"Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor: The Issue of Water"
Tuesday, January 30 - Thursday, February 1, 2024
Issues related to water are timely and contentious, especially in the western U.S. and other parts of the world affected by climate change. They impact our livelihoods, politics, economics, health, even our mental and spiritual well-being. In our 2024 symposium, we invite the university community and general public to explore the issue of water in our time, especially as it relates to access and agriculture, commerce and urbanization, sustainability, and dignity of life.
University Hall, Ahmanson Auditorium
Loyola Marymount University
1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, California
To Attend. This symposium is free and open to the university community and general public. Faculty are invited to bring their classes. We do encourage you to RSVP; it helps us to estimate attendance for sessions and receptions:
Schedule. The three-day schedule is posted below. Any changes will be published on this web page; please check back often. Some sessions will be filmed and made available at a later date.
- Tuesday, January 30
- Wednesday, January 31
- Thursday, February 1
- Extra Events
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KEYNOTE SESSION | 10 – 11:30 A.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
"Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor: The Issue of Water" Opening and Keynote with James Thebaut
Issues related to water are timely and contentious, especially in the western U.S. and other parts of the world affected by climate change. Opening this symposium, we welcome James "Jim" Thebaut, journalist, filmmaker and environmentalist whose work in recent years has been dedicated to examining the issues of water, both in California and abroad, to share his story of documenting this ecological crisis and what can be done to safeguard our future. The session will begin with remarks of welcome by LMU President Timothy Law Snyder, and an opening blessing by the Reverend Adelia Sandoval.- Rev. Adelia Sandoval, Spiritual Overseer (Púul) and Cultural Director for the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation
- Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D., President of Loyola Marymount University
- Eric Strauss, Ph.D., President’s Professor of Biology and Executive Director, LMU Center for Urban Resilience
- James Thebaut, Executive Producer-Director, Founder and President of The Chronicles Group
SESSION 2 | 12 – 1:30 P.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
“Healing the California Watershed"
In his newest documentary California’s Watershed: Healing, James Thebaut looks to build upon past work by exploring tangible steps needed to revitalize, restore, and manage California’s Sierra Nevada mountains watershed. By tapping into a network of experts in forestry, land and water resource management, clean fuels and environmental planning and protection, this new investigative documentary, will project a roadmap for the future generation clean and renewable fuel technology, and cutting-edge water resource management. This session will screen the documentary and conclude with a discussion with producer James Thebaut.- Eric Strauss, Ph.D., President’s Professor of Biology and Executive Director, LMU Center for Urban Resilience
- James Thebaut, Executive Producer-Director, Founder and President of The Chronicles Group
SESSION 3 | 2 – 3:30 P.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
“Sacrality of Water: Towards Interfaith Ecological Justice”
Discussions about the current ecological crisis and its effect on water systems often neglect the positive role spirituality can play in fostering collaborative work towards ecological justice. While discussions about spirituality and ecological justice have often highlighted spirit or breath as a bridge between faiths, many spiritual teachers today, as in this session, invite us to consider the sacred status of water as a tangible intersectional matrix that engages concerns of faith, justice, climate change, resilience, and dignity of life as a medium that is essential to all life.- Kim Harris, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of African American Religious Thought and Practice, LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
- Rabbi Joshua Hoffman, President and CEO, Academy for Jewish Religion California
- Saqib Hussain, D.Phil., Assistant Professor of Qur'an and Early Islam, LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
- Abhishek Jain, Ph.D., Visiting Bhagwan Mallinath Assistant Professor of Jain Studies and Indic Theology, LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
- Rev. Adelia Sandoval, Spiritual Overseer (Púul) and Cultural Director for the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation
- Roy Fisher, Ph.D., Senior Instructor in Theology, LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
SESSION 4 | 4 – 5:30 P.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
“A Water Reckoning: The Collapse of the Colorado River”
The Colorado River can no longer withstand the thirst of the arid West. Now, chronic overuse and the effects of climate change are pushing the river system toward potential collapse, with depleted reservoirs near the lowest levels since they were filled. A “water reckoning” is about to transform the landscape of the Southwest. This session will screen the short, investigative documentary Colorado River in Crisis by the Los Angeles Times and explore the possible solutions to this water crisis.- Lisa Fimiani, Drollinger Environmental Fellow, LMU Center for Urban Resilience
