The Whole Story

SAVE host 5th annual Energy Conference

Hi, I am Katherine or “Katie” Crisler and I am a senior English major concentrating in journalism and I’m the managing editor of The Spectator. I am working on my second semester of being an editor and therefore have grown thick skin. I am slowly getting the grasp of patience but have yet to apply it. Working on campus at the school’s newspaper I have gained an appreciation for a daily planner and time management; which I don’t utilize.

Why this story is important: SAVE is something we have all heard about on campus or seen demonstrations from on the front lawn but have never paid too much attention to. The weekend conference allowed for SAVE to show off their purpose and promote logical points on how to better the environment. We all should take advantage of even just one small tip SAVE has to offer on protecting the environment.

What we did to get this story: The two of us went on the first night to get a sound clip from Dr. Kurt Keppler who spoke at the beginning ceremony. We took pictures of those who spoke and also the attending people who were interested. Before the ceremony began we spoke with a few people who were eating and also the on-site coordinator to find out the details of the weekend.

Online links to the information used in this story: http://www.climateaction.net/taxonomy/term/12

Together the Southern Energy Network and the Energy Action Coalition formed the SSREC. The SSREC promotes to help battle environmental issues such as mountaintop removal, global warming, nuclear waste, energy efficiency, renewable energy and successful campus and community initiatives.

During the opening address in Palms Dinning Center Friday, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Kurt Keppler, spoke in favor of S.A.V.E.’s mission to promote awareness of environmental issues. He thanked them for their hard work, saying how outstanding their organization was and what a wonderful job they have done.

“I hope the students of today can influence and teach the staff and administration about sustainability and going green,” Dr. Keppler said.

Dr. Keppler spoke highly of S.A.V.E.’s passion for promoting a cleaner future. Through their informative teachings of issues, such as environmental justice, climate and water control, he informed those present that he has altered daily activities to help save our environment.

“I believe that your generation gets it, and ours needs to,” Dr. Keppler said. “We need you to educate us.”

Palms Dinning Center was filled with high school and college students, faculty and visitors from all over the Southeast to learn from and participate with weekend long activities.

In looking at the SSREC website, it states that the south is on the frontlines of our dirty energy society from a wave of new coal, nuclear and agrifuels plants to rising seas, drought, hurricanes and other severe weather events.

Molly Vega and Erin Petre, both juniors at Valdosta High School, were two of the many who were present.

“I’ve been looking forward to coming here and seeing this because I think it is a huge eye-opener for the campus and community,” Molly Vega said.

“It will really help out the recycling program and change the image of being green,” Erin Petre said.

Those who registered for the weekend festivities participated in conference activities, workshops, food and listening to keynote speakers. Tenting or housing was provided by
Valdosta community members.

The Southern Energy Network Mission Statement online, “promotes a clean, just, safe, and sustainable energy future,” which the event worked hard to achieve.

For information on upcoming events and how to get involved, visit

http://www.climateaction.net/taxonomy/term/12.