Butler University President to Sign Climate Commitment

Butler University President Jim Danko will kick off Earth Week April 16 by signing the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, a pledge to create a long-range plan to eliminate the campus’ net emissions of greenhouse gases.

The signing will take place at 3:30 p.m. at the Star Fountain between Jordan Hall and the Irwin Library, and will be the first of many events on campus that week related to sustainability, water, energy, recycling and other issues. The full schedule is below.

The pledge, which has been signed by 674 presidents and chancellors of colleges and universities to date, expresses concern about “the unprecedented scale and speed of global warming and its potential for large-scale, adverse health, social, economic and ecological effects.”

“We recognize the scientific consensus that global warming is real and is largely being caused by humans,” the Climate Commitment states. “We further recognize the need to reduce the global emission of greenhouse gases by 80 percent by mid-century at the latest, in order to avert the worst impacts of global warming and to reestablish the more stable climatic conditions that have made human progress over the last 10,000 years possible.”

The full accord can be read here: http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/

By signing the Climate Commitment, which became a nationwide initiative in 2007, Butler will, within two months, create institutional structures to guide the development and implementation of the plan. By next Jan. 31, Butler plans to complete a comprehensive inventory of all greenhouse gas emissions (including emissions from electricity, heating, commuting, and air travel). And by 2014, the University expects to have a target date for achieving climate neutrality as soon as possible.

Climate neutrality means that the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from the University’s activities are either eliminated directly by reducing fossil fuel energy use or offset by new activities that retain those gases, such as tree planting.

“This commitment is an important step for Butler to indicate our commitment to sustainability and emerge as a national leader in this area,” said Tim Carter, director of Butler’s Center for Urban Ecology. “We’re excited about being part of this initiative.”

Butler already has in place a number of groups addressing environmental concerns, including the Center for Urban Ecology; Green Operations, an initiative of the Council on Presidential Affairs; Student ECO (Environmental Concerns Organization); ECO Dawgs, a group of faculty, staff and students; and B.U.R.N. (Butler University Resale Network), a student product-recycling organization.

Ginnye Cubel, green operations coordinator for the Council on Presidential Affairs, applauded Danko’s decision to sign the Climate Commitment. “It not only symbolizes Butler’s eagerness and enthusiasm for pursuing sustainable initiatives, but it also pushes us to bring significant and lasting changes to campus,” the senior English writing major from Milford, Mich., said. “Indiana is one of the worst environmental states in the nation and by signing the commitment Butler is about to become a leader in the Indianapolis area for sustainable efforts. Butler is on the verge of something great and it’s exciting to be here to witness it.”

Here is the schedule of events planned for Earth Week.
Monday, April 16
Tree Day
·Seed paper giveaway (11 a.m.-1 p.m./Starbucks)
·Information on tree inventory (11 a.m.-1 p.m./Starbucks)
·President Danko signs ACUPCC (3:30 p.m./Star Fountain)
Tuesday, April 17
Sustainable Foods Day
·Reusable bag giveaways (11 a.m.-1 p.m./Starbucks)
·Information on best ways to eat sustainably (11 a.m.-1 p.m./Starbucks/cafeterias)
Wednesday, April 18
Water Day
·Brita hydration station promotion (Irwin Library lobby, Jordan Hall first Floor, Gallahue Hall second floor, Lilly Hall main floor)
·Water facts (11 a.m.-1 p.m./Starbucks)
·Water bottle giveaway (11 a.m.-1 p.m./Starbucks)
Thursday, April 19
Energy Day
·Green roof information (11 a.m.-1 p.m./Starbucks)
·Green roof tours by Sarah Strobl (11 a.m.-1 p.m./meet at Starbucks to head over to Pharmacy Building)
·Wind Turbine demonstration (11 a.m.-1 p.m./Starbucks)
Friday, April 20
Recycling Day
·Recycling video (11 a.m.-1 p.m./Starbucks)
·Information on what to recycle (11 a.m.-1 p.m./Starbucks)
·“Real Dawgs Recycle” button giveaway (11 a.m.-1 p.m./Starbucks)
·RecycleMania updates. (noon, Starbucks patio. The winner of the RecycleMania competition will be announced and they will be awarded their prize — a hand-shaped chair made out of recycled materials.)
Saturday, April 21
Center for Urban Ecology Day
·CUE interns will present their own projects and projects CUE is working on (11 a.m.-1 p.m./Center for Urban Ecology)
·Keep Indy Beautiful service project (9 a.m-12 p.m. at Fountain Square. Project is The Great Indy Clean-Up. Volunteers will be helping with various clean-up projects around the Fountain Square neighborhoods.)
Sunday, April 22 (Earth Day)
Earth Day Celebration
·Celebration of the culmination of Earth Week events with food, giveaways, and music! (2-4 p.m./Reilly Room)
·Announce new sustainability council (2-4 p.m./Reilly Room)
·Showcase achievements and promote Environmental Concerns Organization (ECO), Butler University Resale Network (BURN), Council on Presidential Affairs Green Operations (CPA Green Ops), Center for Urban Ecology (CUE), campus farm and facilities (2-4 p.m./Reilly Room)

Share

24 Hours of Booty Indianapolis (June 29-30, 7pm-7pm)

2012 is the inaugural year for 24 Hours of Booty Indianapolis. The Booty Loop will be held at Butler University and become home of 24 Hours of Booty. The event will host 400+ riders who will raise more than $200,000 for cancer research and survivorship.

