Stephenson Center Lecture on Area Attractions Scheduled for September 15

To open the new academic year and introduce newcomers to the area, the Stephenson Center for Appalachia at Lees-McRae College will present So You Say You Have Nothing To Do?: Plunging Waterfalls, Invigorating Hikes, Entertaining Beasts and Entrancing Sights on September 15 at 7 p.m. in Evans Auditorium. Lees-McRae, the highest elevation campus in the East, sits in the midst of some of the most vibrant natural attractions in the country, providing students with unmatched opportunities of outdoor adventure and relaxation.

“Over the years I have taken students in my photography classes to many beautiful sites only to hear them say that they wished they had known these places were so close. This year I want to introduce our freshmen and others to a variety of scenic attractions and hiking trails that lie within easy access to the campus,” said Dr. Michael Joslin, who will present photographs and stories of waterfalls, hiking trails, scenic locations and area wildlife.

Joslin, the director of the Stephenson Center for Appalachia, has published six books on the region and written hundreds of articles for newspapers and magazines. He has taught journalism, photography and English courses for over two decades at Lees-McRae and has spent many years exploring and photographing the area.

“We invite everyone who is interested in enjoying the many opportunities to experience the natural wonders of the mountains to attend the program,” said Joslin.

The Stephenson Center for Appalachia serves as a resource for anyone interested in learning about the mountains, the culture and history of the area, and its natural wonders. Each semester and during the summer, the Center hosts a series of lectures on Appalachia. Following Joslin’s program, Joshua Simcox will present a reading from his latest novel on October 20, and Dr. Don Johnson and Dr. Jesse Graves will perform a poetry reading on November 3. Each program takes place in Evans Auditorium beginning at 7 p.m.

Stephenson Lectures are free and open to the public. For information, email Michael Joslin at joslin@lmc.edu.