Bozeman Magazine

Montana State University Wonderlust and the MSU Alumni Foundation will host a series of online programs in June and July that highlight the state of Montana. “Montana Faces and Places 2020” is four two-part programs offered through the Wonderlust Travel Series. The program is designed to deepen participants’ knowledge and appreciation of the diverse people, communities and landscapes in the state.

Each program will be broken up into two one-hour sections. The presentations are as follows:

“Finding Adventure, Beauty and New Friends on Montana’s Open Roads”

• June 29 and 30, 10 to 11 a.m.: Based on their recent 22-day, 2,000-mile circular road trip within the state, outdoor enthusiasts Jeff and Sara King will share ideas for creating lively and meaningful travel experiences on and near Montana’s open roads.

“Montana’s Remote Centennial Valley and Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge”

• July 7 and 9, 10 to 11 a.m.: Bill West, a retired manager of the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, will lead a virtual visit through Centennial Valley and outline its history, including the establishment of the refuge.

“In the Spotlight: Rocky Mountain Laboratory in Hamilton, Montana”

• July 14 and 16, 4 to 5 p.m.: Dr. Marshall E. Bloom of the Rocky Mountain Laboratory will discuss its century-old history, its transition into a National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases under Dr. Anthony Fauci and its vital role in the coronavirus pandemic.

“Montana’s Sibanye-Stillwater Mine: An Overview of Best Mining Practices by a Global Palladium and Platinum Producer”

• July 20 and 21, 9 to 10 a.m.: Paul Holick, senior development geologist at the mine, will outline the mining history of the Stillwater Complex in southcentral Montana, while Randy Weimer – who supervises the environmental group at the mine – will address environmental and economic impacts and modern mining practices.

More information on the programs and presenters can be found at ato.montana.edu/continuinged/.

These programs are open to the public, but advance registration is required. For Wonderlust members and MSU alumni and retirees, the cost to enroll for one two-part program is $15, or $50 for all four. For everyone else the cost to enroll for one two-part program is $25, or $65 for all four. To register, please visit www.montana.edu/wonderlust/. After registering, participants will receive an email with the Webex link, instructions to join the program and additional program-related information.

For more information, contact Bobbi Geise at 406-994-6550 or bobbi.geise@montana.edu.

Wonderlust is a program of Academic Technology and Outreach at MSU. ATO works across the university to support and advance its land-grant mission through unique and innovative opportunities for outreach and engagement.