• Seton Hall University
• Center for Catholic Studies

The Laudato Si’ Challenge invited Seton Hall undergraduate students to work in teams to address pressing environmental issues with practical, research-informed solutions inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. Hosted by the Center for Catholic Studies in collaboration with University Core, the inaugural Challenge took place on April 21, 2026, and highlighted student work at the intersection of environmental concern, Catholic intellectual life, and action for the common good. At Seton Hall, the University Core is rooted in questions central to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, and Laudato Si’ is highlighted in Core II, making the Challenge a natural extension of the ideas students encounter in the curriculum.

2026 Winning Teams

First Place — Sisters of Water

Carly Hunter, Adeline Hulsey and Bella Kaplan
Sisters of Water explored water stewardship as both an environmental and ethical concern, proposing practical ways to promote conservation, awareness, and care for our common home.

Second Place — Project Planet

Talynn Diaz, Nicole Uretzky and Zahir Mooring

Project Planet developed a student-centered sustainability concept focused on encouraging practical environmental action and greater ecological responsibility across campus.

Third Place — Loraxes

Amy Kugelman and Floey Seals

The Loraxes presented a proposal inspired by environmental advocacy and care for creation, inviting students to see sustainability as a shared responsibility.

Honorable Mention — Iron Equity Initiative

Jack Smith and Aakash Arumugam

Iron Equity Initiative connected environmental sustainability with equity, highlighting the importance of addressing ecological concerns alongside social impact and access.