Introduction

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” – Albert Einstein, Physicist

The Avila University mission and values were alive in our First Year Experience! As stated in our mission, Avila prepares learners who will contribute to the global community and our values state the importance of a right relationship with creation. This publication serves as the culmination of multiple experiences shared among our first year students (Appendix A) to begin to understand the global issues around environmental sustainability. It is our hope that through the curriculum in first year seminar, students have developed individualized and educated thoughts and opinions on the subject and will become change agents for the world. Below outlines some of the experiences that led to these culminating projects. Each year, Avila selects a common reading for our first year students. Students have the summer to read the selected book and respond with an essay prior to the start of fall class. Additionally, the University dedicates the Harry S. Truman Distinguished Lecture to the selected book. To compliment these experiences, all first year students enroll in a fall semester class, First Year Seminar, which provides an opportunity to expand on the global topics within the book.

The book selected for 2018 was The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. Kamkwamba, born in Malawi, shares his story of perseverance, ingenuity, sorrow, celebration, and educational initiative. With scrap metal and an outdated science textbook written in a language he did not speak, Kamkwamba describes how he built a windmill behind his house to bring electricity to his home and water to their crops. Avila welcomed William Kamkwamba to campus on October 24, 2018 as our Harry S. Truman Distinguished Lecturer (Appendix B). He spoke to an audience of nearly 500 and shared that through the challenges he faced, he learned that challenges are there to make you grow. He knew that education would allow him to move in different pathways so he kept learning at the forefront even when traditional education was not possible. This temperament and these acts completely changed his life, the lives of his family and those who live in his community.

The University also hosted an experienced and educated panel prior to the lecture comprised of Stephen Melton, Educator on causes and impacts of global warming; Lisa Thresher, Life Scientist with Resource Conservation at the Environmental Protection Agency; Jordan “Sunny” Hamrick, Curbside Compost Manager at Jerusalem Farm and Thomas Schlange, Manager of Community Recycling Centers at Bridging the Gap. Each panelist shared their passion for living a sustainable life and informed the audience on why they feel it is important for others to live sustainably. The panelists did not always agree with one another on the details, but they provided an excellent example of peaceful and nonviolent ways to disagree. Panelist did agree that we are our brothers and sisters keepers. They emphasized that we are interconnected and it will take a deep belief among all of us to care for our common home.

Students are encouraged to be creative with The Culminating Project in First Year Seminar. Students can write a traditional essay or create a unique personal project such as the creation of a poem, song, piece of artwork, etc. The project helps students explore the complex issues surrounding environmental sustainability and to explore their role and responsibility in resolving environmental issues through a peaceful and nonviolent means. These projects are a direct reflection of the multiple experiences in First Year Seminar including the classroom curriculum as well as the common reading and the Harry S. Truman Distinguished Lecture. This publication is a compilation of several projects submitted and an opportunity for first year student to do what Albert Einstein suggests… solve problems through critical and creative thinking. In turn, we hope it can move us closer to the Avila mission and values by contributing to the global community and building a right relationship with creation.

Paige Illum, Ph.D., CSJA

Director of Student Engagement and Success Avila University

Avila University Mission

e Avila University, a Catholic University founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.

Avila University Values

e Excellence in teaching and learning e The worth, dignity, and potential of each human being e Diversity and its expression e The development of the whole person e Right relationships, with God, self, others, and creation e Service with the dear neighbor