As part of a university-wide effort to join the City of Boca Raton in celebrating its Centennial Anniversary, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) will host Dr. Sandra Norman on Thursday, July 10, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m., for a special presentation: From WWII Airfield to Research Powerhouse: The Hidden History of FAU.

Hear from Dr. Norman how a World War II airfield transformed into Florida Atlantic University, now a Top-Tier Research University. Learn first-hand, about the story of FAU in Boca Raton as one of vision, politics, and opportunity. Join us as we uncover the fascinating journey from military base to academic powerhouse and study the key players who made it happen.

Dr. Norman specializes in hands-on history, focusing on environmental, technological, and material aspects, and has developed an Internship in Public History for student involvement in museums and historical societies. Her public history work includes preservation studies in Florida and museum design in the Bahamas, and she has received numerous teaching awards, including the Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award.

The presentation will be held in the Friedberg Auditorium. FAU Faculty, Staff, and Students with Owl Cards are invited to attend for free. For more information, please call 561-297-3185 or email olliboca@fau.edu.