A message

Dear future colloquium students,

You area about to embark on a voyage to new discoveries that you never imagined. The colloquium experience is one that you will never forget. Learning about how FGCU is managing its goals to be a sustainable university and getting in touch with your inner green self will be one of the best experiences you'll have here at FGCU. I wish you luck and let you know now, don't get left behind!

Sincerely,

Christopher Lienhardt

The Colloquium Experience

My experience in this University Colloquium course has definitely been an interesting one. As a Marine Science major I can't say I learned too many things that I didn't already know about but, I definitely can say that it was good to relearn some things that I had forgotten about. I really enjoyed learning about the bigger picture and stopped to look at the small part of the big world I represent. The Collquium experience has definitely been a positive one for me, and I really enjoyed learning about FGCU's promises and goals for sustainable lifestyles and University practices. I am proud to say that I attended THE Florida Gulf Coast University.

Service Learning

After our original service learning project with the Army Corps of Engineers tanked, Mallory, Michael and myself decided to take some of the problems we had learned about from the Corps and try to help out on a level we knew we'd be capable of. Partnering with the Boy scouts of America group we were able to help with a lake cleanup. We helped remove exotic plant species and debris from the lakeside and drains. We were also able to pick up and remove most of the litter that was near the shoreline and make the lake a cleaner, better place for the kids.

Easter

Today I spent some time outside with my family for Easter. I watched some of my younger cousins do the traditional Easter egg hunt outside. I really thought about how much we'd miss doing things outside and how many traditions would be ruined if we weren't able to go out and utilize the gifts nature gives us. I really appreciated those Easter egg hunts when I was a kid, I hope that the tradition never dies for the kids of the future.

Personal #12

After reading Friedman's "Hot, Flat and Crowded," I though about some of the key points and arguments he makes. At one point Friedman states "I am convinced that the best way for America to solve its big problem the best way for America to get its “groove” back is for us to take the lead in solving the world’s big problem." I definitely agree with this point, as the "leaders of the free world," if anyone is going to incite the world toward a green revolution it will have to be us. We need to accept the responsibilities we have and push for the change the world needs.

Personal #11

Tonight I looked at the resource that showed the Environmental Performance Index, which tracks countries on their environmental public health and ecosystem vitality. I was shocked to see that the United States ranked 61st in the world, behind countries like Cuba and Morocco. I was glad to see that we ranked higher than countries like China and India, who contribute most to the burning of fossil fuels and release of CO2 emissions. I truly hope that the scope of these findings reaches more American citizens who will in turn demand better results from the "most powerful and influential nation in the world."

Matanzas Pass Trip

Our trip out to the historic cottage at Matanzas pass was most definitely one of my favorite trips this semester. I really enjoyed seeing the old style Florida cottage that has seen so much change and survived so much history. Meeting the caretaker and former resident of the property was also a great experience in its own; her stories were very interesting and the sea grape jelly was delicious. I also enjoyed our walk through the transitioning hammock to marshland habitats. The very best part of the trip was the quiet minute we had next to the waterside. This moment of pure serenity was very relaxing and definitely made the whole trip a lot better.