Santa Cruz, CA. Just the name alone conjures up images of surfers, protest rallies, hippies, and, of course, tons of vegan food.

Of course, it didn't get this reputation all on its own. The local school, University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), happens to feature one of the most active student groups in the country—Banana Slugs for Animals (BSA)!

To clear up any confusion, the Banana Slug is the school mascot (you can't make this stuff up). And don't let the quirky name throw you—this group is serious about getting the word out.

So what have the students been up to recently?

Well, for starters, they hosted peta2's provocative Liberation exhibit on campus, educating thousands of students about animal rights, and even catching the attention of the student paper.

They've gathered thousands of petition signatures on peta2's "Meat's Not Green" petition, drawing attention to the environmental devastation caused by the meat industry.



Most recently, they convinced the Crown Merrill dining hall on campus host "Meatless Dining Day"—offering only vegetarian foods all day long! More than 400 students stopped by for breakfast, 900 for lunch, and 550 for dinner, dining on delicious and cruelty-free fare, like black bean cakes with cilantro rice and quinoa, soyrizo pizza, and vegan desserts.

Pretty amazing, right?

In recognition of all of their hard work, we are sending BSA one of our prestigious "Star College Group" awards. I hope you'll all join me in congratulating Banana Slugs for Animals on their tremendous work raising awareness on campus!