A Message from President Aceves

Dear Colleagues,

As Earth Day approaches, we're reminded of our duty to care for our planet. Like countless others, our Mission team is dedicated to advancing the principles outlined in Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si. This profound letter underscores the critical need for global action on environmental issues, highlighting the intricate connections between ecological, social, and economic concerns. It calls for inclusive dialogue and cooperation among people of diverse backgrounds—faiths, governments, businesses, and individuals—to confront a range of challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity. I asked Dr. Kari Kloos, Ph.D., Associate Vice President of Mission, to share her insight into Regis' efforts and the significance of our collective environmental stewardship. Here is what she shared.  

“Recently I watched a video by National Geographic photographer Dewitt Jones, talking about what has most changed his life: celebrating what is right with the world. As he explains, doing this helps us see more possibilities and gives us more energy to fix what is wrong. Hearing this, my own vision came into focus. Last week I joined with colleagues to practice nature meditation on the Lowell campus, taking time to see, hear, smell, and touch the burgeoning signs of spring all around me. It was beautiful, and I realized how rarely I take the time to see, let alone celebrate, what is good.

Why is this important? I believe that our ability to notice what is good shapes how we love particular places, and love grounds commitment. As we approach Earth Day on April 22, the planet is crying out to us to notice. The theme for Earth Day 2024 is Planet versus Plastics, with the goal of reducing plastic production by 60% by 2040. Did you know that over 79% of all plastics ever produced now sit in landfills, waterways, oceans, and other parts of the natural environment? These plastics come from packaging, single-use consumable items, building and construction, and even textiles. Consider that the average American buys 13 bottles of water per month, while thrift stores teem with cheap, reusable water bottles! In the face of this overwhelming problem, how do we celebrate what is good? One way is to look for the good things people are doing to make a difference.

Under the leadership of Dean Madhu Rao, Anderson College has stopped using single-use plastic items in their breakrooms and no longer uses bottled water at their events. This is something to celebrate! Inspired by their example, what else might we do as a community? How might we see greater possibilities for change? As a university community, how might our offices reduce plastic waste and reuse items? For example, do we really need plastic bottled water for sale on campus when filtered water stations provide free water, sometimes only steps away? Thinking on a bigger scale, recently Regis students went to the state capitol for Advocacy Day in support of better environmental policy. This is also something to celebrate! How can we join with them and sustain this work? 

Earth Day is a time for both celebration and action. To quote the environmentalist-poet Gary Snyder, “find your place on the planet, dig in, and take responsibility from there.” And celebrate.” 

Thank you, Kari. I am most grateful to the Mission team and all the units and departments on campus for your dedicated efforts in supporting Regis and contributing to the care of our planet.

Kindly,

Salvador D. Aceves, Ed.D.

President