Ƶ is proud to celebrate with a variety of events aimed at promoting sustainability, environmental justice and community engagement. The month-long series of activities began on April 1 with the highly anticipated grand opening of the , a tranquil space designed to support both mental well-being and environmental awareness.
Located in the Quiet Study Zone of the Library on the 10th floor of the Auditorium Building, the RU Mental Health Garden was introduced as a serene retreat where students, faculty and staff could unwind, recharge and connect with nature in an indoor setting. This endeavor was organized by the Sustainability Studies department as well as the student organization . According to one of the students on the planning committee, Paege Turner, “We wanted to create an area in Roosevelt that could be peaceful but also create a sense of community across multiple organizations.” The endeavor was made possible through a grant secured with the help of Dr. Mike Bryson, Director of Sustainability Studies. The grant was also secured through the dedication of the other Sustainability Associates and RU Green leaders Linda Phillips, Dewi Lockwood and Elijah Griggs. The grand opening, which took place during the common hour from 12:20 to 1:20 p.m., featured a variety of mindfulness and wellness activities, including guided meditation, hands-on seed planting and creative coloring sessions.
Attendees had the opportunity to experience the calming effects of greenery while also contributing to the garden’s growth by planting seeds that will flourish throughout the year. The event highlighted Roosevelt’s commitment to holistic student well-being by intertwining environmental sustainability with mental health initiatives. Light refreshments were provided, making it an inviting event for the entire university community to participate in and enjoy.
Following the launch of the RU Mental Health Garden, Ƶ also invites students, faculty and staff to take part in the Earth Month 2025 EcoChallenge. This friendly competition encourages participants to adopt and document sustainable habits, such as reducing waste, conserving energy and supporting eco-friendly initiatives. Historically, students have taken the lead in past competitions—will they continue their winning streak this year? Sign-up details will be released soon.
For students eager to engage in deeper discussions and research on environmental justice, applications are open until April 18 for . This fully funded, three-credit hybrid course provides an opportunity to explore environmental issues through both academic study and field-based learning. Meeting on select Fridays from June 6 to August 1, the program is open to undergraduates of all majors. Those interested should reach out to the Office of Student Research for more details.
Ƶ’s Earth Month celebrations also emphasize hands-on community involvement. In collaboration with the Chicago Conservation Corps (C3) and Friends of the Parks, Roosevelt will host several service opportunities throughout the month. These initiatives include park cleanups and natural habitat restoration efforts across Chicago, allowing participants to make a direct impact on their local environment.
Another major highlight of Earth Month was the , which ran from April 4 to 11 at both the Chicago and Schaumburg campuses. This week-long event showcased student research across multiple disciplines, reinforcing Roosevelt’s commitment to academic inquiry and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Ƶ’s Earth Month 2025 is an opportunity for the university community to reflect on its role in fostering environmental sustainability and social responsibility. With a rich lineup of events—beginning with the transformative RU Mental Health Garden—students, faculty and staff are encouraged to take part in activities that align with Roosevelt’s mission of social justice and environmental stewardship.
