From ecological depletion to resolving conflicts, topics covered in the winter Life-Long Lecture Series at Fort Lewis College include the grand and the granular. Opening with a discussion about nuclear weapons on Jan. 15, the series launches its 26th year of free town-gown programs. Parking is free, and you can walk up icy stairs or take the easy ramp south of Noble Hall and walk into the classroom building more safely.
“This winter, we have an unusually high number of FLC faculty presenters from nuclear engineer Billy Nollet to Cory Pillen, director of the Center of Southwest Studies,” said Gary Rottman, LLL team leader. “Every program is in 130 Noble Hall and runs about an hour with 30 minutes for questions and discussion. We hope to see a good crowd for each presentation.”
If you go
WHAT: Fort Lewis College Winter-Spring Life Long Learning Lecture Series.
WHEN: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 15 to April 16.
WHERE: 130 Noble Hall, Center of Southwest Studies and Roshong Recital Hall, FLC, 1000 Rim Drive.
TICKETS: Free.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.fortlewis.edu/LLL or email Gary Rottman, www.gsorcer@hotmail.com.
First launched in January 2000, the series is co-sponsored by the Office of the President and the FLC Professional Associates, a volunteer organization of college supporters.
Jan. 15: FLC nuclear engineer Billy Nollet will discuss nuclear weapons, how they work and why Mutual Assured Destruction remains the unwritten law of our time.
Jan. 22: Environmental sociologist Becky Clausen will explore “Reclaiming the Commons Through Collective Action” using local case studies to build equitable communities and regenerative food systems.
Jan. 29: Physician and historian Kip Boyd will tell the tale of William T. Kirkpatrick, a businessman who arrived in Durango after the Civil War and made significant contributions to the area.
Feb. 5: FLC professors Paul DeBell and Candace Nadon will examine the link between the SkyPEP partnership and Skywords Visiting Writers to explore further political engagement.
Feb. 12: Fourth-generation Coloradan Barbara McLachlan will explore how her great-grandmother helped start Colorado’s historical monument program.
Feb. 19: Ruby Rain Williams and Kira Tenney will share how a dam removal on the Klamath River spurred cultural revitalization and empowered Indigenous youth leadership.
Feb. 26: Attorney Frank Lockwood will discuss the discomforts of conflict and examine proven techniques to better manage and resolve difficult and tense situations. March 5: Peter Butler, a 30-year veteran of mine remediation in the Animas Watershed, will explore San Juan County’s mining history and environmental impacts.
March 12: Retired solar physicist Gary Rottman will describe the physical processes that produce the stunning light effects of the aurora borealis.
March 19: Spring Break, no program
March 26: Cory Pillen and Amy Cao of the Center of Southwest Studies will discuss collaborating with the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Scientific Research and the FLC Chemistry Department to conduct interdisciplinary materials research.
April 2: FLC biology professor Tim Korpita will examine a new fungal pathogen and how it has dramatically impacted local species.
April 9: FLC professor Amy Wendland will explore how Victorian women artist-scientists opened a back door into the world of botanical research.
April 16: FLC history professor Andrew Gulliford will update the Bears Ears National Monument story.
