The Graduate School of Environmental Studies (GSES) at SNU celebrated its 50th anniversary last month. Though initially a department under the Graduate School of Public Administration, Environmental Studies was formed into its own school once the university recognized the increasing importance of environmental issues worldwide. Over time, GSES has become a hub for leading important research and education on salient fields of study such as climate change. To commemorate its 50th anniversary, GSES held various events and programs promoting sustainability.
A Commemorative Ceremony held at the School of Environmental Studies’ Glocal Hall
The student council of GSES arranged and organized events that were held on October 18th. The day began with a treasure hunt titled “Turning the School of Environmental Studies Upside Down,” that had participants searching for hidden prizes in various spots around Building 82 (the main building of GSES). Coupled with mini games that added to the challenge, participants got to enjoy a morning of great fun and excitement. Kim Jung Seob, the student council president, explained that he had planned the treasure hunt in hopes that students would find more time to explore different parts of the Environmental Studies building.
After Campus plogging
In the afternoon, participants completed a plogging course around campus. Plogging, coined from the Swedish phrase plocka upp (to pick up), describes the act of picking up garbage while jogging. Setting off in teams, students were able to help clean up the campus while also soaking in the last of the autumn foliage. Following the end of a successful plogging session, students gathered at Beodeulgol Poongsan Garden to socialize over a well-earned picnic lunch. Among the participants, freshmen attendees expressed how rewarding the experience had felt, both as a means to learn more about campus and support its day-to-day upkeep.
A Photo of Participants Sorting Trash on Beodeulgol Poongsan Garden after Plogging
To end the day, the Graduate School of Environmental Studies and the Faculty of Liberal Education hosted a screening of Legacy, a film directed by Yann Arthus Bertrand. The film, which depicts how human greed and ambition have damaged the environment, challenged the audience to consider how they might confront climate change. Beyond the events themselves, the Graduate School of Environmental Studies promoted sustainability by handing out eco bags with collapsible cups and handkerchiefs. To minimize waste, all refreshments provided during the programs were served on reusable dishware.
The Eco Bag and its Contents
The GSES 50th anniversary celebration served not only as an important milestone for the university, but also helped raise awareness of critical environmental issues. Moving forward, GSES hopes to provide students with more opportunities to learn about and discuss such issues, while encouraging the SNU community to pursue environmentally-friendly practices.
Source: https://www.snu.ac.kr/snunow/snu_story?md=v&bbsidx=144266
Written by Min Seo Ki, SNU English Editor, mskey717@gmail.com