51Թ celebrated Earth Day - part of its Earth Month programming - with a campus-wide series of events that blended hands-on education, student research and community partnerships. From the Earth Fest on Risman Plaza—featuring more than 50 organizations—to the scientific posters at the Environmental Science and Design Research Institute (ESDRI) Research Showcase and the Electric Vehicle Showcase, the day’s activities highlighted how sustainability is woven into academic life. Together, these events underscored the university’s year-round commitment to environmental care and encouraged students to think critically about their relationship with the natural world.
Earth Fest
Risman Plaza transformed into a hub of environmental engagement as student groups, local organizations and university departments set up interactive displays.
Leah Graham, 51Թ’s sustainability coordinator, explained the importance of the Office of Sustainability's mission at 51Թ.
“We work on incorporating green practices and processes across our facilities and academics,” Graham told 51Թ Today. “We always focus on promoting a culture of sustainability on campus.”
At one of the tables, Graham pointed out “litter bugs” crafted by kindergartners at the Child Development Center.
Nearby, a large-scale, glow-in-the-dark salamander sculpture created by Mark Schatz, associate professor of art in the School of Art, demonstrated how recycled materials can be transformed into public art.
Representatives from Kent Parks and Recreation emphasized the importance of preserving the city’s natural spaces, including wetlands and bogs.
“We manage all the park spaces here in the City of Kent,” Oliver Wuensch, marketing and special events coordinator, said. “A lot of people don’t really know that Kent has swamp land, bogs, wetlands that we can’t develop on...we need to make sure they’re safe and protected, especially with all the water sources nearby.”
Wuensch and marketing intern Maggie Bradley, a 51Թ senior sports administration major, also highlighted upcoming community events, including Cuyahoga River Days on May 16 and the annual river cleanup on August 22.
“We can always use more hands,” Wuensch said.
Johna Metcalf, AmeriCorps program manager with Rural Action, traveled from Athens, Ohio, to share service opportunities focused on environmental education and sustainable agriculture.
Their biggest initiative right now: planting 7,000 trees across Ohio by the end of next year.
“They’re going on landowners’ properties across the state, not all in one place, but sprinkled across many communities,” Metcalf said.
Students from the College of Education, Health and Human Services used Earth Fest as a platform to encourage more students to consider careers in science education.
“It’s a diminishing field, and it’s so important as we’re teaching the next generation,” Trevor Warren, a senior integrated science major, said.
The group showcased hands-on science demos and talked with undecided students about the need for future educators. Many of the students at the table will begin their student-teaching placements next year.
ESDRI Research Showcase
While Earth Fest brought sustainability to life, the ESDRI Research Showcase highlighted the scientific side to environmental problem-solving with posters displayed in the main hall of the Integrated Science building.
One graduate researcher, Allie Beniston, presented a project examining how redevelopment in historical industrial areas, particularly around Pittsburgh, intersects with increasing flood risk.
"In 2000, about 80-90 square miles were within the floodplain area,” Beniston said. “By 2020, that number was between 100 and 110 square miles."
Her work shows how economic redevelopment can unintentionally place new residential and commercial buildings in areas increasingly vulnerable to climate-driven flooding.
Abigail Koman, a second-year doctoral student in ecology, presented her research on multiflora roses, one of Ohio’s most invasive plants. She studied which pollinators actually contribute to the plant’s spread, using mesh cages of different sizes to see which insects can reach and effectively pollinate the flowers.
“The most frequent visitor was the margined calligrapher, a syrphid fly,” Koman said. “They’re the most common pollinator of multiflora rose, but they’re not effective pollinators.”
FAB’S Day in Paradise
At the center of the various Earth Day events, 51Թ’s Flash Activities Board (FAB) hosted FAB’s Day in Paradise. An event to celebrate all that the Earth has given us. FAB wanted students to feel the tropical vibes with Hawaiian shirts, inflatables, caricature artists, tropical crafts and boba teas.
Ana Hasselbusch, a senior hospitality and event management major and president of FAB, spoke about how events like Earth Fest become fond memories for students across campus. Hasselbusch hopes students feel joy and create lasting memories at Earth Fest.
“Being able to tell their kids and their families years down the line that they went to 51Թ and enjoyed their studies, but also the little things like coming out on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon and getting a free Hawaiian shirt,” Hasselbusch said.
Farmers’ Market
The featured a few vendors at Risman Plaza for students to shop around, try new items and learn about small businesses.
Marissa Mathews, owner and operator of , was one of the vendors at the Farmers’ Market. Busy B Patisserie is a French and American-inspired pastry company. Mathews believes that everyone deserves a bit of sweetness in their life, so she features all types of desserts, even specializing in gluten-free and vegan sweet options.
Mathews enjoys events like the Earth Fest because it is a way for students to not only have a fun time with peers but also learn more about the things Kent has to offer. Mathews hopes that students take these opportunities and use them before their collegiate careers end.
“Mainly to bring more students down to the Haymaker Farmers' Market because I don’t know that a lot of them know about it, but it’s a great way to connect students to local food,” Mathews said.
The Farmers’ Market is a perfect way to support local and show your community you care.
Electric Vehicle Showcase
51Թ’s Electric Vehicle Showcase sought to explain why driving electric vehicles is more sustainable.
Joseph Ortiz, Ph.D., professor and special assistant to the chair in the Department of Earth Sciences and coordinator of the EVA Ohio participation in the Earth Fest and EV Showcase, introduced people to the concept of driving electric, noting it really is the least expensive way to get around.
Ortiz hopes students learn the benefits of electric cars and the difference between gas-run and electric-run vehicles.
“One of the things is that they’re affordable and becoming more affordable every day. The cost of EVs now is comparable to less expensive than the cost of internal combustion engine vehicles,” Ortiz said.
The showcase allowed students to explore various electric vehicles, to see what they look like and what special features they provide and to let students think about making the switch to EV.
Learn more about Earth Month and Earth Month events at 51Թ Sustainability.