FKCC starts 2017 VIP Series with “The Last Unicorns: The Collapse and Rescue of Florida’s Pillar Coral”

Speaker Series features Vision, Ideas, and Perspectives

Dr. Karen Neely (above), FKCC Marine Science adjunct instructor, headlines the first session of FKCC’s 2017 V.I.P. Series with “The Last Unicorns: The Collapse and Rescue of Florida’s Pillar Coral” on Thursday, January 12 at 7 p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre.

KEY WEST, FL, January 3, 2017— Florida Keys Community College is pleased to open the 2017 season of its VIP Series with “The Last Unicorns: The Collapse and Rescue of Florida’s Pillar Coral.”  This intriguing presentation is led by Dr. Karen Neely, FKCC Marine Science Adjunct Instructor, on Thursday, January 12 at 7 p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West Campus.

Beautiful yet vulnerable, pillar coral is a vital species that is quickly vanishing from Florida’s waters.  In an emergency rescue effort last summer, a multitude of agencies and organizations joined together to save fragments of the deteriorating coral.  This presentation will look toward the future as these coral rescuers work to grow, restore, and promote reproduction of this species in efforts to return it to its native reefs.

Tickets are $5 at the door. Admission is free for students at FKCC and Monroe County schools.

About FKCC’s 2017 VIP Series:

In its fourth season, the College’s VIP Series invites the community to learn from the visions, ideas, and perspectives of speakers of local, regional, and national prominence.  The 2017 season includes four evening presentations focusing on timely and relevant topics.  All will be held in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West Campus.

Next in the VIP Series Schedule:

“Tidal, Ocean Current, and River Based In-Stream Hydrokinetic Power Production in the U.S.”

Dr. James VanZwieten

Assistant Research Professor, Florida Atlantic University’s Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center
Tuesday, February 7 at 7 p.m.

“International Education: Exchanging Cultures and Shared Learning”

Dr. Daris Hale

Fulbright Scholar Award Winner, Professional Educator, Musician, Humanitarian

Wednesday, March 8 at 7 p.m.

“Restoring America’s Everglades”
Ms. Shannon Estenoz

Director, Everglades Restoration Project and FKCC Distinguished Alumnus

Wednesday, April 12 at 7 p.m.

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