Sustainability relates to the environmental impact of human activity, the enhancement of social systems, and the improvement of economic prosperity - a triumvirate of factors commonly known as the "triple bottom line." Sustainable growth involves striking a balance among these three elements. The students participating in Student Scholarship Day address sustainability in many ways - from investigating the impact of government policies on farmland preservation in West Michigan to examining race and gender bias in geology textbooks to exploring the relationship between U.S. economics and Latin America.
"Sustainability is an intellectual act, one that explores boundaries, encourages collaboration, and fosters knowledge and growth," said Kathryn Remlinger, an associate professor of English and director of Student Scholarship Day.
Grand Valley is in the midst of a university-wide sustainability effort. A report was issued last October that detailed Grand Valley's sustainability performance for the past five years and started a conversation about ways to improve that performance.
Now in its 11th year, Student Scholarship Day has grown from a forum for presentations by math and science students to a university-wide event. This year's event includes posters, oral presentations, exhibits, and performances that represent the scholarship of students from throughout the university.
"The interdisciplinary nature of Student Scholarship Day reflects the university's mission of providing students a liberal education - one that educates students to actively and consciously shape their lives, their professions, and their communities," Remlinger said.
This year's Student Scholarship Day will be Wednesday, April 12 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Members of the Grand Valley community and the general public are invited to attend. MEDIA COVERAGE IS ENCOURAGED. The keynote speaker will be Mary Beth Cabana, artistic director for the Tucson Ballet. Cabana will also lead a ballet demonstration at 1 p.m. in the Calder Art Center. Other events include student oral presentations in the Padnos Hall of Science, poster presentations in Henry Hall, and a B.F.A. exhibit in the Calder Art Center. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.gvsu.edu/ssd.
