PULLMAN, Wash. — World-renowned mountain climber Jim Whittaker will discuss “A Life on the Edge: Memoirs of Everest and Beyond,” as part of the Associated Students of Washington State University’s Earth Day Celebration.
The lecture, which shares its title with Whittaker’s 1999 autobiography, will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 18, at the Compton Union Building Auditorium.
Whittaker, a Seattle native, began climbing at an early age. By the time he was 21, Whittaker was leading expeditions on Mount Rainier and later made history by becoming the first North American to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1963.
Whittaker also has been part of other famous climbs including the International Peace Climb in 1990. He organized and led 20 climbers from the United States, China and Russia to the summit of Mount Everest to help focus attention on environmental issues. Descending the mountain, Whittaker and the others removed two tons of garbage left by other expeditions.
Whittaker is also known for creating and eventually becoming Chief Executive Officer of REI for more than 20 years. Whittaker’s book depicts moments of his business life, personal life and what it was like to stand atop Mount Everest.
The lecture is sponsored by the ASWSU Environmental Task Force, the Lecture and Performance Series, ASWSU Veterans Affairs and Hyperspud in Moscow.
The lecture is free to WSU students and $5 for others. Tickets will be on sale at the west entrance of the CUB from noon to 1 p.m., April 16, 17 and 18 or may be purchased at the lecture. Whittaker will be available for a book-signing following the lecture.
For more information or to schedule media interviews, contact Annie Sherwood, co-chair of the ASWSU Environmental Task Force, at (509) 334-3498.
