U to You Lecture Series

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Larry D. Mansch, UM

Attorney, Montana Innocence Project

7 p.m. | Jan. 24

The Innocence Project in Montana

Attorney Larry D. Mansch will open the series with a discussion of the work of the Innocence Project in Montana, of which he was legal director for six years. Under his direction, the Project secured the exoneration of seven individuals who had been wrongfully convicted and who had collectively served more than 100 years in prison for crimes they didn’t commit. 

Mansch received his juris doctor degree from Creighton University School of Law in 1983. He has taught sociology and criminology classes at UM , taught classes in the Montana Osher Lifetime Learning Institute and written six books. He retired from the military as a lieutenant colonel in 2011.


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Dr. Rob Thomas, UM Western

Professor of Geology 

7 p.m. | Feb. 7

Geothermal Energy and Geologic History of Montana

The series will continue with Dr. Rob Thomas, regents professor of geology at University of Montana Western,  discussing “Geothermal Energy and Geologic History of Montana.” The talk will be a broad overview of geologic history of the state from the metamorphic basement rocks formed nearly 4 billion years ago to the arrival of humans in “recent” times.

Thomas has authored or co-authored more than 75 publications, including the second edition of  “Roadside Geology of Montana,” which received the High Plains Book Award in 2021. He is technical adviser to the Clark Fork Coalition and loves to play guitar around a campfire.


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Dr. Angela Des Jardins, MSU

Associate Research Professor, Department of Physics

7 p.m. | Feb. 21

Great American Eclipse 2024

MSU professor Dr. Angela Des Jardins will discuss a total solar eclipse to cross the United States from Texas through Maine on April 8, 2024. In her talk, she will preview events planned for April, including the NASA Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project, which she leads. 

Although this eclipse is just seven years after the 2017 event, there won’t be another in the US until 2044. Learn how total solar eclipses work and what to expect in Montana. Solar glasses will be provided. Des Jardins has bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from MSU. She is an associate research professor in the physics department and director of the Montana Space Grant Consortium.


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Dr. Jayne Downey, MSU

Director, Center for Research on Rural Education

7 p.m. | March. 13

Rural Education: The Power of Place

​MSU Professor Dr. Jayne Downey will present the final lecture. Her talk will explore ways in which rural educators are drawing upon the strengths and assets of  their communities to build important knowledge and connections for students.​

In addition to teaching, Downey is director of the Center for Research on Rural Education at MSU. She is on the board of the Montana Small Schools Alliance working on behalf of 140 of Montana’s rural and remote schools. She is on the board of the Montana Small Schools Alliance working on behalf of 140 of Montana’s rural and remote schools. She received the 2022 Career Achievement Award from the American Educational Research Association.


The 2024 lectures will be held in person at Great Falls College.

Location: Heritage Hall (map)

Cost

Entire series: $25

Individual Lecture General: $10

Individual Lecture Students: $5

Limited seating available

To purchase tickets call (406) 899-0277.

Tickets also available at Kaufmans and Leslie’s Hallmark in the Holiday Village Mall.


The "Bringing the U to You" Lecture Series is a collaborative effort of the UM Alumni Association and the MSU Alumni Foundation.

If you have questions regarding these lectures, contact the UM Alumni Association at 406-243-5211 or at alumni@umontana.edu

The U to You Committee is a group of the University of Montana and Montana State University alumni committed to connecting the campuses to the Great Falls area through stimulating educational experiences.