Luther alumnus Chuck Stark will be giving a presentation on "Exploring the World and Finding our Place" on Wednesday, May 6th from 7:30-9 in Valders 206. Exploration defines much of Chuck Stark's life. His desire to explore began before his time at Luther, but he started to find direction during his four years here. After creating his own degree in Environmental Recreation, the past ten years have been filled with international travel, expanding his knowledge in Outdoor Education, and attaining various wilderness certifications. Outdoor activities and pursuits have been Chuck's way to understand the world and find his place in it, but he believes the idea of exploration should not be limited to an image of expeditions and climbing mountains. Exploration happens any time you ask a question like: "What is that?", "Why?", "Where do I want to go". Join Chuck as he shares some of the explorations he has taken since his time at Luther and discuss where it is you may want to go.  Read more about Chuck and his presentation on the event webpage. 

With the end of the academic year approaching quickly, the Donations to the Depot program has been introduced to help divert student move-out waste from the landfill. Students can donate unwanted items to the Depot Outlet to be resold, recycled, and to support the local community. Simply bring items to the drop off location in each resident hall and look for the Depot Outlet donation sign. More information will be provided by Residence Life and Residence Assistants as move-out approaches.

Luther's Center for Sustainable Communities will partner again with Oneota Solar, LLC to install a 95-kilowatt solar array on the roof of the library, as well as 726 kW in the form of two ground-mounted arrays behind the existing solar field on Pole Line Road. Although the solar panels were approved by the Board of Regents in February, the project has been in the works since December of 2014. While projected to save Luther College more than $1 million over the 25-year warrantied life of the panels, the project will also benefit Luther's utility provider Alliant Energy and the greater Decorah community. With the new project, Luther's overall footprint is projected to be reduced 5-6%. Building of the arrays will begin this summer, and should be operational when students return in the fall. To read more about Luther's energy reduction plans, read the full Chips article, or visit the Renewable Energy webpage.

Students and faculty are encouraged to register for and attend the 2015 Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability conference June 17-19 in Bemidji, Minnesota. During the conference, attendees will collaborate to elevate the conversation around integrating wellness and healthy lifestyles into sustainability. The Association is looking for ways to ensure that not only are  campuses and communities sustainable, but that the people within institutions are also developing healthy and sustainable lifestyles. Housing options are available for attendees, and other outdoor activities have been planned for the weekend. If you are interested in attending, please contact the Sustainability Office (sustainability@luther.edu).  For more information and to register, visit the UMACS official website.

The Center for Sustainable Communities has work study positions open for the fall of 2015. This position is related to campus recycling, composting, document destruction and redeemable items as needed in order to be a more environmentally conscious campus. Team up with a fellow student and learn how Luther recycles through work study. You must have a valid driver's license to be eligible. Positions start September 2015. To apply, contact Stratis Giannakouros or (563) 387-1809.