World-renowned polar explorer to speak at UT April 5

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Ann Bancroft’s extraordinary life has consisted of many firsts: first woman to cross the ice to both the North and South Poles, leader of the first group of women to cross Greenland, and first woman to sail and ski across Antarctica’s landmass alongside fellow polar explorer Liv Arnesen.

The author, educator, philanthropist and pre-eminent polar explorer will be at the University to share her story Tuesday, April 5, at 7 p.m. in Doermann Theater.

“We choose speakers that we hope will engage, challenge and provoke the audience,” said Interim Provost John Barrett. “Ann Bancroft will do just that. She went out and chased her dreams, and because of that she has a very inspirational story to tell.”

Not only has Bancroft achieved many polar exploration firsts, but she also has inspired girls and women around the world to do the same. In 1991, she founded the Ann Bancroft Foundation, which provides grants, mentoring and encouragement to girls ages 5 to 18 to help them reach their biggest aspirations.

For her achievements, Bancroft has received numerous awards and recognition, including induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1995.

Tickets to the lecture are free and can be obtained at utoledo.edu/honorslecture. Bancroft’s talk is part of the UT Jesup Scott Honors College Distinguished Lecture Series.

For more information about Bancroft and her latest expeditions, visit yourexpedition.com.