(PHOENIX, Ariz., Jan. 22, 2004) – Experience the beautiful sandy white beaches of the Whitsunday Islands and some of the world’s greatest coral on Thursday, Jan. 29 at Phoenix College by traveling to the exotic Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The excursion gets underway at 5:30 p.m. in the Willo Room – Phoenix College Osborn Campus and Marine biology instructor, Dr. Phil Pepe will be your adventurous tour guide.

Dr. Pepe, who leads a group of students each summer to the Great Barrier Reef to study coral reefs and associated underwater species, will present slides and video clips of the rainforests and coral reefs of northeast Australia. He will also share some of his underwater experiences in teaching the ecology and protection of coral reefs.

Students, faculty, staff and members of the community are encouraged to take advantage of this free first class opportunity and discover the exciting world of tropical Queensland.

Guests will also receive information about the upcoming Australia excursion, which begins June 14.

Destination Australia is part of a series of lectures sponsored by the Phoenix College International Education Committee.

Other Spring 2004 lectures include:

-- Destination Humor & Laughter Across Cultures – Feb. 19
-- Destination Navajo Nation – March 24
-- Destination Chiapas – April 22

For more information, please call (602) 285-7194.

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