October 14, 2005 Source: Acadia University:
http://www.acadiau.ca/whatsnew/newsrelease/2005/academy_launch_14oct.html Acadia University celebrates the official launch of the Arthur Irving Academy for the Environment and opening of the Woodland Trails (Wolfville, NS) - Acadia University today formally launched its multi-disciplinary Arthur Irving Academy for the Environment. A new logo, representing the Academy’s focus on environmental issues of local, national, and international scope was also unveiled. "The Arthur Irving Academy for the Environment is an important vehicle for breaking down the traditional barriers between faculties and encouraging the multi-disciplinary study of environmental issues," said Dr. Gail Dinter-Gottlieb, President and Vice-Chancellor of Acadia University. "The Academy represents a campus-wide state of mind, one that focuses on a broad, non-traditional approach to solving environmental issues from economic, political, and social perspectives. This frame of reference will impact students, both inside and outside of their classrooms." The Academy is part of the University’s plan to build on its reputation in environmental responsibility and integrate this awareness into every aspect of teaching and campus life. The Academy’s contemporary approach to environmental challenges is represented by a project being conducted by history professor Dr. David Duke, along with earth sciences professor Dr. Ian Spooner, as well as, computer science scientists and economists. Dr. Duke is studying weather events affecting the Annapolis Valley over the last 200 years. He will then pass his findings along to earth scientists and economists to help predict future weather, its economic or geographical impacts, and possibly help municipalities and government agencies create action plans for dealing with severe storms and the effects of global warming. An article describing this work can be found in the latest issue of Progress Research & Discovery. The Academy includes a council of 36 members, representing 20 per cent of Acadia’s full-time faculty, spanning all disciplines. This group is responsible for the delivery of numerous events and seminars, training sessions and conferences, while linking business and community with academic experts and researchers. There are also plans for an advisory board with representatives from provincial and federal government agencies, educational institutions or foundations, industry, aboriginal and community groups and non-government organizations. The Arthur Irving Academy for the Environment will host a number of events to highlight environmental issues, and bring together the community and academics. The first of such opportunities is the Greening of Industry Network (GIN) Conference, October 20-22. The international conference will examine the intertwined issues of energy, agriculture, and finance. To learn more about the Greening of Industry Network Conference at Acadia University or to register visit http://www.acadiau.ca/academy/2005GIN/GIN2005Index.html Friday’s noon-hour celebration also included the opening of the Woodland Trails with a guided tour. The mulch wood trails, located south of the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens, run through the old pastures and fields of the Acadia University farm that have now become covered with forests of trees and shrubs. The approximately two-kilometre trail was designed for walking in a natural forest setting, but will also be used by Acadia students for research purposes. The Arthur Irving Academy for the Environment is a recognized centre of scholarship on environmental issues, generating new knowledge and applying it to the resolution of environmental problems; to develop and disseminate holistic, trans-disciplinary approaches to environmental management, conservation, and sustainability of human communities. For more information visit http://www.acadiau.ca/academy/index.html Acadia University, in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, has long been recognized as one of Canada’s premier undergraduate institutions. With its nationally and internationally recognized research initiatives, small class sizes and technology-rich teaching and learning environment, Acadia offers students an experience that includes academic achievement combined with personal growth and development. For more information about Acadia, visit our website at www.acadiau.ca -30- For more information contact:
Scott Roberts
Senior Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Acadia University
P: 902.585.1705, C: 902.670.8966, F: 902.585.1072
E: scott.roberts@acadiau.ca
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