Center for Sustainability seminar series opens with former NFL player
Two-time All-Pro and former NFL player Ovie Mughelli will be a featured speaker at this year’s Sustainability Seminar Series hosted by Georgia Southern University’s Center for Sustainability (CfS). Mughelli will present his lecture, “Empowering the Next Generation through Greening Sports,” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 3 in the Performing Arts Center on the Statesboro Campus. The event is free and open to the public.
“We are particularly excited to host former Atlanta Falcon, Ovie Mughelli, because he is our first speaker in the 11-year series to connect sustainability and athletics,” said Lissa Leege, Ph.D., director of the CfS. “His talk will offer something for everyone as he discusses themes of leadership and teamwork, public health, environmental justice and sports. His story will bring a whole new perspective to environmental issues and inspire his audience to rise up and take action.”
The former fullback founded The Ovie Mughelli Foundation where he is educating and empowering the next generation of green leaders. He is working to diversify the green industry, giving equal access to all the benefits that green spaces provide.
Mughelli started a national initiative to change the throw-away culture surrounding sporting events into one that is eco-friendly and sustainable, and he is closing the skills gap for kids from underrepresented and underserved communities. Ultimately, he wants to leave a legacy that will allow youth to have a better future as he advocates for healthy environmental practices and educates kids about the need for everyone to take an active role in saving the planet.
He has worked with and been acknowledged by leaders in the earth protection movement, and has developed partnerships with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Sierra Club and Green Sports Alliance. He was named one of the world’s top Eco Athlete’s by the Planet Green Foundation and was the closing speaker at the White House’s Sports and Sustainability Conference.
Through his achievements, Mughelli has created a STEM-focused and diverse graphic novel, gamification app and curriculum that educates kids and teens on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the environment.
Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving more than 26,000 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.
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