Annual Earth Day celebration returns
The University of North Georgia's (¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ) Department of Biology and co-sponsors Students for Environmental Awareness (SEA), the Office of Student Involvement and Lanier Federal Credit Union (LFCU) are hosting the annual Earth Day celebration on April 17 at ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's Gainesville Campus.
For over eight years, ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ has held an Earth Day event, with last year's celebration featuring more than 500 students, faculty and staff to spread awareness and learn about important environmental and health issues impacting the north Georgia region.
"Earth Day is important to help increase the understanding of the challenges that our human life support systems face locally and globally so we can be better stewards of our world and each other," Dr. Natalie Hyslop, a biology professor, said.
Starting at 11 a.m. and lasting until 1 p.m., the event will take place in the Outdoor Quad and Volleyball Court Area. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to join as the event is offering free vegan lunches, crafts, tree climbing, and a live animal exhibit.
In addition to the main sponsors, the following ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ organizations will also be in attendance:
- ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Outdoor Pursuits
- ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Gainesville Honors
- ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Department of Visual Arts
- Herpetology Research Group
- Geospatial Alliance Club
- Tri-Beta (Biology honors society)
Community partners presenting at the event this year include:
- Elachee Nature Science Center
- Georgia ForestWatch
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources — Wildlife Conservation
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Keep Hall Beautiful
- Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
- Citizens Climate Lobby
- Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials
- Monarchs Across Georgia
- Georgia Arborist Association
SEA club treasurer and ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ junior Jiselle Gonzalez, who is pursuing a degree in biology, is helping at Earth Day for the first time. An Oakwood, Georgia resident, Gonzalez is eager about the opportunity.
"I'm excited for the ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ community to connect during this amazing event highlighting the importance of environmental protection. It's a fun and educational day outdoors for us all to enjoy," said Gonzalez.
¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Remembers Day is set for April 29
¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Remembers Day events will help the university honor the memory of students who passed away during the 2025-26 academic year.
Blythe heads to South Korea as FEA awardee
Ava Blythe, who is pursuing a degree in chemistry, was awarded the FEA scholarship to study in South Korea, making her the 14th FEA awardee at ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ.
Doctoral nursing student earns research award
¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Doctor of Nursing Practice student Dr. Soraya Smith-Farmer has earned the Rising Star of Research and Scholarship Award from the Sigma international nursing honor society.
ONE¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ supports strategic big bets
Donors have an opportunity to strengthen ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's seven strategic big bets by supporting 20 projects featured in the 'ONE¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ â€” Bold Forward' university-wide giving campaign.