- Eric Strauss, Ph.D., President’s Professor of Biology and Executive Director, LMU Center for Urban Resilience
SESSION 5 | 7 – 8:30 P.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
“The Synodal Path Transforming Catholicism and Reconciling the World"
This year’s LMU Hispanic Ministry and Theology Lecture draws together academic, cultural, and religious communities for an in-depth discussion of Synodality, a topic that is dear to the heart of Pope Francis as he seeks to connect believers more closely to each other and to our world.- Leticia Salazar, O.D.N., Chancellor of the Diocese of San Bernardino and Synod Delegate
- Robbin D. Crabtree, Ph.D., Professor and Dean, LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
- Katherine Orozco, Graduate Student in Theological Studies, LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
- Jennifer Owens-Jofré, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Theological Studies, LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
SESSION 6 | 10 – 11:30 A.M. | HILTON CENTER FOR BUSINESS 100
“Water Stewardship, Public Impact and the Work of Los Angeles Sanitation and the Hyperion Water Reclamation Facility”
Water recycling is a key tool in Los Angeles’ initiative to reduce dependence on imported water by increasing sustainable and environmentally-friendly, local water supplies. In this session, learn about the important work of the Hyperion Water Reclamation Facility and the city's leadership in water stewardship.- Doug Walters, P.E. BCEE, Chief Sustainability Officer and Chief Resiliency Officer, Olympics Planning Committee, Los Angeles Sanitation
- Christina Jones, Environmental Engineer, Water Recycling Implementation Division (WRID), Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, Los Angeles Sanitation
- Jeff Thies, D.Min., Clinical Associate Professor of Management and Director of the Institute for Business Ethics and Sustainability, LMU College of Business Administration
SESSION 7 | 12 – 1:30 P.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
"Regional Water Management: Tree Canopy Analysis and Efforts to Regreen Underserved Neighborhoods in Los Angeles County"
Tree canopy – the layer of foliage, branches, and stems that sits somewhere between the ground and sky – is essential to maintaining health and wellbeing in Los Angeles. It protects vulnerable populations from the sun, mitigates the urban heat island effect, and reduces public health risks such as chronic respiratory illnesses. In this session, learn about the tools to assess our tree canopy’s current condition and the efforts to improve it; efforts that are key to regional water management as trees ameliorate climate change and help trap rainwater otherwise lost to runoff.- Michele Romolini, Ph.D., Lead Scientist on the Tree Canopy Project and Managing Director, LMU Center for Urban Resilience
- Eric Strauss, Ph.D., President’s Professor of Biology and Executive Director, LMU Center for Urban Resilience
SESSION 8 | 2 – 3:30 P.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
“Closing the Loop: In-vessel Composting at LMU”
This session offers a presentation on the development of campus-wide composting infrastructure, detailing the environmental, educational, and institutional advantages this investment will bring to our campus.- Betsy Corrigan, District Executive Chef at Campus Dining, Sodexo
- Ian McKeown, Campus Sustainability Officer, Loyola Marymount University
- Josh Petteruti, Vice President of Sustainability and Operations, Associated Students of Loyola Marymount University (ASLMU)
- Bill Stonecypher, Manager of Waste Management and University Recycling, Loyola Marymount University
- Trevor Wiseman, Ed.D., Associate Vice President for Operations and Strategy, Loyola Marymount University
SESSION 9 | 4 – 5:30 P.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
“Water, Law and Justice”
This session will provide an overview on the state of environmental regulation under the current U.S. Supreme Court and effects on key justice issues involving water, including changes in wetland protection and action on sea level rise.- Heather Marlowe, Graduate Student in Law, LMU Loyola Law School
- Katherine Tresolini, J.D., Professor of Law, LMU Loyola Law School
- Davina Shoumer, Graduate Student in Law, LMU Loyola Law School
SESSION 10 | 7 – 8:30 P.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
“Shaping the Narrative: Chinatown and the California Water Wars”
Considered one of the great American noir films, Chinatown has played a significant role in shaping the popular narrative of California’s historic water wars. But what is fact, and what is fiction? This evening screening of the film will open with a panel discussion on the impact this film has had, for better or worse, influencing popular opinion on the Los Angeles aqueduct and the Southland’s relationship with its northern water source.- Sean T. Dempsey, S.J., Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair of History, LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
- Richard Hadley, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Film Studies, LMU School of Film and Television
