NBA draft 2020: The Report Card

Catholic University Of America Debuts 25-acre Solar Array, One Of The Largest In Region

It is projected to save more than 7.1 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year, which is equivalent to removing 1,547 cars from the road annually or eliminating the carbon dioxide emissions from more than 800,000 gallons of gasoline, according to the university.

According to CUA, the solar farm is now the region's "largest urban ground-mounted solar array, underscoring our commitment to innovative and sustainable energy solutions." The university is leasing the land to Standard Solar (owned by Brookfield Renewable Partners), which owns and operates the panels and pays rent to CUA.

The project incurred about $1.6 million in initial costs for the university (nearly one-third of which was covered by tax incentives). Standard Solar also benefits from the Solar Investment Tax Credit, and those who receive energy produced from the solar panels are eligible for credits, which reduces the cost of their energy bills.

Over the next two decades, the university estimates that those receiving energy from solar panels will save about $3.5 million in total.

Scott Wiater, the president and CEO of Standard Solar, told CNA the project is "unique" due to its urban location, noting that most large solar farms are built in rural areas. Having a solar farm so close to a large population, he added, reduces the utility costs normally required to transport the energy to its users.

Peter Kilpatrick, the president of CUA, said during the dedication ceremony that the debut of the solar array was "a significant milestone." He praised "the high value of collaboration" between the government of the District of Columbia, the solar company, and the university, saying it shows a "shared vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future."

Former Michigan, Catholic Central Football Player Dies At Age 36

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Obi Ezeh, a former football player at Catholic Central and the University of Michigan, has died at the age of 36.

Michigan football confirmed the death of the star linebacker on Sunday, May 5, 2024.

"We are saddened to hear about the passing of former Wolverine linebacker Obi Ezeh," the post says. "Our prayers go out to his family, friends and former teammates. May he rest in peace."

Ezeh played at Michigan from 2006 through 2010, making 293 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and two interceptions in 49 games.

Ezeh, a former star at Catholic Central, redshirted his first year in Ann Arbor and then earned All-Freshman honors in 2007. He won the Roger Zatkoff Award as Michigan's top linebacker in 2008 while earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.

He was a Butkus Award semifinalist as a redshirt junior.

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Catholic College Defends Pro-abortion Nun As Commencement Speaker Amid Backlash

A Catholic university defended its appointment of a pro-choice "social justice" activist nun as the school's commencement speaker on Thursday amid backlash. 

Sacred Heart University has invited Sister Simone Campbell to be their commencement speaker on May 11 in Fairfield, Connecticut. Campbell is an outspoken progressive Catholic who advocates for social justice causes. She served as an executive director for Lobby for Catholic Social Justice from 2004-2021.

"Sacred Heart University looks forward to welcoming Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, on Saturday and presenting her with an honorary degree," the university said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

A Catholic college sent a statement to Fox News Digital on Thursday defending their appointment of a "social justice" activist nun as commencement speaker in response to a petition that is pushing the school to rescind the invitation for her to speak. 

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However, Sister Campbell's invitation prompted backlash and calls for Sacred Heart University President Dr. John Petillo to rescind her invitation because of her support for abortion and other issues they believe are "condemned by the Catholic Church."

According to the Catholic Vote, the petition seeking to oust Sister Campbell as commencement speaker amassed over 11,000 signatures "in less than two days."

Student Action TFP, a project from the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property, is pushing the petition to have Campbell disinvited as the commencement speaker. 

"I prayerfully urge you to dis-invite Sister Simone Campbell, S.S.S, as a commencement speaker. She supports abortion, women priests, Marxist Liberation Theology, and pro-homosexuality 'pride' – all things condemned by the Catholic Church," the petition reads. 

Sister Campbell's invitation prompted an organization to call for SHU President Dr. John Petillo to dis-invite her due to her support for abortion and other issues they believe are "condemned by the Catholic Church." (iStock)

The petition cites a speech by Sister Campbell delivered at the 2017 Women's March, an event that was co-sponsored by Planned Parenthood. Another instance the petition cited was an interview with Democracy Now! 

"I don't think it's a good policy to outlaw abortion," she said. "The thing that we need to face is that women choose abortion often or most often because they don't have economic options. And I think the shock of our nation is some claim to be pro-life but they're really pro-birth. They don't do what's necessary to support women in carrying a baby to term and providing paid family leave."

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Sister Simone Campbell is scheduled to speak at Sacred Heart University (SHU) on Saturday, May 11, in Fairfield, CT. (Google Maps)

She went on to say, "If we were really serious about being pro-life, we wouldn't look just at birth. From my perspective, I don't think its a good policy to outlaw abortion, I think rather let's focus on economic development for women and economic opportunity. That's what really makes the change."

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SHU officials told Fox News Digital that they "choose to honor Sister Simone for her commitment to the social teachings of the Catholic Church."

"She represents inclusiveness, respect and dignity to all people, and embraces social justice, which are cornerstones of the University's mission," the statement reads. "Sister Simone is steadfast in pursuing the gospel message of caring and love which is reflective of the University's core values. She also will receive another honorary degree from a prominent Catholic University next week and received the Medal of Freedom—the nation's highest civilian award—from President Joe Biden."

Joshua Q. Nelson is a reporter for Fox News Digital.

Joshua focuses on politics, education policy ranging from the local to the federal level, and the parental uprising in education.

Joining Fox News Digital in 2019, he previously graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Political Science and is an alum of the National Journalism Center and the Heritage Foundation's Young Leaders Program. 

Story tips can be sent to joshua.Nelson@fox.Com and Joshua can be followed on Twitter and LinkedIn. 

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