The Booty Loop in Indianapolis is at Butler University. At the center of it all is Bootyville, our own little city, which also serves as the event headquarters over the 24 hours.  

2012 Course map

Riders set up campsites and canopies that they can sleep, or more importantly, rest and relax with friends off of the bike. The food tent is probably the most popular place outside of the course itself. Along with the three squares riders will receive they will have access to snacks, energy bars, water and sports drinks. Bootyville also is the site of our expo area where our corporate sponsors set up shop and offer a range of services including 24-hour bike support, raffles for special items and information about their services. Because of the Booty Loop’s Butler University location, you will find students, family and friends out supporting the riders at all hours. 

Along with our national beneficiary, LIVESTRONG™, 24 Hours of Booty will support a local cancer charity to be announced soon! The organizations are having a tremendous impact on our neighbors battling cancerand we are proud to be able to support their efforts.

Whether you ride, volunteer, donate or come out to cheer, we hope to see you at 24 Hours of Booty Indianapolis!

Click HERE for more information or to join a team!

Share

2012 Senior Series

BTNA, MKNA and Heritage Place announce the 2012 Senior Series of three informative, fun sessions (with light meals included at no cost to participants), so mark your evening calendars for all three dates and watch for further information on the BTNA website or call Heritage Place.  These programs are open to seniors and other interested adults. 

Preregistration is necessary for planning quantities of handout materials and food;  call Heritage Place at 283-6662 to register for one, two or all three programs.

  • May 8th  – HOT TOPICS:  Medicare and Social Security Update (5:30 to 7 p.m. @Bethlehem Lutheran Church,  526 E 52nd)
  • July 26th –  AFFORDABLE, EASY MEALS: Planning and Preparing (5:30 to 7 p.m. @ Unitarian Universalist Church, 615 W 43rd)
  • Oct. 4th -    FEEL GOOD EXERCISE FOR SENIORS:  Increasing Stability, Flexibility, Energy and Safety (5:30 to 7 p.m. @ Heritage Place,  4550 N. Illinois)
Share

Butler University Bulldog Jog (March 24, 2012)

 Butler University’s Bulldog Jog to Be Held March 24
      
INDIANAPOLIS – Butler University hosts the 20th annual Bulldog Jog 5K run/walk and, for the first time, a 1-mile dog walk beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 24.

Registration is $20 for the general public and $15 for Butler students until March 12. Late registration (March 13 and thereafter) is $25. Details and registration forms are available at http://www.butler.edu/bulldog-jog/. More information is available by calling (317) 940-4472.

Registration is open to the community. Proceeds from the event benefit the Butler University Health and Recreation Complex Student Scholarship Fund. The course for the run/walk begins on Lake Road and proceeds through the Butler University campus and canal path. Runners begin at 9 a.m., walkers at 9:05 a.m. Late registration will be held in the lobby of the Health & Recreation Complex, immediately west of Hinkle Fieldhouse, from 8-8:45 a.m.  The 5k race will begin at 9 a.m. for runners and 9:05 a.m. for walkers. Participants in the dog walk will get started at 9:15 a.m. Official Butler University mascot Butler Blue II will serve as grand marshal for the inaugural Bulldog Jog Dog Walk. Participants are encouraged to bring items and supplies for Indiana Bulldog Rescue and Humane Society of Indianapolis to assist in the care of dogs much less fortunate.

This year’s Bulldog Jog is sponsored by Butler University, the Butler University Student Foundation, Holistic Select, Fresh Market, Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis-Carmel, City Dogs Grocery, WellPet, Aramark, Athletic Annex, Brinkman Press and the Health and Recreation Complex.

Share

6th Annual Post-Holiday Recycling Event

BTN residents…we hope you will join in this annual post-holiday recycling event!!

What: Post Holiday Recycling

When: Saturday, January 14th, 2012 (10:00am to 2:00pm)

Where: Broad Ripple Park, Ellenberger Park, Krannert Park, Garfield Park

Why: The City of Indianapolis’ Office of Sustainability will partner with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful to accept the following materials for recycling — live holiday trees (all lights, ornaments and decorations removed), electronics (anything with a cord), cardboard, white molded foam packaging and paper shredding (5 box maximum per vehicle).

Share

Butler University to host FREE Medicare Part D Enrollment/Re-Enrollment Events

Butler University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (COPHS) will host two free Medicare Part D Enrollment/Re-enrollment events on the Butler campus, 4600 Sunset Ave., on the following days:

               Tuesday, Nov. 1
               Butler University
               College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Building, 4th floor conference room (elevator available)
               10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
               By appointment only. Call (317) 940-9324 to make an appointment.
               
               Friday, Nov. 4
               Butler University
               Ford Salon
               Noon to 5 p.m.
               No appointment necessary
              

On Wednesday, Nov. 2 and Thursday, Nov. 3, Butler’s COPHS will partner with Community Family Medicine for a free Medicare Part D Enrollment/Re-enrollment event, held at Community Family Medicine, 10122 E. 10th St. Suite 100, Indianapolis, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., each day. Attendees must make an appointment by calling (317) 355-5715 and selecting the scheduling/appointment option.
              

Attendees for all events should bring the following: Medicare card and Medicare Part D card (if you have one); list of all current medications and dosages; health insurance cards; and letter(s) from the Social Security Administration or Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
              

For questions about any of the enrollment/re-enrollment events, call (317) 940-9324.

Share