In his 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, Pope Francis spoke about an “integral” ecology highlighting the deep interconnectedness of nature and society. Recognizing this connection, environmental degradation becomes not just an ecological issue, but also a matter of social justice. “Attacks on nature have consequences on peoples’ lives.”
In light of this insight, this year’s Critical Concern will be Earth: Exploring an Integral Ecology.
This inclusive and wholistic approach to care for the earth will powerfully guide us in living with mercy toward the earth and the people who live on it.
2025 Critical Concerns Week Schedule
Monday, March 24
Earth Connections: Morning Reflection
Campus-wide email
Start each day of Critical Concerns week with a brief reflection exploring our relationship to creation.
- Mr. Jeff Schaffer, Executive Director of Mission & Ministry
Available starting Monday (online)
Laudato Si’ Retreat
Join this spiritual retreat exploring our relationship with creation through Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’. Participants will be invited to an ecological conversion – living in solidarity with the whole of creation. This retreat will be entirely online, and participants will be able to complete it at their own pace at times convenient to themselves.
- Mr. Jeff Schaffer, Executive Director of Mission & Ministry
11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
The Science of Global Warming
Little Theater and Zoom option https://georgian.zoom.us/j/98903135137
Explore the science behind global warming. Learn about its devastating effects on the environment, governmental stability as well as its impact on New Jersey. Explore tipping points, personal carbon footprints, and innovative solutions.
- Dr. Beth Schaefer, Chair; Chair of the Faculty Assembly; Coordinator of Physics; Professor of Physics
- Dr. Prasad Lakkaraju, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Tuesday, March 25
Earth Connections: Morning Reflection
Campus-wide email
Start each day of Critical Concerns week with a brief reflection exploring our relationship to creation.
- Mr. Jeff Schaffer, Executive Director of Mission & Ministry
9:30 A.M. – 10:50 A.M.
Shinrin-Yoku Session
Peace Pole- Jeffries Hall
A Mindful Nature Immersion: Experience the Japanese practice of forest bathing, where you engage all five senses to connect deeply with nature. This mindful immersion in the forest atmosphere promotes relaxation, well-being, and a renewed sense of calm.
- Dr. Sachiko Komagata, Director of the MA in Integrative Health Program; Associate Professor of Integrative Health
10:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
“Eco-Connect” Fair
Casino, Casino Lawn
- Nature on the Move Van
A nature tabling event with brochures, nature knick-knacks, and conversations with naturalists to gain insight into the environment.- Sandy Guthrie, Group Program Coordinator, Manasquan Environmental Center
- Watershed Education and Outreach
Focusing on the importance of protecting our water resources which is integral to all life on Earth. This event will host hands-on activities on how people can protect this valuable resource by preserving water quality and quantity.- Shari Kondrup, GCU Alumna, Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority
- Save Coastal Wildlife
Community outreach of current 2025 campaigns including microplastics, ghost fishing gear, and horseshoe crabs.- Sara, Save Coastal Wildlife
- Barnegat Bay Partnership
The Barnegat Bar Partnership is one of 28 National Estuary Programs that works to protect, restore, and enhance the natural features of the Barnegat Bay watershed. We are working to increase stewardship in the watershed through different programs.- Samantha Adamczyk, Wetland & Watershed Coordinator
- The Surfrider Foundation
This foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches for all people through a powerful activist network. The Jersey Shore Chapter works primarily in Monmouth and Ocean County to pass legislation on issues like ocean protection, plastic reduction, beach access, climate, and clean water.- Lauren Brajer, Chair, Jersey Shore Chapter
- Six Flags “Wild Encounters”
Brings the safari to you. The program will not only educate but it will showcase live, exotic animals, such as exotic birds, reptiles, snakes and mammals. - Idle Talk: Environmental Attitudes and Landing Idling
In honor of Dr. Louise Wootton, Dr. Field will be discussing a new multi-year research project inspired by the Mercy Critical Concern for the environment.- Dr. Field, Chair, Project Director for TIPSID Grant; Professor of Psychology
