JACKIE ALBRECHT NEWS EDITOR
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a passion for protecting the environment and believes environmental resources belong to the people, not corporations, Service Task Force co-chair Roy Ventullo said.
Kennedy spoke at three events during his visit to Wartburg Thursday. Kennedy discussed topics such as environmental issues, service, faith and alternative energy.
“To me, his presentations show how powerful the integration of the pillars of our mission statement can be,” Ventullo said in reference to Wartburg’s pillars of leadership, service, faith and learning.
Kennedy received the Graven Award for his work in society with environmental issues during a ceremony Thursday morning.
The Graven Award is given annually to one person who follows a Christian calling and makes significant contributions to the community.
After receiving the award, Kennedy discussed how his faith influences what and why he does things in life.
Zach Barnes said he was excited for Kennedy to visit Wartburg and thought Kennedy was an excellent candidate for the Graven Award.
“I thought that what he does, and how he works it into the very nature of his life, is very well suited for someone speaking at a liberal arts school,” Barnes said.
During a small group discussion Thursday afternoon, Kennedy discussed factory farms and their effect on small farm families and local communities.
DeEtta Bohling attended the small discussion with Kennedy.
“As an environmental activist and attorney, RFK Jr. was able to share his experiences in working with hog confinements and family farms, which touched home for many of the students in the room coming from Iowa and the surrounding areas,” Bohling said.
Barnes and Bohling both said they felt Kennedy was a great role model for students and other members of the Wartburg community.
“Although I may not have agreed with him 100 percent of the time, he is certainly a great example of someone who is an excellent advocate of what they stand for,” Barnes said.
Additionally, Bohling said people should not solely focus on whether they agree with everything Kennedy has done because there are lessons to take away from his work.
“It is important to note that he does speak up for what he feels is right and does a nice job of educating others about his work,” Bohling said.
Kennedy’s visit marked the beginning of the Commission on Mission Service Task Force events.
Other service task force events including the Go Green Fair took place on Friday and Saturday.
Photo by Brittany Feagans/TRUMPET