A University-wide mission towards environmentalism
April 2023 – Drew University celebrated Earth Day with a week-long array of events hosted by student-run organizations Drew Environmental Action League (DEAL) and Transforming Environmental and Religious Resources for Action (TERRA).
DEAL hosted events including an Earth Day-themed game night, a panel discussion on careers in ecology, a discussion with Associate Teaching Professor of Environmental Sciences and Studies and Public Health Lisa Jordan on Drew’s new environmental justice minor, and weeding the fern plots in preparation for Drew’s FernFest celebration.
In addition, DEAL collaborated with other student-led groups to provide a mental health walk with Behind the Athlete, outdoor yoga with Intramural Sports, a bookmark making session with Drew Bookworms, and nature craft making with Connect with Kids.
“Earth Week serves to connect members of the Drew community with the planet, but more importantly with each other,” said Jen Arias C’25, president of DEAL. “There is truly such a power in numbers and the value of building relationships and supporting one another can not be overstated.”
“What has been most impactful about planning Earth Week has been finding clubs and organizations to collaborate with,” said Anna Beth Lee C’25, social media coordinator for DEAL. “I have had a blast making connections and seeing how far DEAL can extend their circle to other organizations on campus. At the end of the day, we are doing really important work on campus, and we hope to grow the impact of Earth Week in future years!”
TERRA held a multi-faith blessing of the seed service in Craig Chapel and on the Seminary Hall lawn. “The service brought together faith leaders from Muslim, Jewish, and Christian traditions for the ritual blessing of the soil, water, and seeds which represents our calling to sustainably co-create with God and to care for our environment,” said TERRA President Adrian Mendoza T’24. “The service also provided opportunities for the community to participate in planting seeds and seedlings in our community garden. With our commitment to the Green Seminary Initiative, a vegetarian and vegan meal was prepared for a meal fellowship.”
The festivities concluded with FernFest, an annual celebration that takes place on Earth Day where students, faculty, and staff gather to replenish native ferns and wildflowers on campus.