- Dr. Karen Kelly, Assistant Professor of Psychology
- Dr. Chad Kinney, Assistant Professor of Psychology
- Paws for Relaxation: A Therapy Dog Experience
Join us for a heartwarming event featuring therapy dogs ready to bring comfort, joy, and relaxation! Take a break from your day to de-stress and experience the calming benefits of animal companionship. Come unwind, connect, and take in a moment of peace. - Oak St. Elementary School Recycled Art Exhibit & Hands on Art Project
Lakewood Public School art teachers Julia and Renee Putelo will showcase unique artwork crafted from recycled materials. Visitors can explore their creative pieces and participate in hands-on activities to make their own upcycled projects. Don’t miss this opportunity to turn everyday items into artistic creations! - GCU Arboretum & Garden State Gardens Consortium Table
What is a pollinator garden and where can I see it at GCU? Where can I see native plants at GCU? What environmentally friendly landscaping practices does GCU use and where can I see them? Where can I go in New Jersey to see other gardens so I can get gardening ideas or enjoy long walks in public gardens? Visit this table to get answers to these questions.- Dr. Mike Gross Associate Provost for Academic Program Development; Professor of Biology; Director of Arboretum
11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Shinrin-Yoku Session
Peace Pole- Jeffries Hall
A Mindful Nature Immersion: Experience the Japanese practice of forest bathing, where you engage all five senses to connect deeply with nature. This mindful immersion in the forest atmosphere promotes relaxation, well-being, and a renewed sense of calm.
- Dr. Sachiko Komagata, Director of the MA in Integrative Health Program and
Associate Professor of Integrative Health
12:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Collaborative Mural Project
Court Café Courtyard
Muralist and GCU Alumna Emily Donovan
“Collaborative Mural Project”: Stop by to add some paint to our campus-wide collaborative mural project focused on the environment! Students who participated in the Chile Climate Education and Exchange Program will also be there to share their experience creating environmentally friendly murals in Chile and in Lakewood.
- Laura Grodewald, Director of Global Education Programs
12:30 P.M. – 1:50 P.M.
Museum of Us
Library
This interactive exhibit, inspired by John Green’s The Anthropocene Reviewed, invites participants to explore how human values shape our relationship with the planet. First-year students in GEN199 have cataloged the objects and experiences they “can’t live without” in 2025, creating a collective snapshot of our society. Using AI, we’ll project how future generation or even a post-human world might interpret our species in 500 years. This event challenges us to reflect on what we value, how we impact the environment, and what we must embrace or surrender to shape a sustainable future.
- Ms. Kristen Wedlock, Assistant Professor of Writing; Director of the General Education Program
- Dr. Anthony Brano, Associate Professor of English; Director of the Writing Program and Writing Center
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
“Mercy In Action”
McAuley Heritage Center
Faculty Panel Discussion: Explore the connection between GCU’s Mercy Mission and environmental sustainability. Panelists from various disciplines will discuss how justice, compassion, and service intersect with climate action, human well-being, and ethical responsibility.
- Ms. Caitlyn Connelly, Collection Services & Electronic Resources Librarian
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Come Have Breakfast Book Discussion
Mercy Hall Lounge
“Come Have Breakfast: Meditations on God and Earth” By Elizabeth Johnson
Leading Catholic feminist Eco-Theologian. The 5 Lesson series will explore the book’s scripturally and theologically grounded reflections and connect faith with this year’s critical concern of Earth: Exploring an Integral Ecology.
- Dr. Johann Vento, Chair of Religious Studies, Theology & Philosophy; Professor of Theology
Wednesday, March 26
Earth Connections: Morning Reflection
Campus-wide email
Start each day of Critical Concerns week with a brief reflection exploring our relationship to creation.
- Mr. Jeff Schaffer, Executive Director of Mission & Ministry
10:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
Community Clean Up
Peace Pole
Come together to make our campus a cleaner, greener place! Grab some gloves and help us pick up litter. Every hand makes a difference!