- Michael McNaught, Assistant Director of Operations and Programming, CSJ Center for Reconciliation and Justice
SESSION 11 | 10 – 11:30 A.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
“Are We Making Progress? Methodologies and Measurements for Ecological Renewal”
Though have recently joined the worldwide Laudato Si’ Action platform, a landmark step toward ecological conversion, LMU has long been a practitioner of institutional sustainability and environmental justice. As part of this practice, the university has adopted a number of frameworks to measure progress, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) with the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, and the Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAPs) of the Society of Jesus. This session will outline these frameworks, how they determine progress and success, and where they align with the goals of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform.- Ian McKeown, Campus Sustainability Officer, Loyola Marymount University
- John Sebastian, Ph.D., Professor of English and Vice President for Mission and Ministry, Loyola Marymount University
- Jeff Thies, D.Min., Clinical Associate Professor of Management and Director of the Institute for Business Ethics and Sustainability, LMU College of Business Administration
SESSION 12 | 12 – 1:30 P.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
“A View from Dubai: Insights from the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28)”
In 2020, LMU received non-governmental official observer status by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), opening the opportunity for the university community to be an active participant in international climate change conversations. In this session, members of LMU’s inaugural UNFCCC cohort will share their experiences of participating in COP28 in Dubai last month, including insights on the official proceedings and conversations with climate experts, government officials, and activists.- Roberta Espinoza, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology and Vice Provost for Global-Local Affairs, Loyola Marymount University
- Melissa Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Management, LMU College of Business Administration
- Rebecca Wall, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History, LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
SESSION 13 | 2 – 3:30 P.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
“Doing Our Part: Solving the Ecological Crisis and the Laudato Si’ Action Platform”
Pope Francis released Laudato Si’ or On Care for Our Common Home in 2015, the first papal encyclical to focus on the environment and its destruction. Inspired by this landmark text, the Vatican launched the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, a seven-year initiative of the global Church to achieve real and lasting solutions to the ecological crisis. This symposium marks LMU’s formal commitment to this platform, along with our sponsoring religious communities and 52 of our fellow Jesuit universities – a commitment to transformative action that fulfills the Platform goals by 2030. This session will introduce the Platform, its inspiration and process, and the first steps LMU will take in what aims to be a bold and active response to the present ecological crisis.- Roy Fisher, Ph.D., Senior Instructor in Theology, LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
- John Sebastian, Ph.D., Professor of English and Vice President for Mission and Ministry, Loyola Marymount University
SESSION 14 & 15 | 4 – 8:30 P.M. | WILLIAM H. HANNON LIBRARY
Meeting of the Laudato Si' Action Platform (LSAP) Working Group (Closed Session)
The LSAP Working Group has been convened to address the requirements of the Platform for LMU in this initial year.SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 | 5 & 8 P.M. | SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE, SANTA MONICA
“The Tie”: A Play written and translated from Bosnian by Uma Kurt
The Tie is an original one-act play for two actors, written and directed in 2023 by a young Bosnian high-school actress Uma Kurt, and first performed in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The play is based on true stories collected from high school and college students, and as a goal has to destigmatize and raise awareness about certain frequent issues that occur within adolescents related to; mental health, bullying, domestic abuse, sexual assault and sexual orientation. Q&A session with Marina Stanic, Ph.D., actors, and producer following 5 p.m. performance. Click here for more information.SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 | 5:30 P.M. | FEATHERSTON LIFE SCIENCES AUDITORIUM
Jesuit Conversations: “Healing a Divided Church Through Synodality”
This special event will feature Father Jim Martin, S.J., a renowned author, Editor at Large for America Media, and Delegate to the Synod on Synodality. During the presentation, Father Martin will engage in a stimulating conversation with Carol Costello, a Journalism Instructor and former CNN Anchor. The discussion will revolve around the objectives of the Catholic Church's Synod on Synodality, Father Martin's reflections from the first session, and the preparations for the upcoming second session in October 2024. Click here for more information.