Mountain climber pays visit

Mt. Hood Community College will host world-renowned mountain climber and author Fred Beckey, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 27 in the Visual Arts Theater.

It is asked, but not required, for the free event that guests bring a food or cash donation for Barney’s Pantry, the student-run food bank located in the Student Union.

Prior to Beckey’s presentation, there will be time set apart for book signing in the Student Union. No copies will be for sale at the book signing, so a personal copy will be needed.

Beckey, age 91, will give a presentation that includes photos and will discuss his climbing expeditions around the world, spanning 60 years of experience.

His written volumes on virtually every Cascades Mountain range from British Columbia to central Oregon are still used for route finding by climbers today.

The Pacific Northwest native has scaled mountains, such as Mount Despair in Washington state, that others deemed impossible. Among his several books that display his deep passion is the work “Mountains of North America.”

“Wildside,” the outdoor club at MHCC, is sponsoring the presentation.

Members of Wildside engage in outdoor activities and learn about wilderness from their peers. Many members also are enrolled in the Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education (WLEE) program, taught by instructor Josh Stratman.