"The Endless Knot"

Last semester the MSU Leadership Institute held the Bozeman premier of the documentary "The Endless Knot". This lecture was a benefit for the Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation. World renowned alpinist Conrad Anker and author Jennifer Lowe-Anker discussed their life story, as well as introduce adventure filmmaker Michael Brown and the Bozeman premier of his award-winning documentary, The Endless Knot.

Brown's 57- minute film The Endless Knot chronicles the friendship of two men, the love of family, overcoming survivor's guilt and helping others to avoid a similar fate. Alex Lowe's death was one of many sad stories that unfold when families lose loved ones in the mountains. The celebrated high altitude Sherpas of the Himalayas suffer more loss of life than any other group as they work at extreme altitude for Western expeditions. Brown's film follows Conrad and Jennifer as they seek meaning beyond tragedy with the Khumbu Climbing School, a mountaineering school for Sherpas and high altitude Nepali workers. Under the direction of the Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation, the Khumbu Climbing School was launched in 2002.

Spring 2008

Dr. Jane Goodall with an orphan Chimpanzee at the Tchimpounga Sanctuary in the Republic of Congo
©Michael Neugebauer

In Spring 2008, Dr. Jane Goodall, world-renowned primatologist, environmentalist and humanitarian, addressed current work at the Gombe Stream Research Center in Tanzania, where research into our closest relative-the chimpanzee-has been ongoing since 1960. Dr. Goodall also spoke to the exciting work of her global youth program Roots & Shoots, which is active in more than 100 countries worldwide. Through this powerful and innovative program, youth of all ages, preschool through college, improve their communities through service learning projects that promote care and concern for people, animals, and the environment. As a United Nations Messenger of Peace, Dr. Goodall addressed her reasons for hope in these complex times and ways in which every individual can make a difference every day.

Tim Flannery

In the spring of 2007, the MSU Leadership Institute hosted internationally acclaimed scientist, explorer and conservationist Tim Flannery. Flannery spoke to an audience of over 900 students and community members. He presented a straightforward and powerful explanation of the connection between climate change and human activity. He spoke to his listeners-both personally and politically-about recognizing that we are all "weather makers" and that the only choice, both logically and ethically, is to begin to address the problem before it's too late.

Paul Rusesabagina

In March of 2006, the MSU Leadership Institute hosted Paul Rusesabagina, real life hero of the film Hotel Rwanda. Ten years ago, as the country of Rwanda descended into madness, one man made a promise to protect the family he loved, and ended up finding the courage to save over 1200 people as a hotel manager in Rwanda. Over the course of 100 days, almost one million people were killed in of almost 1500 about his experience, his ongoing support of Rwanda, the genocide in Darfur and current issues in international humanitarian aid.

In 2006, students also heard mountain climber Dr. Ken Kamler, who lectured to almost 1300 attendees on his book, "Surviving the Extremes." As vice president of the legendary Explorers Club, veteran of Mount Everest ("Into Thin Air" attending physician), NASA consultant, surgeon and storyteller, Kamler has climbed, dived and trekked through some of the most treacherous and remote regions of the world. Kamler discussed what happens when human bodies are pushed to their limits. In his multimedia presentation, Kamler explored the human body's reactions to heat, cold, pressure, starvation, exhaustion and exposure, and he revealed the human body's miraculous survival strategies. His lecture took the audience on a scientific nail-biter that goes beyond "reality" TV and proves what survival really entails.

Salmon Rushdie

In 2005, Salman Rushdie spoke to almost 1500 attendees in the Strand Union Ballrooms at MSU. Salman Rushdie is considered one of the most prominent novelists of the late 20th century.