in conjunction with the Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability, Seattle University hosted Washington Governor Jay Inslee, who spoke on “How America Can Lead the World in Alleviating Global Climate Change.” The governor also answered questions on climate policy and other sustainability-related topics.


5. Turning the Tide for Ecology - 2023 Catholic Earth Day Summit, April 22, 2023:
This annual environmental justice summit provides a space to ground our collective work spiritually, discern how the Spirit is calling us to build reciprocity with the Earth, and taking action together for climate justice! In 2023 the day included Mass by Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, keynotes on integral ecology and salmon restoration, and a panel on climate action.


6. Obermiller Lecture on Marketing Sustainability, October 25, 2023:
The Marketing Department at the Albers School of Business and Economics initiated (in Fall 2023) the annual “Obermiller Lecture on Marketing Sustainability”. The lecture is named for Professor Emeritus Carl Obermiller in the Department of Marketing. The featured speaker for the inaugural lecture was Dr. Rebecca Reczek, Berry Chair of New Technologies in Marketing and Professor of Marketing at the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University. The lecture was followed by a practitioner-oriented panel discussion (“Best Practices in Sustainability Communications and Marketing”) featuring Dr. Reczek and others. https://www.seattleu.edu/su-today/2023/inaugural-obermiller-lecture-on-marketing-sustainability.html


7. Symposium “Our Clean Energy Future,” Jan 6, 2024, 9:00AM-12:00PM:
A symposium dedicated to exploring clean energy solutions for the future. Climate activist Bill McKibben joined us via Zoom to kick off the symposium. Dr. Charlyne Smith from the Breakthrough Institute lead a panel discussion on the role of nuclear power. David Logsdon from Seattle City Light discussed the future of hydropower in Washington and Seattle's grid resiliency. Mariel Thuraisingham, environmental law and policy specialist with Front and Centered discussed how to enable a just transition to clean energy. Jennifer Grove, Managing Director for Energy Programs in Communities at the Washington State Department of Commerce, presented on the opportunities for clean energy development in Washington


8. (Annual) Laudato Si' Action Platform Summit and Celebration (Oct 20, 2023; Feb 15, 2024):
A goal of SU’s “Laudato Si' Action Plan” is to organize a annual Laudato Si' University celebration in collaboration with campus and community partners. See: https://www.seattleu.edu/ictc/laudato-si-action-platform/laudato-si-priorities-and-goals/#d.en.5825752
This is an opportunity to learn about and celebrate our community's participation in the "Seven-Year Journey Toward Integral Ecology." The celebration includes presentations by Seattle University’s Laudato Si' Action Platform Executive Sponsors, a panel of faculty members, display of faculty research and information tables hosted by community partners.


9. Laudato Si’-focused seminars and programming:
A goal of SU’s “Laudato Si' Action Plan” is to provide educational seminars and programming for informed public advocacy and campus engagement through specific campus offices like the Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture (ICTC), Center for Environmental Justice & Sustainability (CEJS), Center For Jesuit Education (CJE), Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement (CEIE), Center for Social Transformation and Leadership (CSTL), Campus Ministry, and the Institute for Public Service. See here: https://www.seattleu.edu/ictc/laudato-si-action-platform/laudato-si-priorities-and-goals/#d.en.5825752.

A few recent examples of Laudato Si’ focused seminars and programming are:
• Caring for Our Common Home: A reading of Laudato Si' through the lenses of Querida Amazonia (Oct 27, 2022)
Description: Dr. Cecilia Titizano, a native of Bolivia of Quechua-Aymara descent and Director of Latina/o Theology and Ministry Leadership Network of the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University spoke on reading Laudato Si' through the lenses of Querida Amazoni.

• Our Common Home and the Climate Crisis: A Multi-Disciplinary Discussion (February 1, 2024)
This panel discussion focused on the papal documents Laudato Si' and Laudate Deum and how different sectors integrate the documents of Pope Francis into their work. The interdisciplinary panel featured four faculty members from across campus: https://www.seattleu.edu/su-today/2024/our-common-home-and-the-climate-crisis-a-multi-disciplinary-discussion-with-su-faculty.html

• Implementing Cathonomics for a Better World (February 5th, 2024)
Dr. Anthony M. Anett, the author of "Cathonomics", senior advisor at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and visiting scholar at Columbia University’s Center for Sustainable Development visited Seattle University in February 2024. Among several presentations and meetings at SU, his “Bosanko Public lecture” focused on creating a world economy that is more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable for all. See here: https://www.seattleu.edu/su-today/2024/bosanko-public-lecture-welcomes-anthony-annett-author-of-cathonomics.html

1. (Annual): Earth Month Logo Design Competition:
Since 2020, The Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability (CEJS) organizes an “Earth Month Logo Design competition” encouraging SU students to use digital art to express their relationship with the earth. The winning creation is used to publicize all SU’s Earth Month initiatives on social media, website, and flyers.
See https://www.seattleu.edu/earthmonth


2. Shaped by Nature: Ceramics and Prints in Dialogue with Nature (Fall 2023):
Developed by Arturo Araujo, SJ.J., this exhibition explores the connection between art, nature and the human experience through the juxtaposition of low-fire ceramics and multimedia prints. In the collection, printmaking and ceramics are used to convey the intertwining narratives of human interventions and the inherent beauty of nature’s design, inviting contemplation of the interconnectedness between art, the elements, and the life cycles. Araujo utilizes both mediums to share the profound influence of nature on art and the human experience, inviting others to explore the intricate details, textures, and narratives that emerge in the convergence of art and nature. See more here: https://www.seattleu.edu/artsci/arts/calendar-of-events/shaped-by-nature/


3. Tania Willard and Dylan Robinson on Contemporary Art & Indigenous Culture (October 2023):
This Pigott Family Endowment for the Arts Guest Conversation was moderated by Associate Professor of Art History Ken Allan. This event featured a discussion between Tania Willard, a mixed Secwépemc and settler artist/curator whose research intersects with land-based art practices and Dylan Robinson, a xwélmexw artist, curator and writer and associate professor in the School of Music, UBC.


