Another day on Earth. Earth Day, to be exact. April 22 marked the twenty-ninth anniversary of Earth Day, which was founded in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson to promote international concern for the environment. To commemorate Earth Day, Millsaps hosted EarthFest ‘99, an informational activities festival designed to educate individuals about environmental issues. Representatives from the Missis- sippi Wildlife Federation, the Jackson Zoo, the Jackson Sierra Club, the Mississippi Nature Conservancy and BFI Disposal joined EarthFest ‘99 in the Bowl.

In addition to EarthFest ‘99, Millsaps cosponsored an environmental forum with the Mississippi League of Women Voters and E.A.R.T.H. (a student environmental action group).

The forum featured gubernatorial candidates who spoke on environmental awareness and answer questions from voters and a panel of environmental experts. The program was held in the Gertrude C. Ford Academic Complex, and Howard Belue of WLBT TV Channel 3 moderated.

Millsaps juniors Nicole Badon and Christianne McMullan were instrumental in organizing the Earth Day celebrations. Named as environmental interns under the sponsorship of the Associated Colleges of the South, they see Earth Day as a chance to educate people about the importance of protecting the planet. “Society has grown so fast that we have lost sight of the value of our natural resources,” says McMullan. “We don’t want to see our beautiful planet become one of those things you don’t miss until it’s gone. It’s hard to change the world, but it’s easy to change your own actions.”

Millsaps Magazine  |  Millsaps | Last Edited August 12, 1999