For 91-year-old U prof, one last lecture but lots left to do

His final lecture began like many others.

John Fraser Hart flipped on a vintage slide projector, one the University of Minnesota for years has kept in operating order just for him. In his final presentation Wednesday, the 91-year-old geography professor peppered in some humor. The slide collection included lots of road sign language mashups, seasoned with his own commentary.

Back in his office there's a mostly clear desk and several nearly empty book shelves, not much evidence left behind after 48 years on the faculty.

But the small town expert isn't done yet. He's retiring from teaching duties at the U, but he won't stop working. He'll continue writing a paper about small towns with the working title, "Fossils on the Prairie."

Why has he chosen to work so long? "I've simply had a good time doing what I've enjoyed doing," he said, "And so, why quit?"

Hart, by the way, is not the University of Minnesota's oldest faculty member. The U says that honor currently goes to Dr. Alvin F. Weber with the School of Veterinary Medicine.

Click on the audio to hear more from John Fraser Hart.

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