Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

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Geography

Courses & Events

Antarctica

According to historians Antarctica was officially discovered in 1829 by Captain von Bellingshausen, a German sailing under the flag of the Russian empire. Among the seven continents it is fifth in size but is the highest, driest, and coldest of all continents. It is of interest for economic, scientific research and exploration. We will discuss what life is like there, its beauty, and dangers as well as scientific allure.


Instructor Bios:
Gisela A.M. Dreschhoff has spent a total of 20 field seasons in both polar regions, Antarctic, and Greenland, studying the effects of solar particles on the polar atmosphere which leaves a signature in the ice to be studied in ice cores. Some of her honors include a mountain peak in Antarctic named the Dreschhoff Peak. She has been named Fellow of The Explorers Club and currently she has an adjunct appointment in geology and physics/astronomy at KU.

Ernest Angino is a retired professor of geology and civil engineering at the University of Kansas. He has spent more than 45 years studying energy resources and Antarctic geochemistry. Among his honors is the Angino Buttress, a mountain range in Antarctic. He has also worked in radiation science that led to the development of the Lithium Fluoride Dosimeter.

Randy Van Schmus is a retired KU geology professor (1967-2007). His specialty is measuring ages of old rocks, and he has done research in Africa, Antarctica, Brazil, Canada as well as the U.S.A. He also did research on meteorites while in the USAF.

Friday, August 2, 2024, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility In Person

Irish, German and Italian Immigrants in 19th- and 20th-century America

What caused massive numbers of Irish, Germans and Italians to come to our shores in the 19th and early 20th centuries? What was the reaction of the native-born to these strangers? To what extent did the newcomers try to stick together, blend in, advance or return to their old country? What contributions did these immigrants, and their offspring make to this country?


Instructor Bio: Carl Graves, Ph.D., holds a master's degree in U.S. history from KU and a doctorate from Harvard. He taught at the university and community college levels, and at Kansas City's Pembroke Hill School.

July 12-26, 2024, Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging In Person