Clemson students, faculty to discuss Gulf Coast oil crisis

Published: September 27, 2010

By Max Sewesky

CLEMSON — Clemson University students and faculty will hold a two-part series of open discussions about the Gulf Coast oil disaster, its effects on the area’s wildlife and economy and what Clemson students can do to help. The first part of “A Global Call to Action: Think, Act, Lead” will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, at the Hendrix Student Center meeting room B.

“The faculty are really engaged and excited about the concept of the series and the goals we have of empowering our students to be discerning consumers, active and engaged citizens, and leaders for positive change,” said Jennifer Goree, director of Healthy Campus, which is co-sponsoring the event.

The first event will begin with a panel discussion with faculty members Allen Thompson, a professor in philosophy and religion department specializing in environmental ethics; John Rodgers, a forestry and natural resources professor who specializes in environmental toxicology and has worked on the BP oil spill; and Patrick Jodice, an associate professor of forestry and natural resources and leader of the South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. A small group discussion of the issues will follow the panel discussion.

The second part of the series will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 4, at the Hendrix Student Center. This discussion will consist of a brainstorming session for students to develop plans of action in response to the crisis.

“When a national disaster such as the oil spill strikes, students often feel powerless to help and search for a way to be a part of the solution,” said Jennifer Shurley, associate director of civic engagement in the Gantt Center for Student Life. “The discussions on Oct. 4 will be specifically for those students who find themselves asking, ‘What can I do?’”

More information about the series and those involved is available on Clemson’s civic engagement website.

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