North Pole Explorer to Visit
Cal State Fullerton
BY VALERIE ORLEANS
From Dateline (September 16, 2004)
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Wave Vidmar, a lifelong
adventurer and explorer, trudges across the snow in his
effort to become the first American to make an unsupported
solo expedition to the North Pole. Vidmar will share his
successful adventure in a 7 p.m. Sept. 30 presentation
in Portola Pavilion of the Titan Student Union. |
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Earlier this year, Wave Vidmar was the first
American to make an unsupported solo expedition to the North Pole.
This meant dragging a sled weighing more than 350 pounds for 52
days under conditions that could, at best, be called “extreme.”
Vidmar will discuss his adventures with the campus
community at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, in Portola Pavilion of the
Titan Student Union. An exhibit of his clothing, tent and other
equipment is on display in the Atrium Gallery of the Pollak Library
through Oct. 8.
“Going solo and unsupported to the North Pole
is considered the hardest expedition on earth, and was certainly
the hardest challenge of my life. Though there are no medals to
be won, or prize money to be claimed when you reach the pole, it
was an extremely rewarding adventure,” said the lifelong adventurer
and explorer.
Vidmar lived with the constant threat of attacks
by polar bears. He navigated ice floes that would crack and, wearing
a special suit, literally swam in freezing waters pulling his floating
sled behind him. Vidmar carried a satellite phone, PDA (personal
digital assistant) and other devices to stay in contact with the
world beyond the frozen whiteness.
While he was advancing toward the pole, Cal State
Fullerton students went “along,” courtesy of the master’s
degree program in instructional design and technology.
Two students in the program met with Vidmar prior
to his trip, working with him and WorldWideLearn.com
to develop multimedia tutorials and simulations that allowed elementary
schools around the world to “accompany” Vidmar on his
journey.
“It was a wonderful experience for the students,”
said JoAnn Carter-Wells, acting chair and professor of reading and
IDT program coordinator. “We became fascinated with Wave’s
travels. When he returned, we invited him to Cal State Fullerton.”
For more information, please call: 278-2842.
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