The department of environmental studies and the Lilly Program are sponsoring the appearance of John Francis at Denison University. Known as the "Planet Walker," Francis stopped using motorized vehicles for 22 years as an expression of his personal commitment to the creation of a sustainable world. He will talk on "Redefining Environment: Travails of the Planet Walker" at 4:30 p.m. on Monday (April 2) in Room 110 of Barney Davis Hall. The lecture is free and open to the public.

In 1972, after seeing an oil spill in San Francisco Bay, Francis gave up using the internal combustion engine. A year later, he took a vow of silence that lasted 17 years. On the 20th anniversary of Earth Day in 1990, he ended his silence at a gathering of family and friends. He began his walking and sailing pilgrimage around the world in 1983. During the time that he journeyed across the United States, he earned a master of science degree in environmental studies at the University of Montana and a doctorate in land resources at the University of Wisconsin.

Francis was named a United Nations Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassador in 1991. He also has worked as a policy analyst assisting in the development and implementation of a natural resource damage assessment methodology and the analysis of federal oil spill regulations with the United States Coast Guard. He has worked with citizens and the government in Antigua and in Brazil he met with government representatives and the Waimiri-Atroari Indian leaders to discuss the threats to biological diversity on the reservations.

In addition to his lecture, Francis will participate in an Environmental Studies Program's Fireside Chat on Monday evening that will also include students from Kenyon College. The discussion will cover campus sustainability. Francis will also meet with three classes during his time on campus.

Calendar Listing:

CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville -- John Francis, also known as "Planet Walker" will speak on "Redefining Environment: Travails of the Planet Walker"; 4:30 p.m., Monday (April 2), Room 110 Barney Davis Hall (200 West Loop). Free and open to the public. Call 740-587-6763 to confirm information.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575