Jeff Schultz, the official photographer of the Iditarod, will be giving a presentation about some of the experiences detailed in his book, “Chasing Dogs – My Adventures as the Official Photographer of Alaska’s Iditarod,” at 6:30 p.m. on April 15 in the McLane Commons.

Schultz will also share photos, stories, and what it took to capture some of his most iconic images. Schultz photographed his first Iditarod in 1981 at the request of the “Father of the Iditarod,” Joe Redington Sr. He donated those images to the race committee to use for promotion and they asked him to be their official volunteer photographer.

Every year since then, Schultz has traveled the trail by snow machine and airplane, photographing the race. To view Schultz’s work, visit his website at http://www.schultzphoto.com.

This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Dave Atcheson at 262-0346 or email daatcheson@kpc.alaska.edu.

Blood drive set for this week

Leslie Byrd, KRC’s residence life coordinator, is very passionate about blood donation. In her former position in residence life at North Eastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, she organized many successful, life-saving blood drives. She has taken the same tact in her role at the KRC Residence Hall. Byrd would really like her message to get out to the public.

“We need to get the blood drive more momentum. I am hoping for at least 30 donors to sign up,” Byrd said.

There is not a reliable substitute for blood.

Donor blood is vital to people with certain chronic diseases, cancer patients and in both scheduled and emergency surgeries. Most people are familiar with someone who has required a blood transfusion and that often makes blood donation a more personal experience. Byrd offered a testimonial from a KPC staff member who has signed up to donate.

“During a scheduled, major surgery that ended up being much more complex than expected, my husband lost so much blood he had to have an emergency transfusion of four units. Without the four Alaskan donors who selflessly provided their own precious blood, he would have not survived. Please donate blood.

It saves lives! It may save yours someday,” said the staff member who chose to not be identified.

The blood drive is scheduled from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on April 16 in Blood Bank of Alaska’s LifeMobile that will be parked in the KRC Residence Hall parking lot. Donors must make an appointment to donate by calling Leslie Byrd at 262-0253 or emailing lbyrd4@kpc.alaska.edu. Prior to donating, a health screening and interview questions are administered to establish eligibility for safe donation. Donors should eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating.

Public registration for fall semester next week

Priority registration for admitted, degree-seeking students is wrapping up this week and the general public will have a chance to register beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, April 20.

Access KPC’s searchable schedule online http://www.kpc.alaska.edu/academics/schedule/ , choose fall 2015 semester from the drop down menu and hit enter to access the entire list of course offerings. After choosing classes, registration is available online at http://www.uaonline.alaska.edu. Although classes for the fall semester don’t begin until Aug. 24, it is important to register as soon as possible to avoid the disappointment of finding desired classes already filled.

This column is provided by Suzie Kendrick, Advancement Programs Manager at Kenai Peninsula College.