ATCC Foundation

Senior College kicks off spring season with free lecture: Beyond Extinction: On Nature's Value and Causes for Hope

ATCC’s Senior College kicks off its Spring Season with a free lecture on Thursday, March 12 at 3:15pm in the the ATCC Technology and Information Center (Auditorium 743).  The event is free and open to the public. 

In May 2019, “One million species at risk of extinction” was all over the news. Media were reporting on a global, intergovernmental report three years in the making that documents destruction of nature around the world. The report was much more than that; however, illustrating people’s dependence on nature as well as how the future might look different.

Dr. Kate A. Brauman, lead scientist for the Global Water Initiative at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment and coordinating lead author of the UN report, will discuss the primary findings, including how changes in nature affect human well-being.  

Compiled by 145 scientist-authors from 50 countries, with input from another 310 scientists, the Global Assessment tracks changes in nature and human wellbeing over the past five decades. By linking people with nature and showing how people are part of nature, the report demonstrates that by protecting nature we protect ourselves.  Dr. Brauman also leads the U of M Impact Goal to ensure safe water for all Minnesotans.

Senior College has another great line up for its Spring Lecture Series

History, Geography, Journalism, Law, Music, Literature, Biology, Political Science, International Relations, Peace Studies and Drama are on the docket. The Spring Lecture Series begins Thursday, March 12 with the kick-off and continues through April 30, meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:15-5:15pm. College-level scholars from around Minnesota and beyond will provide provocative lectures on a variety of topics and current issues (see this season’s line-up).  This term includes a partnership with CLSO and Lyria Trio which offers special discounts to performances and lectures by Minnesota’s Poet Laureate and NYT notable book author with Minnesota connections.

Admission for the lecture series is by season membership only.  A single registration fee of $110 covers all 14 lectures, including coffee and cookies.  For more information or to register, please contact the Customized Training Center at 762-4510 or 888-234-1313 or visit www.alextech.edu/SeniorCollege.

ABOUT SENIOR COLLEGE

Senior College of West Central Minnesota offers a lecture series each Fall and Spring and a short course in Winter.  Faculty from Minnesota’s colleges and universities give lectures on a variety of topics – from history, political science and economics, science and literature, to philosophy, art and current affairs.   Designed for adults 50+, adults of all ages are welcome.   Senior College aims to “bring the liberal arts to life” offering informative and challenging college level learning that is simulating and social without the pressures of tests, grades or degrees. Established in the Fall of 2006, the first season was offered in the Spring of 2007. 

Senior College Spring 2020 Lectures

• Beyond Extinction: On Nature’s Value and Causes for Hope, Dr. Kate A. Brauman, Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota (FREE kickoff session!)
• The New Green Revolution for Africa, Bill Moseley, Geography/Food, Agriculture & Society, Macalester College
• Are Birds Dinosaurs?, Van Gooch, Biology, University of Minnesota Morris
• Women in Classical Music, Past and Present, Members of the Lyra Trio, the Fargo Moorhead Symphony and faculty of Concordia College, Minnesota State and NDSU with Brad Lambrecht, CLSO
• In Search of Krazy Kat, Michael Tisserand – author of KRAZY, a New York Times notable book
• Border Crisis? Central American Immigration in Historical Perspective, Brian Larkin, History, College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University
• All the News That’s Fit to Ignore: Changing Audiences for Political Information Online and Offline, Benjamin Toff, Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Minnesota
• What’s Next on the Docket for Net Neutrality?, Christopher Terry, Journalism/Mass Communications, University of Minnesota
• The U.S. Supreme Court in a Polarized Age: Losing Legitimacy or a Stabilizing Force?, Patrick Schmidt, Political Science/Legal Studies, Macalester College
• Geopolitics and Global Governance, Tom Hanson, Diplomat in Residence, University of Minnesota Duluth
• Prescription for a Healthier Planet?  A Strong Dose of Climate Justice, Jeff Anderson, Peace Studies, College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University
• The Trump Administration in Latin America: The Return of the Monroe Doctrine, Gary Prevost, Political Science, College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University
• What's So Great About Shakespeare!--Act II, Roger Schultz, Theatre History and Dramatic Literature, Texas A&M University
• My Love Affair with Willa Cather, Annette Atkins, History, College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University
• Why We Need Poetry, Joyce Sutphen, English, Gustavus Adolphus College and Minnesota Poet Laureate