- Amy Cerreta, LCSW, Campus Minister
- Dr. Mike Gross
1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Bittersweet: The Human and Environmental Cost of Chocolate
Farley Center, Room 202
This presentation gives an overview of the impact of the chocolate industry on the global environment and on the lives of the agricultural workers who grow the world’s cacao. In addition, there will be a presentation of a series of three studies investigating GCU student attitudes toward and knowledge of fair-trade practices in the chocolate industry.
- Dr. Susan Field, Psychology Chair; Project Director for TPSID Grant; Professor of Psychology
- Dr. Karen Kelly, Assistant Professor of Psychology
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Film Screening and Discussion
Little Theater, Jeffries Hall
Manzanar, Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust (2022), directed by Ann Kaneko, is a compelling documentary that explores the histories of Indigenous communities, Japanese Americans incarcerated at Manzanar, and environmental activists in California’s Owens Valley. It examines the impact of Los Angeles’ water diversion, highlighting themes of displacement, resilience, and environmental justice. Through personal narratives and archival footage, the film connects past injustices to ongoing struggles over land and resources.
- Dr. Marci Mazzarotto, Associate Professor; Communication Chair, Dept. of Communication & Graphic Design
- Dr. Pam Rader, Director of the Center for Teaching & Learning; Professor of English
- Dr. Mike Gross, Associate Provost for Academic Program Development; Professor of Biology
- Dr. Sachiko Komagata, Director of the MA in Integrative Health Program; Associate Professor of Integrative Health
4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Laudato Si’ & Laudato Deum: Faith, Ecology, and Our Shared Responsibility
Farley 202, Zoom
As part of Critical Concerns Week 2025 at Georgian Court University, this panel will explore Laudato Si’ and Laudato Deum, Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclicals on environmental stewardship and social responsibility. These teachings emphasize the urgent need for an integral ecology a holistic approach that recognizes the deep interconnection between environmental, economic, and social justice issues.
Panelists will discuss the ethical and spiritual dimensions of climate change, the responsibility of individuals and institutions in caring for our common home, and practical steps toward sustainability. This conversation will invite the campus community to reflect on how faith, science, and action intersect in addressing the ecological crisis.
- Dr. Mike Gross, Associate Provost for Academic Program Development; Professor of Biology; Director of Arboretum
- Dr. Brunella Bowditch, Associate Professor of Biology
- Dr. Elissa Cutter, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies & Theology
- Dr. Johann Vento, Chair of Religious Studies, Theology & Philosophy; Professor of Theology
- Sister Catherine Darcy, RSM
Thursday, March 27
Earth Connections: Morning Reflection
Campus-wide email
Start each day of Critical Concerns week with a brief reflection exploring our relationship to creation.
- Mr. Jeff Schaffer, Executive Director of Mission & Ministry
Critical Concerns Week Signature Event
2:00 P.M.
Welcome & Opening Liturgy
Casino
Engaging mind, body, and spirit to reflect on the CCW theme of connection and relationship with creation.
- Mr. Jeff Schaffer, Executive Director of Mission & Ministry
2:20 P.M.
TERRA: Bodies & Territories Dance Performance
Adaption of a work examining the connections between women’s bodies and the natural world.
- Ms. Silvana Cardell, Dance Chair and Associate Professor of Dance
- Ms. Cadence Marciano, GCU Student
2:40 P.M.
Social & Engagement with Graphic Design & Photography
Sharing Mercy hospitality of food, drink, and conversation among graphic displays and photography by GCU students.
- Dr. Jinsook Kim, Coordinator of Graphic Design & Multimedia; Associate Professor for Graphic Design
- Mr. Leo Morrissey, Coordinator for the Art & Visual Studies Department; Associate Professor of Art & Visual Studies
3:00 P.M.
Keynote Address; Caring About the Climate Crisis: The Challenge of Change
Awareness of the climate crisis is increasing all across society. As Pope Francis writes in his ground-breaking encyclical Laudato Si’, “Young people demand change!” Change is possible, because while the crises are real, real solutions exist, are being implemented and scaled up. Join us for a discussion about climate crisis, and the need for change.
- Erin Lothes, Ph.D., Catholic Theologian, Author, Senior Manager of Laudato Si Animators Program
This event is made possible by the Mulcahy Institute for Social Justice