Fayette, Iowa (August 21, 2006) – In a cooperative joint venture, Upper Iowa University’s Environmental Science program and the Fayette County Take-A-Kid-Outdoors (TAKO) organization plan to hold an environmental summit Sept. 7 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the Fayette campus.

           Guest speaker Frederick L. Kirschenmann will talk about the ethics of land stewardship and sustainable agriculture, as well as global environmental change. 

            Kirschenmann is a knowledgeable and entertaining presenter, who comes to the podium with the direct experience of operating his family’s 3,500-acre certified organic farm in North Dakota.  He took over operations of the farm in 1976 and by 1980 the farm was certified organic, one of the early operations to make the transition.  

            Kirschenmann holds a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Chicago and currently holds an appointment in the ISU Department of Religion and Philosophy.  He has written extensively about ethics and agriculture, held numerous national and international appointments, and has served as a board member for various organizations, including the Food Alliance, Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area, The Nature Institute, and the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture at the Rockefeller Center in New York, as well as many other accomplishments.

            This event is free and open to the public.  Attendees are asked to register in advance. 

            Student groups are welcome, especially those interested in environmental science and agriculture.  Lunch will be available through Sodexho Food Services on the UIU campus at a special rate of $4 per person.

            To register, please contact Dr. Katherine McCarville, assistant professor of geosciences at 563-425-5233 or mccarvillek@uiu.edu by noon on Sept. 5.

            Campus tours can be arranged upon request.

About Upper Iowa University

Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing educational excellence and leadership development to approximately 6,000 students – both nationally and internationally -- at our traditional campus in picturesque Fayette, Iowa;  through our various online degree programs; at our U.S. centers; via our correspondence program; and at our international centers in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Vancouver.  Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in the delivery of accredited, quality education and is proud of its diverse range of student populations and progressive, flexible options for students of all ages.  To learn more about Upper Iowa University, its degree programs, locations and renowned scholars, please visit us at www.uiu.edu.

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