'Green Friday' at Washington College, April 25

Chestertown, MD — April 25 might well be dubbed "Green Friday," as it is the date for a series of "George Goes Green" events at Washington College.

The Friday flurry begins with tree plantings on the campus lawn at 3:00 p.m., highlighted by the Arbor Day Tree Dedication at 3:30 p.m. The Virginia Gent Decker Arboretum, the Center for Environment & Society, the Student Environmental Alliance, and the Student Events Board will plant and dedicate a young descendant of the historic Wye Oak, the centuries-old landmark and nation's largest white oak tree until its tragic loss in a thunderstorm in 2002.

At 4:00 p.m., the Center for Environment & Society, the Department of Business Management, the Office of Alumni Relations and the Office of Information Technology will present "Green Business & Entrepreneurship" at Litrenta Lecture Hall. The symposium will feature key players in banking, eco-tourism, agriculture, real estate development, and advocacy. Panelists who integrate ecological and social values in their fields of work will explore sustainability in terms of business ventures, operations, minimizing risks, seizing economic opportunities, and ensuring continued growth. Admission is free and open to the public.

The momentum continues with "Green Drinks & Eco-movies" in the McLain Atrium from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Celebrate "George Goes Green" and the power of film as forces of environmental change. Network with eco-minded professionals, students, faculty, staff and alumni who support environmental awareness and social responsibility. Catch the premiere of "Driving Greener" by the Office of Information Technology's Brian Palmer—"see the car and meet the star," as the tagline goes—then enjoy the best of "60 Seconds or Less" student videos on "recycle-mania," energy conservation and water conservation.

Litrenta Lecture Hall and McLain Atrium are located in the John S. Toll Science Center. For more information, call 410/778-7295 or visit www.georgegoesgreen.com.

"George Goes Green" is a campaign for campus- and community sustainability. The name is a light-hearted reference to George Washington, the College's first benefactor, who was one of the first public figures to promote sustainable community practices even as he built a new nation and laid the foundation of the American Presidency.

April 17, 2008