Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           publicinfo@selu.edu
                                           SLU 880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504/549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
    Date: 4/17/00
      Contact:                           Christina Chapple 135

SLU PLANS EARTH FEST AND PRIDE DAY CELEBRATION
     HAMMOND -- In honor of Earth Day, Southeastern Louisiana University's chapter of
Roots and Shoots and the university's Pride Day Committee will sponsor "Earth Fest," a day of
fun and activities spotlighting the environment. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
April 27, on the campus' rugby field.
     The international celebration of Earth Day falls during Southeastern's April 17-21 spring
break week, explained Roots and Shoots founder Leslie Underwood of Abita Springs. So, Roots
and Shoots, a new Southeastern student organization promoting the environmental and
humanitarian programs, decided to partner with Southeastern Pride Day to stage Earth Fest.
     Underwood said Earth Fest will offer music, door prize drawings, educational displays
and hand-on activities promoting environmental awareness. Pride Day will join in the event from
11a.m. to 1 p.m. with free food and beverages.
     Underwood said Earth Fest displays will offer information on campus beautification,
vegetarian lifestyle, environmental chemistry, genetic engineering, recycling and alternative
forms of transportation, while organizations such as the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation
and the International Students Organization will sponsor information tables.
     To promote environmental activism, Underwood said I-55 Internet Services and Bell
South Mobility will set up e-mail and cellular phone access at the event so that students can e-
mail or phone government officials to make their views known on environmental program such
as President Clinton's proposed Roadless Forest Initiative and the Arctic National Wildlife
Refuge.
     "We want to show students how to get involved," Underwood said.
     Entertainment will include a medieval re-enactment, a plant sale by the Horticulture Club
and a drumming display by drum makers from Covington. There also will be music by Student
Organizations/Green Life Director Mari Ann Callais, and the Bryan Joyce Bank, Remnants and
Mockingbirds.
     For additional information contact Underwood at 504-893-4985 or istu36543@selu.edu.
     
                             -SLU-
Press release available online at www.selu.edu/NewsEvents/PublicInfoOffice/newsp00.htm