Annual Earth Day celebration returns
Article By: Agnes Hina
The University of North Georgia's (¹û¶³´«Ã½) Department of Biology and co-sponsors Students for Environmental Awareness (SEA), the Office of Student Involvement and Lanier Federal Credit Union (LFCU) are hosting the annual Earth Day celebration on April 17 at ¹û¶³´«Ã½'s Gainesville Campus.
For over eight years, ¹û¶³´«Ã½ has held an Earth Day event, with last year's celebration featuring more than 500 students, faculty and staff to spread awareness and learn about important environmental and health issues impacting the north Georgia region.
"Earth Day is important to help increase the understanding of the challenges that our human life support systems face locally and globally so we can be better stewards of our world and each other," Dr. Natalie Hyslop, a biology professor, said.
Starting at 11 a.m. and lasting until 1 p.m., the event will take place in the Outdoor Quad and Volleyball Court Area. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to join as the event is offering free vegan lunches, crafts, tree climbing, and a live animal exhibit.
In addition to the main sponsors, the following ¹û¶³´«Ã½ organizations will also be in attendance:
- ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Outdoor Pursuits
- ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Gainesville Honors
- ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Department of Visual Arts
- Herpetology Research Group
- Geospatial Alliance Club
- Tri-Beta (Biology honors society)
Community partners presenting at the event this year include:
- Elachee Nature Science Center
- Georgia ForestWatch
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources — Wildlife Conservation
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Keep Hall Beautiful
- Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
- Citizens Climate Lobby
- Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials
- Monarchs Across Georgia
- Georgia Arborist Association
SEA club treasurer and ¹û¶³´«Ã½ junior Jiselle Gonzalez, who is pursuing a degree in biology, is helping at Earth Day for the first time. An Oakwood, Georgia resident, Gonzalez is eager about the opportunity.
"I'm excited for the ¹û¶³´«Ã½ community to connect during this amazing event highlighting the importance of environmental protection. It's a fun and educational day outdoors for us all to enjoy," said Gonzalez.
Annual event welcomes family and guests
¹û¶³´«Ã½ is set to welcome the families and guests of students during its annual Family Day event on Sept. 21.
Education abroad supports students' career goals
¹û¶³´«Ã½'s education abroad program had students in Belize and Peru this summer providing language skills to further their career aspirations. 
Environmental leaders come to campus
¹û¶³´«Ã½'s Lewis F. Rogers Institute for Environmental Analysis is continuing its colloquium series this fall with a lineup of speakers who will help students see the wide range of fields in which they can work upon graduation.
Students explore career opportunities this fall
Six career fairs will allow ¹û¶³´«Ã½ students to explore opportunities at events in Gainesville and Dahlonega.