EcoScholars and SGA Host Exciting Campus Event at Texas A&M-San Antonio

Texas A&M University-San Antonio recently hosted an engaging Wildlife Movie Night, co-sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA) and EcoScholars. This event took place on November 11 in the campus auditorium, showcasing H-E-B’s docuseries “Our Texas, Our Future.” The series features five short films focusing on Texas state parks, wildlife species like bats and ocelots, and the rising environmental issues in the state.

Focus on Wildlife Conservation

Jesus Lopez, the acting president of EcoScholars, highlighted the importance of wildlife education among students. “Many see critical issues on social media but lack understanding of their significance and related actions,” he explained.

Event Highlights

Before the screening, representatives from both EcoScholars and the Alamo Group of the Sierra Club addressed attendees. They discussed pressing global and local environmental concerns, particularly biodiversity loss and habitat destruction.

• Jesus Lopez emphasized active participation in conservation efforts.
• Caroleena Mancilla, SGA president and junior biology major, shared A&M-San Antonio’s sustainability initiatives.
• These initiatives include transitioning to LED lighting and utilizing rainwater cisterns in the Madla Building.

Mancilla stressed the significance of student involvement in sustainability practices through community engagement. The Sierra Club’s local chapter also expressed a strong desire to involve younger generations in environmental activism.

Get Involved

Alan Montemayor, chairman of the Sierra Club’s local chapter, urged young people to embrace the club’s motto: “Think globally. Act locally.” He emphasized the necessity of youth involvement in current environmental efforts.

Participants interested in local conservation can engage with the Sierra Club through monthly meetings, a newsletter, and nature outings. Despite the serious topics, attendees enjoyed complimentary snacks from Keep San Antonio Beautiful, enhancing the communal atmosphere.

Attendee Experiences

The event attracted diverse participants, from friends gathering for a movie night to those with a keen interest in wildlife. Freshman biology major Gabby Zamora mentioned, “We wanted to hang out and see the event.” Another attendee, Fatima Rahman, expressed her fascination with wildlife, stating, “I just like animals and how they live.”

This Wildlife Movie Night was an attempt to reach the broader A&M-San Antonio community alongside the general public. The event aimed to foster awareness on the importance of protecting Texas’s natural environments and ecosystems.

Learn More

While Wildlife Movie Night has concluded, the H-E-B “Our Texas, Our Future” series remains accessible online. For more details on campus engagement or initiatives with EcoScholars, visit their Instagram @tamusaecoscholars. Additionally, information regarding the Sierra Club can be found on their official website.