The convocation will explore the subject during activities on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

LEWISTON – The public is invited to several events that will be held at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn campus on Wednesday, Sept. 24, as part of the 2003-2004 convocation.

The theme of the Gloria S. Duclos Convocation is “Environmental Sustainability.” The main objective will be to explore how the world can meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.

“As a public university it seems particularly appropriate that we search for answers. We will dedicate the year to exploring our prospects for leading more sustainable lives and creating a vision of a promising future,” said USM Provost Joseph Wood.

The activities scheduled Wednesday at L-A College are as follows:

“Greening the Curriculum” workshop from 1 to 3 p.m., with Rick Clugston, director, University Leaders for a Sustainable Future.

Panel discussion on “Sustainability: Buzzword or Valuable New Paradigm?” from 4 to 5:15 p.m. Panelists will discuss what sustainability means in their discipline, the extent of support for the goal of sustainability and the extent to which sustainability is a workable concept.

Video on “Religion and the Environment” from 5:30 to 6 p.m. A half-hour television interview in which Elizabeth Dodson Gray of Harvard University explores the compatibility of religious doctrines and environmentalism.

Workshop on “The Comforts of Home – For Less!” from 6 to 7 p.m. Dudley Greeley, USM’s sustainability coordinator, will provide information, training and a demonstration of diagnostic high-tech tools that will help dentify simple steps to take to stop wasting money on unnecessarily high utility bills.

Public lecture on “Spirituality and Sustainability: The Role of Religion in Creating a New Model for Economic and Social Development” by Rick Clugston from 7 to 9 p.m., co-sponsored with Interfaith Maine.

Rick Clugston is executive director of ULSF and the Center for Respect of Life and Environment and publisher and editor of Earth Ethics. The center focuses on the following program areas: the Greening of Academia, Religion and Ecology, the Earth Charter Initiative, and Sustainable Livelihoods and Sustainable Communities.

Clugston has worked for the University of Minnesota, first as a faculty member in the College of Human Ecology, and later as a strategic planner in academic affairs, continuing education and the office of the president. He was a consultant to the state Department of Education, the Minnesota Business Partnership and various colleges and school systems on educational improvement.

Clugston has taught and published on human development, strategic planning, educational reform and most recently on environmental ethics, spirituality and sustainability.

A variety of other convocation activities are planned for the Gorham and Portland campuses, including discussions, workshops, film, food, art and interaction with the greater community.

“We hope to offer opportunities that will strengthen our personal commitments to making more sustainable choices,” added Wood, “encourage faculty to integrate the environmental aspects of their disciplines into course work, and showcase USM efforts to move toward a more sustainable future. We plan to celebrate and challenge.”

All events are free and open to the public. Anyone who needs accommodations to participate should contact 780-4321. Persons who are hearing-impaired can call USM’s TTY number, 780-4069.