On February 13, One Night One EARTH, a cocktail gala in Washington, D.C., will be held in support of EARTH University.  Founded in 1986 by USAID, the Government of Costa Rica and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, through an innovative and experiential approach to higher education in agriculture EARTH prepares young people to make a difference in the world, particularly in the rural communities of the tropics.

Co-chairing the event are Her Excellency Muni Figueres, Ambassador of Costa Rica to the United States; and His Excellency Ambassador Edgar Ugalde Alvarez, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the Organization of American States. In addition the event is being supported by a Diplomatic Host Committee that includes the Ambassadors to the United States from Nicaragua, Ecuador, Honduras, Kenya, South Africa and Mozambique.

Her Excellency Nathalie Cely Suárez, Ambassador of Ecuador, remarked: "As a proud citizen of one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, I am pleased to support EARTH University's work preparing young professionals to contribute positively not only to their environment but also to the sustainable development of their countries."

The gala will take place between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. at the Organization of American States’ Main Building, with light dinner fare and refreshments. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Julie Howard, Chief Scientist at USAID Bureau for Food Security, and Senior Advisor to the Administrator on Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education. Also speaking at the event will be Dr. Franklin Chang-Diaz, Ad Astra Rocket Company CEO and President, the first Latino Astronaut inducted into the NASA Hall of Fame and EARTH University Board member; as well as EARTH alumnus Pierre Paul Audate (‘10, Haiti), who has received accolades for his work with TechnoServe, helping small-scale mango farmers in Haiti access credit for the first time.

Organized by EARTH’s President’s Advisory Board and President’s Young Advisory Board, the event will be an opportunity to learn about the University’s hands-on, experiential learning model, unique Entrepreneurial Projects Program (in which students receive loans from EARTH to open socially- and environmentally-responsible businesses), and partnership with Whole Foods Market.

The University thanks the event’s supporters: Exxon Mobil, Standard Solar, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the World Food Program. Funds raised during the event will go to EARTH University Foundation to support programs at EARTH.

Tickets are available online for $125 through February 11, and on the night of the event, tickets can be purchased at the door for $150.  For guests under age 30, a special price of $50 is available. Cocktail attire is recommended, and parking will be available.

To learn more or purchase tickets visit: www.earth.ac.cr/onenightoneearth.

About EARTH University

Since 1990, EARTH University’s innovative educational approach has been preparing young people from Latin America, the Caribbean and other regions, including Africa and Asia, to contribute to the sustainable development of their countries and construct a prosperous and just society. EARTH offers a rigorous four-year undergraduate program in agricultural sciences and natural resources management and a prestigious, international faculty, providing a world-class education that emphasizes science and technology, values, ethical entrepreneurship and environmental and social commitment. Students graduate from EARTH with a licenciatura degree in the Agricultural Sciences, which is between a bachelor’s and a master’s degree of science.  Of the 1,722 alumni, 88% work in their country of origin and those who have been graduated for 10 years or more have created an average of four jobs each. For more information, visit www.earth.ac.cr.

About EARTH University Foundation

EARTH University Foundation was formed to support the educational vision of Costa Rica-based EARTH University through generous gifts from the global community and other programs and initiatives. The Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Tax-deductible contributions through EARTH University Foundation will help to provide a quality agricultural and entrepreneurial education to future leaders who would not otherwise have such opportunities. To give a gift to EARTH through the EARTH University Foundation, visit www.earth-usa.org.

OLD DO NOT USE EARTH University

OLD DO NOT USE EARTH University

Since 1990, EARTH University’s innovative educational approach has been preparing young people from Latin America, the Caribbean and other regions, including Africa and Asia, to contribute to the sustainable development of their countries and construct a prosperous and just society. EARTH offers a rigorous four-year undergraduate program in agricultural sciences and natural resources management and a prestigious, international faculty, providing a world-class scientific and technological education that emphasizes values, ethical entrepreneurship and environmental and social commitment.

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