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University of Missouri to Participate in Earth Hour

March 25, 2009

Story Contact:  Kelsey Jackson, (573) 882-8353, JacksonKN@missouri.edu

COLUMBIA, Mo. -At 8:30 p.m., March 28, the University of Missouri will join millions of people around the world to demonstrate support for energy conservation by turning off lights across campus for one hour. Sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund, this event serves as a reminder that everyone and every action can play a role in saving the planet.

Because the nation-wide event occurs during MU's spring break, MU will sponsor a separate event, "Mizzou Earth Hour," at 8 p.m., April 1.

"Our faculty and staff are leaders in energy conservation, and we are pleased to be able to participate in this global event," MU Chancellor Brady Deaton said. "From student groups such as ‘Sustain Mizzou' and ‘Greeks Going Green' to the staff at our Campus Facilities - Energy Management power plant who work with faculty to research the best and most efficient means of generating power for our campus, the University of Missouri is recognized as a model for exemplary sustainability practices. It is important that we use our resources wisely, while at the same time educate the next generation about new technologies and the importance of sustainability to our global culture."

 During both events, lights will be extinguished for a one-hour period at the following locations: Jesse Hall dome, Francis Quadrangle columns, Eight Street Circle, Lee Hills Hall dome, Memorial Union Tower, Stankowski Field high mast lighting, MU Health Care architectural lighting, campus signs at the four corners of campus, athletic fields and the student recreation complex. On April 1, students in residence halls also will be asked to turn off all appropriate lighting, computers and TVs and refrain from doing laundry and other tasks that use electricity.

 Security or safety lighting on campus will remain lit. Students in residence halls must follow the Residential Life Safety Guidelines for both events. For example, candles are still prohibited in all residence hall rooms during these events.

"Staff members are working hard to make these events a success, but campus safety is paramount to everything we do," said Gary Ward, assistant vice chancellor - facilities. "While we expect to darken many of the prominent lights on campus, we want to ensure that anyone on campus during those times, including students, faculty, staff and any visitors, is safe."

The first Earth Hour was observed in 2007 in Sydney, Australia. In 2008, lights dimmed at Sydney's Opera House, Rome's Coliseum, New York's Empire State Building and San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. In Israel, President Shimon Peres personally turned off lights in Tel Aviv. In the United States, more than 36 million people participated. This year, more than 250 cities will participate, including Atlanta, Bangkok, Chicago, Dubai, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Miami and Toronto.

For more information regarding Earth Hour, visit www.earthourus.org.

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