Introducing Our Called to Climate Action Student Leaders

by | Jun 16, 2020 | Featured, News

This summer Iowa Interfaith Power & Light has the honor and privilege in working with five Iowa students who attend religious colleges around our state. Together, our student leaders will be writing our 2020 religious leaders statement, planning a college student training in September and our larger Called to Climate Action 2020 in October. Each of our student leaders brings different expertise and experiences as well as a strong commitment to climate justice. Please welcome our Called to Climate Action student leaders and learn more about them in their own words.

We were able to build this team of Iowa student leaders due to the generous support of the Environmental Defense Fund; Loras College; Graceland University/Community of Christ; Gloria Dei Church, ELCA, Iowa City; our partnership with Central College; and contributions from our individual and organizational donors.

 

Alexandra Lund, Dordt University

Hello. My name is Alexandra Lund, and I am a Junior Biology major at Dordt University. This summer, I will be working from sunny San Diego, California where I am living with my family. After I graduate, I plan to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician. This summer, I hope to deepen my faith, explore interfaith leadership, and continue learning how to put my faith into action. I am so excited to get to work with the wonderful staff at Iowa IPL and my fellow interns as we work for climate justice.

 

Alyssa Corkery, Loras College

My name is Alyssa Corkery and I am originally from Jesup, Iowa but I now live in Dubuque. I am about to start my senior year at Loras College and I am majoring in Sociology and Religious Studies, with minors in Peace and Justice, International Studies, and Catholic Studies. Beyond academics, I am a part of the Peace and Justice Club on campus as well as other social justice oriented groups. I feel called to climate action because our Earth is dying and climate change is something that exacerbates and intensifies pre-existing injustices.

 

Kennedy Warner, Graceland University

I’m Kennedy Warner, from Elk River Minnesota, and I’m going to be a senior at Graceland University this fall. I am majoring in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Hispanic Studies. I run track and play soccer and am the president of the Sustainability Club. I am involved in science club, campus ministries and other school leadership opportunities as well. My faith leads me, and God calls me to do many different things. One of those things is to care for His creation and stand up for what I believe is right. The climate crisis is one thing that I feel very passionate about and something that I feel called to raise awareness about. I work to make changes at my University, in my personal life, and in the world. Iowa Interfaith Power and Light has empowered me to help make a change, learn from others and lead by faith to make this world a more sustainable place.

 

Samir Goffe, Graceland University

Hello everyone, my name is Samir Goffe and I am from Richmond, Virginia. I am a second semester freshman at Graceland University and I am double majoring in communications and sports management with a minor in business administration. I also play football for Graceland and last semester I was the sustainability student on our campus. My drive for sustainability started last semester when I took a class called “Intro to Sustainability”. I really enjoyed everything about the class and since taking that class I am very passionate about doing my part in society to help bring about change in any way I can.

 

Tiffany Van Gilst, Central College

My name is Tiffany Van Gilst and I am from Pella, Iowa. I attend Central College in Pella and I am majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in German Studies. I am involved in the Flute Ensemble on campus as well as the Student Orientation Staff. I have always been passionate about the environment and the topic of climate change has piqued my interest. The climate crisis today is a major issue and impacts all different types of people. I believe it is our duty as people of faith to tackle this issue and leave a better world for future generations.

 

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This