On a beautiful morning of blue skies and cool temperatures, some SCAD-Atlanta students and staff members celebrated Earth Day April 22 by cleaning up the landscape.
Led by SCAD Atlanta Vice President P.J. Johnson and Dean of Student Services, Art Malloy, two shifts of volunteers picked up trash and fallen tree limbs scattered along SCAD Way, the road that connects Spring Street.
“I found an old, rusty, forgotten ‘One Way’ sign under some grass. It must have been part of the original occupant’s traffic design,” said Brett Reichert, coordinator of international student services.
Senior Career Adviser Mary Neely said the morning crew removed truckloads of trash, from the side of the road formerly known as Equifax Way.
“Thanks to P.J. who provided his truck and muscle power to the effort,” Neely said.
“It was a nice, informal gathering for staff members and students to interact outside of the school,” said Nancy Olivo, a third-year sequential art student. “Personally, it was a chance for me to take a break from work to do something productive and beneficial for the school.
“It was a refreshing sight to see our school take charge of cleaning up an important landmark that makes the student’s walking trip to classes that much more beautiful,” Olivio said of the roadway that many students walk to get to campus from the Spring House.
“As a SCAD employee who just transferred to Atlanta from Lacoste, this project was also an opportunity to get to know new colleagues and student leaders,” Reichert said.
Another purpose of the event, according to Malloy, was to continue SCAD’s efforts to make SCAD Way a safe and enjoyable space for students, faculty and staff.
The physical resource department at SCAD has partnered with Midtown Blue and Midtown Green to improve the lighting, add a surveillance camera, provide greater visibility in the area and prepare it to serve as a space for SCAD-Atlanta street festivals and other events.
The idea for the cleanup came from the United Student Forum (USF).
“I was proud of all who participated,” said Malloy. “USF has plans to do at least one community service effort each quarter, so I see great opportunities for students to serve and improve our campus.”
