Award-winning author Marty Essen will present his high-energy, adventure-filled multimedia show, “Around the World in 90 Minutes,” at Chattanooga State Community College on Wednesday, November 17, at 6 p.m. in Room 1085 of the Health Science Center.  Essen is the second speaker welcomed to Chattanooga State as part of the newly-established President’s Distinguished Speakers Series.  The event is open to the public free of charge.

Author of the book, Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents, Essen is a celebrated travel writer who is also noted for his commitment to and passion for environmental and wildlife conservation.  His engaging, dynamic presentation blends a narrative of interesting facts and humorous stories with numerous stunning images taken during his travels.  According to Essen, he strives to create an entertaining atmosphere “where the audience has fun laughing at the stories, oohing and aahing at the photos.”  However, he emphasizes that his goal is to educate.  “I hope that when an audience leaves, they realize how much they have learned.”

Highlights of Essen’s show include:

• Amazing animal facts • Debunking animal myths • Cuddly wallaroos and spiny walking sticks • Charging elephants and howling wolves • Deadly snakes and friendly penguins • Bizarre creatures and endangered species • Swimming with piranhas • Kayaking in the rainforest • Hiking with the Porcupine caribou migration • Rafting with humpback whales • Surviving a hippo attack in Zimbabwe

Marty Essen has won multiple book awards for travel/essay writing, including the Benjamin Franklin Award, the Best Books Book Award, and the National Indie Excellence Award.  In addition, he won a first place award at the 2009 Green Book Festival in Los Angeles and the Minneapolis Star-Tribune recently named his book, Cool Creatures, Hot Planet, as a top ten “green” publication.

For more information about Marty Essen’s visit to Chattanooga State and the “Around the World in 90 Minutes” program, contact Mary Knaff, director for multicultural programs, by telephone at 423.697.3371 or by email at mary.knaff@chattanoogastate.edu.

For more information about Chattanooga State Community College and its educational programs, call the Chattanooga State information hotline at 423-697-4404 or toll free at 1-866-547-3733 or visit the College’s web site at www.chattanoogastate.edu.

Chattanooga State Community College is a comprehensive, regionally accredited community college, operated under the policies and guidelines of the Tennessee Board of Regents College System.  Founded in 1965 and serving a six-county area in Southeast Tennessee, Chattanooga State offers a wide array of programs and services.