Paraclimber Maureen Beck to speak at LMC Mendel Center

National Geographic Live, National Geographic’s touring speaker series that brings to life the awe-inspiring and remarkable stories of National Geographic Explorers, and the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center in Benton Harbor present Improbable Ascent with world champion paraclimber Maureen Beck. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m., Saturday, April 29.

Born with one hand, Beck tried rock climbing for the first time after a camp counselor told her she could skip it. Her love of the sport was instantaneous, but there was no guide for climbing with one hand. Unfazed, she decided to figure it out for herself through trial and error – one of her early adaptive climbing innovations even involved taping a metal ladle to her arm. Before long, she was leading a crew of passionate adaptive climbers around the world, forging a path for a new generation.

After tackling some of the hardest climbs by a one-handed athlete and securing two world paraclimbing championships, Beck yearned to push still further outside of her comfort zone. So, when legendary adaptive climber Jim Ewing asked her to join his attempt to make the first adaptive ascent of one of North America’s classic, most wild towers – the Lotus Flower Tower in Canada’s Cirque of the Unclimbables – she didn’t hesitate. On their month-long expedition, they dealt with rough weather, sudden illness, and a food shortage, yet Beck found herself growing addicted again to the thrills and challenges of the sport.

With her trademark humor and wit, this 2019 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year will share how a little creativity and a whole lot of grit and determination have propelled her to the top of her field.

Beck’s engaging, one-of-a-kind presentation is part of National Geographic Live’s amazing collection of events happening throughout the United States and abroad. National Geographic’s broad roster of talent, including renowned photographers, scientists, authors, filmmakers, and adventurers, share their behind-the-scenes stories from the front lines of exploration alongside stunning imagery and gripping footage. For more information on National Geographic Live and other National Geographic events, visit www.natgeolive.com

Reserved seating tickets starting at $30 for National Geographic Live: Improbable Ascent with paraclimber Maureen Beck are on sale now at www.TheMendelCenter.com, by calling 269-927-8700, option 1, or by visiting The Mendel Center Box Office in person. The box office, located in the Grand Upton Hall Lobby, is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and one hour before events. The box office is accessible on weekdays via parking lot 3 off Yore Ave.

This event is part of the Mendel Center’s Discovery Series and is locally funded in part by the Gast Young People’s Performance Endowment.

This activity is supported by the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.