Adventuring 60° North to 60° South: Polar Stories from the Edges of the Earth

Did you know that a polar bear has never met a penguin? That’s because polar bears live in the Arctic, near the North Pole, while penguins reside half a world away in the Southern Hemisphere, closer to Antarctica. There’s so much to learn about these distant, icy realms, and this is your chance to dive in! Join us for an unforgettable pole-to-pole exploration of Earth’s most remote and awe-inspiring regions. Our special guests are Juli-Ann Gasper, a retired Creighton professor and world traveler, and her husband Joseph Gasper, a masterful photographer. They’ll share stories and insights from expeditions to these remote corners of the earth.

From the icy fjords of Svalbard to the towering glaciers of Alaska, and across the windswept wildlife sanctuaries of Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands, this presentation offers a rare glimpse into the wonders of the polar world. With the curiosity of lifelong learners and the heart of storytellers, the Gaspers bring together firsthand experiences, scientific knowledge gathered from onboard scientists, and their own passions for spreading scientific knowledge.
Their most recent journey—just weeks ago—brought them face to face with one of the most talked-about events in polar science: they sailed past the colossal iceberg A23a just one day before it grounded off South Georgia Island, an event now closely watched by scientists worldwide.

Featuring vivid photography, engaging anecdotes, and even a peek at Juli-Ann’s children’s book inspired by Arctic animals in Svalbard, this talk blends adventure with education in a way that’s both meaningful and fun. Whether you dream of venturing to the poles yourself, or simply love learning about the world's wildest places, come prepared to be transported!

Schedule:
6:30 PM: Social time – Grab a drink, mingle, and meet fellow travelers
7 PM: Presentation by Juli-Ann & Joseph Gasper – Discover the wonders of the polar world through their eyes
8 PM-ish: Event finishes
Also, don't forget our exciting new venue! This event is at the German American Society, which is opening just for our Travel & Culture Group. We’ll have plenty of parking, a variety of drinks for purchase (including imported German beer, a variety of spirits, and refreshing non-alcoholic options), along with a couple snack options.
Looking forward to seeing everyone there!