Earth Day is Every Day

April 22, 2022

Dear Wolf Pack Family,

I hope this email finds you well as we embark on the final weeks of the spring semester. As the campus has continued its daily rhythm of classes, meetings, events and collaboration on projects, the past week and a half has provided us with an excellent sampling of northern Nevada weather. There have been sunny days and others with wind, clouds, rain and even touches of snow in the Truckee Meadows.

This is spring in northern Nevada, of course. But also a vivid reminder that our world remains an extremely fragile and sensitive place. Against this backdrop, it is important to measure all that we do in preserving the future of our planet.

Today is Earth Day, and the University acknowledges that we are all citizens of the world – and that we all have an important role in preserving our planet for future generations.

There are numerous ways for you to contribute to this effort. On our campus, ASUN and Facilities Services are planting a variety of annual flowers – purple and pink petunias, alyssum and geraniums – in celebration of Earth Day. Campus community members interested in helping with the flower planting can do so by visiting the roundabout this morning on 15th Street by the E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center. Planting will begin around 9 a.m. Grounds staff will supervise, assist and provide the tools needed. Next week on Arbor Day, April 29, and as part of the Tree Campus USA designation, the Arboretum Board will be planting a tree near Legacy Hall. More details about that event will be shared with the campus soon.

The University is also being intentional about future sustainability efforts on our campus. We are making every effort to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council for all new buildings. Our entire campus, as evidenced by the efforts of the Arboretum Board and others, is constantly cultivating beautification efforts that ensure that our grounds are the most beautiful setting in higher education. Although our forthcoming Strategic Plan has not been finalized, it was clear during our Strategic Plan listening sessions that there is strong support by our campus community to make campus beautification a priority. This will no doubt help spur even more discussion, action and resources for our future. 

More than 50 years ago, Earth Day helped launch the modern environmental movement. Our campus serves as an educational setting in more ways than one. Let’s continue to develop the programming, curriculum and actions that speak to the needs of a more sustainable world.

All of us can contribute to these efforts. Earth Day is Every Day!

Go Pack!

Sincere regards,

Brian Sandoval
President