In conjunction with Earth Day 2009, the Ashford Scholars Institute will present “The Environment: Is It Easy ‘Going Green?’” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, in the Ashford University Chapel, located on the third floor of the university’s St. Clare Hall.  

Highlighting environmental issues, the program will feature the presentation of papers written by students in Professor George Sztajer’s Business and the Environment class, and Dr. John Zimmerman’s Science Seminar. Topics will include the benefits of organic farming and the concept of “sustainable value,” in which businesses and corporations institute new programs and policies in an effort to “go green,” one of the themes of President Obama’s presidential campaign. 

This is the third in a series of symposia sponsored by the AU Scholars Institute, Ashford’s honors program. The first was a retrospective on the 2008 presidential election and what it means for the country, while the second was on Native American issues. 

“The Scholars Institute Committee has created these symposia as a means of connecting students with important issues of the day through guest speakers, question and answer sessions, and discussions that occur in a fairly informal setting,” said Dr. Robert Engelson, Director of the Institute.  “Everyone in the community-at-large is always invited to take part in these programs, as well. In the future, we hope to present at least two or three of these programs each semester on a variety of topics of interest to our students.” 

The program is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is a coeducational institution regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, with programs in education, business, accounting, criminal and social justice, computer animation and graphic design, and other areas.  The University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as a range of student activities and athletics, at its Clinton campus.  Online degree programs are available in education, organizational management, business administration, and psychology.  The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable on-campus and online programs, with tuition fees among the lowest in the U.S. compared to other private institutions.  Its tagline is: “Higher Education Made Affordable”^SM.  For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations, at 858/513-9240 x2513.