The future of civilization. Durango’s history. Southwestern drought and Chopin’s Preludes. These are a few of the topics to be explored in Fort Lewis College’s annual free lecture series.
“We’re completing our 21st year of Life-Long Learning presentations,” said Gary Rottman, program leader, and member of the FLC Professional Associates. “We had hoped to be live this fall, but our programs will be presented virtually as webinars. Each will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday evenings. Questions will be welcome at the end of the one-hour presentations.”
Since winter 2000, the FLC Professional Associates, a volunteer organization of college supporters, have co-sponsored the free town-gown lecture series with the Office of the President. The goal has always been to present a variety of relevant topics by a mixture of FLC faculty, community members and when possible, national and international experts.
If you go
WHAT: FLC Fall Life Long Learning Online Lecture Series.
WHEN: Thursday evenings, 7 p.m. from Sept. 2 to Dec. 2.
WHERE: www.fortlewis.edu/LLL.
TICKETS: Free.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.fortlewis/edu/LLL or contact Gary Rottman, www.gsorcer@hotmail.com.
Noteworthy this fall, Rottman said, will be the Oct. 7 presentation by Stanford professor Paul Ehrlich, an eminent American biologist and National Academy of Science member. Ehrlich will discuss “The Origins of Civilization’s Ghastly Future,” a topic he and his wife, Anne, have examined since the publication in 1968 of their influential book: “The Population Bomb.”
Here’s the fall lineup:
Sept. 2. “A Most Awful and Sublime Spectacle”: Steamboat Explosions, Train Wrecks, and the Meaning of Modern Danger in 19th Century America. Historian and FLC faculty member Paul Kuenker will discuss how Americans have encountered and interpreted disasters.
Sept. 9. Fire and Stone: St. Mark’s Church in Early Durango. John A.K. (Kip) Boyd will explore the church’s history and its key figures.
Sept. 16. Dwight D. Eisenhower. Living History scholar Doug Mishler will present as the 34th president in a Chautauqua-style program.
Sept. 23. Amelia Earhart. Living History scholar Elsa Wolff will present as the famous American aviatrix.
Sept. 30. Why Does Durango Look the Way it Does? Arts journalist Judith Reynolds will explore our odd and eclectic downtown Victorian architecture.
Oct. 7. The Origins of Civilization’s Ghastly Future. Scientist Paul Ehrlich will address the history and seriousness of our current global situation.
Oct. 14. Women’s Education, Poverty and Fertility. Economist and demographer David Lam will review trends and discuss challenges.
Oct. 21. Mysteries Cassini Did Not Solve. Professor Larry Esposito will discuss how new data have shaped our understanding of Saturn.
Oct. 28. The Romantic Richness of Chopin’s Preludes. San Juan Symphony conductor Thomas Heuser will examine the composer’s magical 24 preludes.
Nov. 4. How Climate Change Affects Wildflowers in the Rocky Mountains. Principal investigator at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory will share unique insights into climate change and wildflowers.
Nov. 11. The Challenges of Drought in Durango. Professor emeritus at Smith College Dick White will discuss currents responses and efforts.
Nov. 18. Restoring Our Forests and Improving Plant Diversity. FLC Biology professor Julie Korb will examine various paths leading to resilience and diversity.
Dec. 2. Tourism in Colorado: An Unnatural History. University of Denver History professor William Philipott will explore the marketing of Colorado’s vacation allure.
