The mission of the Global Institute is to foster consideration of issues related to sustainability, global economic development, and the environment. The Global Institute seeks to provide regional and national resources for reflecting on the identified theme of the year, such as "Taking Care of the Earth" (2009-2010), "Regenerating the Earth" (2008-2009), "Honoring Earth's Hospitality" (2007-2008), “Exploring Earth’s Possibilities” (2006-2007), “Women and Children of the Earth” (2005-2006), “The Earth’s Cry for Justice” (2004-2005), “Befriending the Earth” (2003-2004), etc. The Global Institute usually sponsors a Global Economics Forum during the fall semester and always sponsors a Celebration of the Earth during the spring semester. Dr. Curt Thompson, Dr. Joyce Cuff and Dr. Derek Nelson are co-directors of the Global Institute.

Earth Week 2011
April 12-13
13th Annual Earth Celebration
"Justice, Just Us and the Earth "

All events are in the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center unless noted otherwise. Thiel's Earth Week celebration events are free and open to the public.

The events are sponsored by the Global Institute of Thiel College and the Community Building Initiative. Questions can be directed to Dr. Derek Nelson at 724-589-2191.

Tuesday, April 12

“Elementary School Workshop”—9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Rissell-Beeghly Gymnasium
Featuring presentations by the Carnegie Science Center staff.

“Obstacles to Achieving Food Security: The Case of Rice Farmers in Northern Ghana ”—7 p.m.
Dr. Leland L. Glenna, Penn State University—Glenna is an assistant professor of rural sociology in the Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology Department at Penn State. His research interests include social and environmental impacts of agricultural science and technology, the role of science and technology in agricultural and natural resource policy making, and the social and ethical implications of democratizing science and technology research.

Wednesday, April 13

“Cosmic Justice and Early Christians: Beyond the Circles of Hierocles"—4 p.m.
Rev. Dr. David Fredrickson, Luther Seminary— Fredrickson is professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. A graduate of Carleton College, he received an M.Div. from Luther Seminary and later earned three degrees from Yale University—the master of arts and master of philosophy degrees and a Ph.D. in religious studies. He is highly regarded as an interpreter of the New Testament, especially the writings of the Apostle Paul.

Saturday, April 16

Spring into Action Day—Gym Parking Lot, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Join us as we find ways to beautify and care for the natural resources of the Thiel College campus and various community sites, including Shenango River clean-up, Thiel recycling and many more.