The popular Life-Long Learning Lecture Series at Fort Lewis College will resume on January 15, 2024, featuring a diverse range of topics from nuclear weapons to environmental sustainability. This marks the 26th year of the free educational program designed to foster community engagement and knowledge sharing.
The series will kick off with a presentation by Billy Nollet, a nuclear engineer, who will discuss the mechanics of nuclear weapons and the concept of Mutual Assured Destruction. The event will take place from 19:00 to 20:30 in 130 Noble Hall, where attendees can expect an hour-long lecture followed by a 30-minute discussion.
Winter-Spring Lineup of Engaging Topics
The upcoming series features an impressive roster of presenters, many of whom are faculty members from Fort Lewis College. Gary Rottman, the Life-Long Learning team leader, expressed enthusiasm about the variety of topics and speakers this season. “This winter, we have an unusually high number of FLC faculty presenters, contributing to rich discussions across disciplines,” he stated.
The scheduled topics include:
– **January 22:** Environmental sociologist Becky Clausen will discuss “Reclaiming the Commons Through Collective Action,” focusing on local case studies aimed at creating equitable communities.
– **January 29:** Physician and historian Kip Boyd will share the story of William T. Kirkpatrick, a businessman influential in Durango’s post-Civil War development.
– **February 5:** Professors Paul DeBell and Candace Nadon will examine the connection between the SkyPEP partnership and political engagement.
– **February 12:** Barbara McLachlan, a fourth-generation Coloradan, will reflect on her great-grandmother’s role in establishing Colorado’s historical monument program.
– **February 19:** Presenters Ruby Rain Williams and Kira Tenney will discuss the cultural revitalization that followed the removal of a dam on the Klamath River.
– **February 26:** Attorney Frank Lockwood will explore conflict resolution techniques in his discussion on the discomforts of conflict.
– **March 5:** Peter Butler, with 30 years of experience in mine remediation, will delve into San Juan County’s mining history and its environmental consequences.
– **March 12:** Retired solar physicist Gary Rottman will describe the science behind the aurora borealis.
– **March 26:** Cory Pillen and Amy Cao from the Center of Southwest Studies will present their interdisciplinary research collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
– **April 2:** Biology professor Tim Korpita will discuss the impact of a new fungal pathogen on local species.
– **April 9:** Amy Wendland will explore the contributions of Victorian women artist-scientists to botanical research.
– **April 16:** History professor Andrew Gulliford will provide an update on the ongoing developments surrounding the Bears Ears National Monument.
Logistics and Participation Details
All presentations are free to attend, with no tickets required. Parking is available without charge, and attendees can access the venue via the ramp located south of Noble Hall for added safety during winter conditions.
For further information, interested individuals can visit www.fortlewis.edu/LLL or contact Gary Rottman directly via email at [email protected]. This initiative, co-sponsored by the Office of the President and the FLC Professional Associates, aims to enrich the community’s educational landscape through accessible and engaging programming.
As the series begins, the community is encouraged to join these discussions that promise to illuminate various facets of contemporary issues and historical narratives.
