During the summer, University President Cheryl A. McConnell, Ph.D., announced St. Joe’s commitment to the President’s Laudato Si’ Initiative on Sustainability and Stewardship. This initiative is a transformative step forward, rooted in St. Joe’s Catholic and Jesuit identities to promote justice, service and care for creation. This bold commitment challenges every member of the St. Joe’s community — students, faculty, staff and alumni — to take an active role in fostering an ecological conversion on our campus.
Inspired by Pope Francis’ call in “Laudato Si’” to care for our common home, the Earth, this initiative goes beyond simply implementing sustainable practices. It’s about reimagining how we interact with the environment, each other and the broader world. As a university, we have the opportunity and responsibility to lead by example, creating a culture of sustainability that influences both our campus and the wider community.
Each of us has a role to play in carrying this vision forward. For students, it’s about engaging in coursework and projects that challenge them to think critically about environmental issues and their social implications. Faculty can infuse their teaching and research with themes of sustainability, while staff can support policies and practices that make our campus operations greener and more efficient. Alumni and partners can contribute by sharing their expertise, resources and support for initiatives that drive meaningful change.
But true ecological conversion is more than a series of actions; it requires a shift in mindset. It calls us to reflect on our personal choices, our community norms and the systems we support. This transformation will not happen overnight, but with collective dedication, we can cultivate a more sustainable and just campus environment.
St. Joe’s has always been committed to forming individuals who are with and for others. Now, we extend this commitment to the Earth itself, recognizing that caring for creation is integral to our mission. Together, as Hawks, we can make a significant impact — one that echoes far beyond our campus, inspiring others to join us in building a more just and sustainable world.
Clint J. Springer, Ph.D., is an associate professor of biology and the director of the Institute for Environmental Stewardship and the Barnes Arboretum.
