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 "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 2010
April 12-16
12th Annual Earth Celebration
"Taking Care of the Earth"

This year’s event, the College's 12th annual Celebration of the Earth, will focus on “Taking Care of the Earth,” and will feature special activities including speakers, workshops, and entertainment. This year, the Global Insitute is partnering with the Community Building Initiative to present Earth Week.

All events are in the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center unless noted otherwise.

Monday, April 12

Nosh with the Profs #1: "Justice There and Here—Learning from Burkina Faso and Nicaragua"—Noon
Featuring Dr. David Buck, associate professor of history, and Dr. Fatimata Pale, professor of biology

“A View from the Underside: The Legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer”—7 p.m.
A one-man dramatic presentation by Al Staggs that brings the audience to the prison cell where Bonhoeffer, German Lutheran pastor and theologian, awaits execution and introduces them to his struggles with evil, injustice and God.

Tuesday, April 13

Nosh with the Profs #2: “Communicating Care through Film”—Noon
Featuring Dr. Laurie Moroco, associate professor of communication, and Dr. Victor Evans, assistant professor of communication

“Cheshire Ohio” with Eve Morgenstern—7 p.m.
Morgenstern, a photographer and documentarian from Brooklyn, N.Y., discusses her experimental documentary about the buy-out and bulldozing of an entire Ohio River town.

I and I—9 p.m.
Reggae/hip-hop band from Meadville, Pa., performs.

Wednesday, April 14

Nosh with the Profs #3: “Nature Alive: Creation Chronicling Itself”—Noon
Featuring Dr. Joyce Cuff, professor of biology, and Dr. Curt Thompson, professor of religion

“The Green God: Can Religion Save the Planet?”—7 p.m.
Dr. Mark I. Wallace of Swarthmore College explores the intersection of Christian theology, critical theory, environmental studies and postmodernism. He is an author of numerous books, including the newest, “Green Christianity: Five Ways to a Sustainable Future,” which will be published in April.

Thursday, April 15

Elementary Student Workshop—9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Gymnasium
Area grade school students (grades 4-6) are invited to participate in the workshop “Taking Care of the Earth.” Presenters from the Carnegie Science Center of Pittsburgh will join with Thiel faculty and students in demonstrations and other activities.
This workshop is also open to home schooled children; to reserve a spot, call Dr. Joyce Cuff at 724-589-2066. 

  

Friday, April 16

The Thiel Choir in Concert— 7:30 p.m., David Johnson Memorial Chapel
Earth Week concert featuring the Thiel Choir and Thiel Handbell Ringers.

All of the events throughout the Earth Week celebration 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 co-directors of the Global Institute, Dr. Curt Thompson at 724-589-2016, Dr. Joyce Cuff at 724-589-2066 or Dr. Derek Nelson at 724-589-2191.