Bering Land Bridge presentation

Submitted by Carla Browning
Phone: (907) 474-7778
10/25/04

Dan O’Neill, local author and historian, will sign copies of his most recent book, The Last Giant of Beringia: The Mystery of the Bering Land Bridge, Friday, Oct. 29, 2004 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. O’Neill was named Alaska historian of the year by the Alaska Historical Society for his first book, The Firecracker Boys. His latest book chronicles the evolution of our understanding of the Bering Land Bridge as a result of the theoretical contributions and geologic detective work of UAF researcher David Hopkins.

O’Neill will deliver a presentation, "David Hopkins and the Bering Land Bridge," Oct. 29 at 3:30 p.m. in the Natural Sciences Facility, room 201. He will autograph copies of his book in the second floor lobby from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Books will be available for sale and a selection of hot and cold appetizers, coffee and tea will be provided. The seminar and the signing are open to the public. Parking for visitors will be available behind the Natural Sciences Facility. This event is sponsored by the Alaska Quaternary Center and Sigma Xi scientific honor society.

Hopkins earned an international reputation as a leading Quaternary geologist. His research and field work led to the first scientific evidence of a land bridge linking Alaska and the Russian Far East. The Bering Land Bridge connection between Asia and North America, known as Beringia, is now recognized as the natural habitat of many ice age animals as well as a migration corridor for plants, animals and possibly humans.

Hopkins’ pioneering research focused on the Late Cenozoic history of western Alaska and the Bering Sea Shelf. His work has led to worldwide recognition of the scientific importance of Beringia, leading to new theories regarding the migration patterns of people who lived thousands of years ago. He received an honorary doctor of science degree from UAF in 2000. He died Nov. 2, 2001 at the age of 79. The AQC has established the David and Rachel Hopkins Fellowship in honor of David and his surviving spouse, Rachel.