UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Sustainability — SustainPSU — is launching the spring semester editions of its "Sustainability Showcase" speaker series and Intersections film series, programmed this year around the theme of "From Anxiety to Action." Both series seek to present the Penn State community with opportunities to learn about sustainability leaders and inspiring stories of building a community around solutions to sustainability challenges, rather than to be paralyzed by anxiety or inaction about the future.  

"I am so excited for our series this semester, which will have interesting educational films and opportunities for deeper dialogue among SustainPSU, students and our partners — allowing students to connect with faculty and leading professionals outside of Penn State,” said Nora Di Martino, community engagement intern with SustainPSU.

Programming begins with a virtual screening of "Waste and Labor,” a collection of short films on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m., as part of Penn State’s Martin Luther King Jr. Week programming. This collection focuses on labor inequality, predominantly regarding waste workers globally, and includes the short film "I Am a Man," which highlights King’s support for striking sanitation workers in Memphis just before he was assassinated. 

“Our goal with these events at SustainPSU is to offer spaces, virtual and in-person, where people can interact with key issues of sustainability, education and equality, among others, and intersect these themes with their own lives," said Grant Rowe, sustainability programming coordinator with SustainPSU. "We hope that attendees leave feeling rejuvenated and ready to act in their own communities and spheres."

In addition to featuring stories that highlight topics related to the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, both series seek to empower participants with follow-up actions to help them find ways to engage with sustainability communities on campus and throughout Pennsylvania. 

"SustainPSU's broader theme for engagement in 2023-24 is moving from anxiety to action," explained Peter Boger, assistant director for outreach and engagement at SustainPSU. "Social justice, economic development and environmental sustainability issues can feel so big and complex that they often paralyze us rather than spur action. Through all of our programs, we want to help the Penn State community find ways to get unstuck and feel empowered to act."

Doug Goodstein, associate director for student engagement at SustainPSU, added, "SustainPSU is committed to serving everyone in our community, whether student, faculty, staff, alum or member of the broader public. Whoever you are, we want our programming to help you advance on your sustainability journey, empowering you to act on the issues most important to you."

The full schedule for the spring semester is below. All events are free and open to the public. Participants from all campuses and World Campus are encouraged to participate in virtual events. Pre-registration for events is required and can be completed online, where complete calendars of spring semester events are available. 

• Wednesday, Jan. 17, 7–8:30 p.m. (Virtual) — Intersections Film Series: Waste and Labor Short Films Screening. This virtual screening features three short films, including: "I Am a Man," "Plastic China," and "el Empleo." Post-film discussions will follow. Co-presented by the Center for Global Workers’ Rights.

• Late Jan., Date TBD (Virtual) — Sustainability Career Fair. This event will offer several opportunities for students to build interview and job search skills for careers in the environmental/sustainability sector and offer breakout sessions to discuss internship and job opportunities for upcoming graduates. More information will appear on the SustainPSU website as details are finalized. 

• Wednesday, Feb. 7, 7–9 p.m. (Virtual) – Intersections Film Series: Water Justice Short Films Screening, including "Saving Juliette" and "Wastewater: A Tale of Two Cities." These films focus on water pollution and management and issues of environmental justice around water. The Penn State Water Council will lead a post-film discussion panel featuring experts from across the commonwealth. Co-presented by the Penn State Water Council.

• Feb. 8-10 (In Person, University Park) — Showcase Speaker Series: A Visit with Reporter and Environmental Author Geoff Dembicki. This visit will feature climate writing workshops, brainstorming sessions, interviews, and class visits centering around publishing opportunities and climate writing. For details on each specific event with Dembicki, please visit our website calendar. 

• Wednesday, March 20, 7–9 p.m. (Virtual) — Intersections Film Series: Creating Constructive Climate Action film with a post-film discussion panel. Join us for a film and discussion about how to prevent climate anxiety from spiraling into destructive action and, instead, how we all can inspire community-building that leads to a more positive future for all. 

• Late March, Date TBD (In-Person, University Park) — Showcase Speaker Series. A leader in the action and sustainability space will visit campus and participate in a variety of events. To follow details for the program as they arise, visit our website calendar. 

• Monday, April 1, 3–9 p.m. (In Person, H.U.B, Heritage Hall) – Sustainability Summit. This student-led event, co-presented by the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA), offers students a chance to celebrate sustainability together and envision what a more sustainable Penn State can and should look like. In addition to inspiration from a keynote speaker, the event will offer multiple workshop opportunities, networking with students and faculty, and a closing conversation. For forthcoming details on each specific event, check our website calendar. 

• April 17, all day (In Person, University Park) – A Visit with Miss Pennsylvania 2023: Miranda Moore. Moore is an environmental engineer by training and passionate about making a more sustainable future, especially in the fashion industry. During her visit, students will have an opportunity to attend a brunch discussion with Moore, participate in a clothing drive, and attend a student-created sustainable fashion show. For forthcoming details on each specific event, check our website calendar. 

The Intersections film program is co-presented by WPSU and is also made possible by support from the College of the Liberal Arts Sustainability Council and the University Park Student Fee Board. 

For more information about either series or if interested in co-sponsoring future films or speakers, contact Grant Rowe at ger5277@psu.edu.