4. Rapping for Climate Change (October 2023):
While studying abroad in Senegal, nine Seattle University students wrote and filmed a rap video called “G-23” (Globe 23). This rap was written and performed in French and the messaging was regarding the reality of climate change in Africa and around the world. See more here: https://www.seattleu.edu/newsroom/stories/2023/rapping-for-climate-change-.html


5. Singing With Trees, Byron Au Yong (October 2023):
Byron Au Yong, MFA, Director, MFA in Arts Leadership and Interdisciplinary Arts-Arts Leadership, Associate Professor, Performing Arts and Arts Leadership, presented Singing with Trees with Eun Ju Vivianna Oh and a workshop with material from his work in progress, Forest Aeternum, as part of UP Lift: Collaborations with Nature Daily Events at Bloedel Reserve. The project led participants to walk, listen, and notice trees - encouraging connection with nature.


6. Upcycled Art Competition (April 1- April 30, 2021):
Residence Hall Association and CEJS organized an upcycled art competition. Students were asked to submit individual or project-based art projects that relate to waste or an idea about waste in a meaningful capacity! Top scoring finalists received an REI, IKEA, or Patagonia gift card of varying amounts. See more here: https://www.seattleu.edu/media/cejs/files/events/Upcycled-Art-Flyer.pdf

The Outdoor program has been in existence since 2008. Offering two interwoven experiences: a comprehensive outdoor program for participants and a leadership development program for student leaders. The outdoor program offers intentional outdoor recreational opportunities to the students of Seattle University, while enhancing leadership, building community, and caring for the local and broader spaces and places in which we recreate.

All the program does outdoors is integrating with Leave No Trace Behind: the Director of the Outdoors program is an LNT master educator. LNT is incorporated into all of the Outdoors ethics and the training for student staff.

The Outdoor program strives to:
• Develop responsible student leaders through experiential learning, emphasizing a commitment to healthful outdoor recreation as well as risk management and environmental stewardship.
• Promote an interest in outdoor recreation that encourages lifelong physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual development of our students.
• Provide inclusive opportunities for participants of all experience levels to foster community, especially for personal not regularly represented in the outdoors.
• Develop a community of students, staff and faculty that desire an outdoor education in order to develop life skills such as consciousness, respect, positive impact and awareness of our surroundings.
https://www.seattleu.edu/recreation/outdoors/

The Common Text Program: "Braiding Sweetgrass" (AY 2023-2024)

Each year Seattle University selects a text or texts to launch the academic year for incoming students. At Seattle University, a key part of our mission is “empowering leaders for a just and humane world.” The Common Text program welcomes students to our Ignatian-inspired process of inquiry that emphasizes meaning-making, intellectual risk-taking, and engaging in deep and critical conversations.

The Common text for academic year 2023-2024 is “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The book is a collection of short and readable essays reflecting on plants and animals as our oldest teachers; it addresses contemporary threats to the environment and ways of knowing that date back millennia and provides guidance on how to adopt an indigenous as well as a scientific framework. This year, it will fuel conversations on our campus about environmental justice, working toward a sustainable future, education, and indigenous ways of knowing.

See more here: https://www.seattleu.edu/academicaffairs/resources-for-undergraduate-students/the-common-text/

The Kolvenbach Community - A Service and Simple-Living Learning Community:

The Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J. Community is a unique service-learning living experience available to seven current students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior years. This community provides students with the opportunity to live with other students engaged in service and simple living. Being part of this intentional living community provides students with an opportunity to create a lifestyle that deeply integrates the five values of the Kolvenbach Community: Service, Spirituality, Solidarity, Community and Simple Living. “Simple Living,” one of the founding principles of the Kolvenbach Community, has elements of sustainability to it; it is an intentional commitment to thinking about our use of finite resources, including material goods and commodities, as well as thinking and using our time in a productive manner.

Read more at: https://www.seattleu.edu/housing/residences/kolvenbach-community/

The Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability (CEJS) offers 8-10 student internships per year. Student interns work on a variety of sustainability projects. Interns are involved in: data collection and analysis for the university's STARS report and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory; event planning and marketing; development of the CEJS website; contribution to the CEJS newsletters and social media; support with implementation of sustainability projects on campus; and research projects that support the advancement of campus sustainability efforts.
www.seattleu.edu/cejs

The Grounds department employs 10-12 students each year to support the Grounds team in the maintenance of SU’s 100% organic and pesticide-free green spaces, including supporting the edible garden spaces and the Broadway food forest.

The Recycling shop (at SU Facilities) employs 2-4 students each year to support our zero waste practices and outreach, campus recycling needs, and work in the on-campus composting facility.