Media Credit: Courtesy Ben Linder moved to Nicaragua in 1983 to work on hydroelectric projects but was later killed by two Contras in 1987.

Inspired by the Sandinista National Liberation Front, a socialist political party that ruled Nicaragua in the 1980s and helped some of the nation's poorest people, Ben Linder of Portland moved to Nicaragua after graduating from the University of Washington in 1983. A mechanical engineer, he worked on hydroelectric projects to provide energy to schools, clinics and farms.

On April 28, 1987, Linder, then 27, was killed by two Contras, rebels who opposed the Sandinista Movement. His autopsy showed that he was injured by a grenade and shot in the head.

Tonight in the EMU's Fir Room, Linder's life will be celebrated when Margaret Randall reads from "Stones Witness," her latest book.

Published last year by the University of Arizona press, "Stones Witness" is a collection of poetry, prose and photography that can't be classified into one genre.

"Margaret transcends boundaries between politics and ethics, cultural and environment," said Bryan Moore, a University Spanish professor. "It's very profound."

Moore's department, romance languages, is sponsoring the event, along with the UO Cultural Forum, the Latin American Studies program, the UO Duck Store and the Center for the Study of Women in Society, among others.

An activist, writer and poet from New Mexico, by way of New York City, Randall spent nearly 25 years involved in social change movements in Mexico, Cuba and Nicaragua.

"It's a perfect commemoration of Ben Linder, who already did so much environmental and developmental work, and Earth Week and Earth Day," Moore said. "It's just a wonderful collection of all these events."

Ben Linder's life is celebrated annually at the University, said Darrel Kau, program coordinator for the UO Cultural Forum.

"We have space (in the EMU) that's used every day in memory of Ben Linder," Kau said. "Remembering his work and role of helping other people in other communities is important ... It just puts in perspective for me how fortunate I am."

Following the reading, Randall will sign copies of her book at a reception in the Ben Linder Room. The reception will also include a three-piece Latin American band and a troupe of unicyclists. In life, Linder was also a clown - before teaching juggling to Nicaraguan children, Linder often navigated the streets of Seattle on a five-foot unicycle.

"(Linder is) not just significant because he was from Oregon," Moore said. "He was an amazingly talented person."

mobrien@dailyemerald.com

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