Changemaker series features adventure writer, mountaineer
The Changemaker Speaker Series at the Wachholz College Center continues in the New Year with two additional speakers, adventure writer Kevin Fedarko and mountaineer Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner.
The Changemaker Series is a remarkable platform designed to enlighten, inspire, educate and entertain audiences by presenting changemakers who have pushed the boundaries of their respective fields. Students of all grade levels are welcome to attend any of the Changemaker speaker events completely free of charge and discounted rates are available for teachers and seniors.
“We are so excited to bring Kevin Fedarko and Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner to the Wachholz College Center in 2025,” said Wachholz College Center director Matt Laughlin. “These presentations are informative, educational and inspiring, and we are happy to be able to offer free tickets to students of all grade levels throughout the Flathead Valley. We hope that many parents and students see these events as a great way to spend an evening together learning something new from some of the world’s most renowned explorers, photographers, award-winning journalists, filmmakers, innovators and engineers.”
Taking the stage on Jan. 29 is adventure writer Kevin Fedarko. Fedarko will share highlights of his 750-mile, 100-day trek through the entire length of the Grand Canyon — not “rim to rim” as has been tackled by many — but “end to end” with National Geographic photographer/filmmaker Pete McBride. Kevin is the author of The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History through the Heart of the Grand Canyon, which won the National Outdoor Book Award and the Reading the West Award, was a finalist for a PEN/ESPN Literary Sports Writing Award and the Banff Mountain Book Award, and became a New York Times bestseller.
Through the story and stunning footage of their quest, Fedarko invites attendees to reflect on the health and future of this national treasure and the value of wild spaces.
On March 11, acclaimed mountain climber Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner takes the stage. Gerlinde has climbed all 14 of the seminal 8,000 plus meter peaks, from Annapurna to Everest.
Upon completing the most daunting and feared mountain, K2, in the remote Karakoram range, she became the first woman climber to do so without supplemental oxygen or porters. On stage she shares the highlights of a remarkable career and what it was like to be the first.
Both events will take place at the Wachholz College Center, on the campus of Flathead Valley Community College, and will feature stunning imagery and riveting video footage. Following each presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session, and an audience meet and greet, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with the visiting speakers.
Tickets to individual events range from $15 to $20 for seniors and $20 to $25 for adults.
For more information and ticket details, visit wccmt.org or contact 406-756-1400.
A sunset in the Grand Canyon by Pete McBride.