Under the Spires of Change:
Villanova’s Rising Climate Vision

Tucked just outside of Philadelphia, Villanova University’s stone arches and tree-lined pathways have long embodied its Augustinian mission of truth, unity, and love. Yet behind its timeless beauty lies a campus increasingly defined by forward-looking environmental leadership. Rooted in a deep moral commitment to service and sustainability, Villanova is cultivating a generation of students who see environmental justice not just as an academic pursuit but as an ethical calling.

On a warm October afternoon, Diego Tovar, Director of Campus and Civic Engagement at the Rachel Carson Council (RCC), visited Villanova to meet with faculty, staff, and students who are leading the charge toward a more sustainable and equitable future. His day began with Career Bites, an informal lunchtime conversation with students passionate about meeting with leading organizations in the environmental field. Over pizza and shared stories, Diego and the group explored how everyone can advance climate advocacy on and beyond campus.

After lunch, Diego joined an Introductory Environmental Science class, where he spoke about the National Environmental Leadership Fellowship, inviting students to use their personal narratives to drive change and build community. The discussion underscored the idea that climate action begins with storytelling—that each student’s experience can inspire solutions that ripple outward across campus and society.

Next came a campus tour led by Dee Wieczorek, a current RCC National Environmental Leadership Fellow. As they strolled past historic stone halls and vibrant green spaces, Dee shared that her project, which brings native gardens to campus, is in full swing. Her project exemplifies Villanova’s drive to connect classroom learning with tangible environmental action. During the tour, Diego saw that commitment reflected across campus from waste reduction systems and green stormwater infrastructure to bike-friendly pathways.

The afternoon was filled with rich dialogue and opportunities for collaboration. In conversation with Dr. Steve Goldsmith, Diego discussed the growing importance of local government and student civic engagement in advancing sustainability. Later, with Dr. Keith Henderson, their discussion turned toward bridging science and communication, a shared goal of the Rachel Carson Council’s mission to equip students to turn all disciplines into compelling stories that inspire action.

Dr. Stephen Strader

Rounding out the day, Diego met with Dr. Stephen Strader, Graduate Program Director of the Department of Geography and the Environment, to explore professional development opportunities, cross-campus collaborations, and the potential for connecting Villanova with nearby colleges and universities within the Rachel Carson Campus Network. Together, they imagined how faculty and students could expand their impact across Pennsylvania and beyond, forming a hub for climate education and advocacy.

The visit concluded with Diego’s talk as part of the Fall 2025 Geography and the Environment Department Colloquium Speaker Series. Speaking to a packed room of students and faculty, he outlined the Rachel Carson Council’s mission and shared stories from the frontlines of climate justice. His message was clear: environmental work must be grounded in empathy, equity, and action. Through storytelling, collaboration, and courageous leadership, every student has the power to contribute to a just and sustainable world. Villanova exemplifies how purpose and passion can unite to create lasting change. We are proud to welcome Villanova University as the 89th member of the Rachel Carson Campus Network.