Film Screening of National Geographic's Documentary on Battling Climate Change, 10/1

The National Geographic Documentary Film Paris to Pittsburgh will be shown on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. in Ashland University's Hawkins-Conard Student Center Auditorium as part of the College of Arts & Sciences' biennial Symposium Against Indifference which is focusing on "Liberty and Responsibility."

Co-sponsored by the Ashland Center for Nonviolence, the free, public event will also include a panel discussion immediately following the film's screening with Craig Hovey, Director of the Ashland Center for Nonviolence; Patricia Saunders, Associate Professor of Biology; and William Vaughan, Professor of Philosophy.

Premiering last December in the U.S. and airing globally in 172 countries and 43 languages, Paris to Pittsburgh brings to life the impassioned efforts of individuals who are battling the most severe threats of climate change in their own backyards. Set against the national debate over the United States’ energy future — and the Trump administration’s explosive decision to exit the Paris Climate Agreement — the film captures what’s at stake for communities around the country and the inspiring ways Americans are responding. To view the trailer, visit ParistoPittsburgh.com.

Spotlighting the cities, states, businesses and citizens taking action, Paris to Pittsburgh explores the very real social and economic impacts of climate change-fueled disasters, from America’s heartland to the nation’s coastlines. The film features voices from local leaders as well as everyday Americans presenting the stories behind climate-related recovery and resiliency, as well as tireless innovative efforts to reduce carbon emissions, including boomtowns formerly reliant on coal such as Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh, led by Mayor Bill Peduto, is now a city committed to energy efficiency and is one of the many examples of bold economic and climate leadership in the film. Other locations featured in the film include Puerto Rico, California, Iowa, Florida and New Jersey.

“Paris to Pittsburgh reveals the inspiring steps communities across the country are taking to confront the severe health and economic threats posed by climate change,” said Geoff Daniels, the head of unscripted programming for National Geographic. “From innovative ways to improve our food supply chain through Fleet Farming, parking lots shaded by solar paneled roofs to passionate college students making an impact in sustainable energy jobs, this documentary provides a hopeful roadmap for the future.”

Mocktail Mix-Off Winners Announced

Congratulations to the Mocktail Mix-Off winners!

• Best Overall & Best Taste: Black Student Alliance (BSA) with a Raspberry Mojito
• Best Mocktail Name: Ashland University Fraternity & Sorority Life with "Gamer Fuel"
• Best Presentation: Campus Activity Board (CAB) with "Pink Flamingo"
• Honorable Mentions: Tech Crew, Panhellenic Council, Leadership

Thank you to John Moser & Louis Mancha for their insightful presentations during the Ashland University CAS Symposium Against Indifference's DEMON RUM: A Spirited Discussion of Alcohol event.

Also, thanks to student groups for their spirited response: AU Young Democrats, Ashland University College Republicans, Ashland University Young Americans For Liberty, Ashland University Fraternity & Sorority Life.

Symposium Kicks-Off with "A Spirited Discussion of Alcohol"

The biennial Symposium Against Indifference begins the 2019-2020 theme of “Liberty and Responsibility” with a multi-faceted event titled "Demon Rum: A Spirited Discussion of Alcohol." 

Scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 18 in the Alumni Room of the Myers Convocation Center, the free, public event (which is organized in partnership with the Student Life and Fraternity and Sorority Life offices) will reflect on the ratification and appeal of the 18th Amendment prohibiting liquor in the United States as well as exploring lessons this episode holds for us today. Ashland University history and philosophy faculty members and student organizations will address the constant and unavoidable tension between liberty and responsibility on this legislation.

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a Mocktail Mix-Off. Several student organizations will compete to create healthy, fun, non-alcoholic drink alternatives. Guest judges for the Mix-Off include AU Campus Wellness Director Deborah Sullivan, Ashland City Mayor Matt Miller and AU Student Senate President Sabrina Maristella. The winners of the Mix-Off will be announced at the conclusion of the event. Everyone attending the event is encouraged to visit each organization's table to sample their creation prior to the "Spirited Discussion" which begins at 7 p.m.

At 7 p.m., Dr. John Moser, Professor of History, and Dr. Louis Mancha, Associate Professor of Philosophy, will take the podium to begin the Spirited Discussion of Alcohol. Their portion of the program will address the United States' boldest act of social engineering in the nation’s history—the prohibition of the manufacture, sale, or transport of all “intoxicating liquors.” For thirteen years, the country was officially “dry.” Why did the country embrace Prohibition? What were its effects, and why was it ultimately repealed? What lessons does this episode hold for us today? How is alcohol treated on campus? How does it affect the local economy?

Immediately following Dr. Moser and Mancha's presentation, student representatives from various campus organizations including the College Democrats, College Republicans, Young Americans for Liberty, and Fraternity & Sorority Life will offer their response which will be followed by a question and answer session with the audience.