POTSDAM – A SUNY Potsdam alumnus will speak about his guiding experience in Alaska and about his time spent mountaineering in South America at a discussion at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 6 in Flagg Hall 206.

SUNY Potsdam's Wilderness Education Program will host the discussion with mountaineer Ben LaValley, which will include a slideshow on his recent adventure to Alaska as a guide in Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Also, he will speak about his adventures in South America, where he made a summit bid for Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the Western Hemisphere.

LaValley graduated last year with a major in sociology and a minor in wilderness education. Recently, while on a 14-day expedition in the Adirondack Park, he mastered outdoor living skills in a wilderness setting, while working on leadership and group development.

As a supporter of the Wilderness Education Program at SUNY Potsdam, LaValley is presenting his traveling experiences in order to help raise funds for this year's trip to the protected area of the Pasayten Wilderness, in the Okanogan National Forest and Mount Baker National Forest in the state of Washington.

This event is open to the public, and donations will be accepted.