St. Mary’s College of Maryland students participated their second-ever “Polar Bear Splash” on Thursday afternoon, to raise awareness about global climate change.

 The event was part of the college’s local participation in “Focus The Nation Day”

 Focus The Nation is an educational initiative on global warming solutions for America occurring at more than 1,500 campuses, faith and civic organizations and in all 50 states.

 The largest “teach-in” in U.S. history, Focus The Nation is preparing millions of students to become leaders in the largest challenge any generation has faced.

 At St. Mary’s College, events began for Focus the Nation on Wednesday night, and continued all day Thursday, with programs outlining the climate change problem.

 Classroom lectures and a sustainability fair focusing on the issue took place on campus before the Polar Splash, highlighting issues such as fossil fuel depletion, alternative energies, and the international politics surrounding the issue.

 The day was topped off with a “Do it in the Dark” energy conservation campaign and concert at the campus’ Coffee House.

 See attached video and slideshow for footage from the Polar Splash.

Students charged into the 39-degree waters of the St. Mary’s River to “rescue” a polar bear from rising seas. St. Mary’s College of Maryland photo.