
So you say you have nothing to do?: A Stephenson Center for Appalachia lecture
The picturesque High Country summer may only be beaten by its spectacular autumn.
For those looking to make the most of this special time of year, the Stephenson Center for Appalachia at Lees-McRae will present its program, So You Say You Have Nothing To Do?: Plunging Waterfalls, Invigorating Hikes, Entertaining Beasts, and Entrancing Sights.
The first lecture of the new academic year will be on Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. in Evans Auditorium within the Cannon Student Center. All Stephenson Center for Appalachia lectures are free and open to the public.
With the highest elevation campus in the East, Lees-McRae 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,” said Michael Joslin, who will present photographs and stories of waterfalls, hiking trails, scenic locations, and area wildlife. “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.”
Joslin, the director of the Stephenson Center for Appalachia, has published seven books on the region and written hundreds of articles for newspapers and magazines. He has taught journalism, photography, and English courses for three decades at the college 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. “We will present a variety of opportunities for hiking and sightseeing to fit people of all ages and conditions.”
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.
Stephenson Center lectures are free and open to the public. For information, email Michael Joslin at joslin@lmc.edu.