Villanova Presents Workshops to Explore Laudato Si and UN Sustainable Development Goals

In keeping with its Augustinian tradition—which emphasizes service to, and care for, one’s community—Villanova University integrates sustainability and respect for the earth into its curricula, scholarly research, academic and community events, and institutional policy and practice. Since the 2015 release of Pope Francis’ “Laudato Si” encyclical, the University has been even more intentional about promoting “a new way of thinking about human beings, life, society and our relationship with nature.” In February and March, Villanova will host workshops on “The Common Good, Our Common Home” to explore the personal and global significance of the encyclical and the 2015–2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The first workshop, on February 24, will focus on climate change, and on March 24 the theme will be water and sanitation. Both workshops will explore Catholic social teachings relevant to the topic, and will engage participants in hands-on, small group discussion. The objectives are for each participant to come away with a personal action plan and to contribute to a proactive program at the University level. These workshops are part of a longer goal to engrain an ethos of “sustainable living” into Villanova’s curriculum and experiential learning.

A University-wide effort, “The Common Good, Our Common Home” will feature:

Gary A. Gabriele, PhD, Drosdick Endowed Dean of Engineering

Barbara Wall, Vice President for Mission and Ministry

William Lorenz, director, Sustainable Engineering

Father Arthur Purcaro, Assistant Vice President for Mission and Ministry

Ilia Delio, PhD, OSF, professor and Connelly Chair in Christian Theology

Francis A. Galgano, PhD, associate professor and chair, Department of Geography and the   Environment

Paul C. Rosier, PhD, Mary M. Birle Chair in American History

Ruth McDermott-Levy, PhD, MPH, RN, associate professor and director, Center for Global and Public Health

Jonathan Doh, PhD, Herbert G. Rammrath Endowed Chair in International Business and faculty director, Center for Global Leadership

Nathaniel B. Weston, PhD, associate professor, Geography and the Environment

Liesel Schwarz, campus sustainability manager and Sustainable Engineering graduate student

Both workshops will run from 2:30-5:00 p.m. in the St. David’s Room of the Connelly Center, and are open to students, faculty, staff and the public.