DPU event to focus on green jobs
GREENCASTLE -- Everyone is talking green these days. DePauw University and the City of Greencastle have made great strides in becoming more sustainable.
On Wednesday and Thursday, DePauw will be hosting its third annual Focus the Nation event. This year's theme is "Green Jobs -- Green Economy." The two-day event will center on a green economy -- what it is and how to get there.
"Everyone is welcome," said Missy Orr, fifth-year sustainability intern with DePauw and a member of Greencastle Sustainability Commission. "People can pick and choose a session or attend all of it."
The following is the schedule of events and a brief description on each:
Wednesday
* Changing Industry in Indiana -- 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Watson Forum: Several Indiana businesses have been awarded federal grants to advance the development of green transportation. Laurie Counsel with Cummins Inc. will speak on Cummins' role in developing these future technologies, such as new batteries, engines, truck and cars to move away from dependence on oil. She will also discuss what types of technical and non-technical jobs will be created.
Thursday
* Nature Writing, the Original Green Job -- 8:20 to 9:50 a.m. in the Ivy Room: Kick off Focus the Nation with professor Andrea Sununu and class nature readings.
* Envisioning a Green Economy -- 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Watson Forum: Join economics professors Kerry Pannell, Ray Burgman and Michele Villinski as they explore the future of green jobs in a green economy; what it looks like; and how to get there.
* Pizza and Policy with the DePauw Environmental Policy Project -- 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Fishbowl: Engage over pizza with DePauw's award-winning student group, just back from the Copenhagen talks, and discover the importance of Indiana's role in supporting and leading a green economy.
* Boldly Going Green -- 2:20 to 3:50 p.m. in Peeler Auditorium: Explore the history of environmentalism as social movement and hear how anyone can pursue a career in environmental activism. This is a discussion between the curricular, career services and student perspectives of this important aspect of green jobs -- green economy.
* One Community at a Time -- 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Peeler Auditorium: Sustainability community practices and initiatives are becoming integrated into city efforts around Indiana. Hear officials from local Greencastle communities talk about their efforts to make green jobs -- green economy a reality for their communities.
* Sustainability Expo -- 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the UB lobby and Fishbowl: Local businesses and organizations highlight their environmental practices and efforts. Browse displays and learn how much the community is doing and what real green jobs look like.
All of the events are free and open to the public