The St. Edward’s University community is committed to fostering a culture of sustainable stewardship for all forms of life on the hilltop. In addition to year-round volunteer work, hands-on research and advanced experiential learning opportunities, students are now embracing the arts to pave the way for a greener world.
Enjoy reading about the artistic approaches students, faculty and staff are taking to spotlight sustainability at St. Edward’s during Earth Week 2024.
Environmentalism Soars to New Heights
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Students walking through the Munday Library are gazing above at dozens of vibrant kites draped over the walls and hanging from the ceiling. It’s not just the beauty that’s captivating visitors; it’s the message behind these colorful creations.
The Sacred Springs Kite Exhibition was developed by The Watershed Association in an effort to bring awareness to Central Texas watering holes once held sacred by indigenous people in the area. Fascinated by the exhibition, which was previously displayed at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Associate Professor of Psychology Moira Martin helped bring the showcase to St. Edward’s so students could gain a wide perspective of the environmental issues we are facing.
More than 45 kites are on display throughout the library, with each one ranging in size (up to two stories tall) and representing Central Texas springs. Martin invited some of the artists behind the kite crafts to speak to students about the significance of water conservation and how it resonates with their work. In the weeks leading up to Earth Day, students participated in multiple workshops where they had the opportunity to create their own kites made with sustainable materials.
Hilltoppers can view the kites in the Munday Library now through December 2024.
Painting a Brighter Future for Our Planet
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On Earth Day, renowned Austin-based street muralist Niz — noted for her large-scale stencil murals across Austin and around the world — visited Andre Lawn at St. Edward’s for an interactive muraling event with Ecopsychology students.
Niz invited students to spray-paint meaningful messages and artwork on one canvas while creating her own masterpiece aligning with her mission for sustainability, environmental awareness and positive change.
The art piece currently resides in the Munday Library, but will eventually be showcased at Austin City Hall.
Celebrating a “Tree-mendous” Achievement
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St. Edward’s University has once again received Tree Campus USA recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment toward environmental stewardship, sustainability and community engagement.
This is the ninth year the university has earned this achievement from the Arbor Day Foundation. St. Edward’s has also received numerous tree-related accomplishments in recent years, including Austin’s Unique Tree of the Year award for the St. Joseph Hill Twisted Oak (November 2023) and Austin’s Tree of the Year award (Large Tree category) for our beloved Sorin Oak tree (November 2022).