**Registration is now closed for Fall 2024 courses. Check back for information on Spring 2025.**
Â鶹ÊÓƵ is excited to announce a new round of Lifelong Learning Experiences. Each of these courses will include two 90-minute class meetings. We are excited to bring back some of your favorite presenters from past years. Discover the joy of lifelong learning at Â鶹ÊÓƵ! Our diverse courses for seniors keep your mind sharp, spark new interests and offer a platform to share your expertise. Join us to enrich your life, connect with others and explore new horizons in a vibrant, supportive community.
- Companionship and Social Engagement
- Lifelong Learning
- Personal Enrichment
Special thanks to the Carol K. Hession Fund for sponsoring Alvernia Lifelong Learning. For more information, please contact Darryl C. Mace, Ph.D., at darryl.mace@alvernia.edu or 610-796-8300.
Fall 2024 Courses
All courses run from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. When you register, please indicate which experiences you plan to attend so we can adjust for space. Note: the two-part courses assume attendance at both class meetings.
A Sweet Story: the History and Uses of Sugar; presented by John Kissinger (Sept. 17 and Sept. 24)
- Looking at the sources of sugar and sweeteners through time, we will observe sugar's impacts on human history, stories of famous and rare candies, sugar's influences on human health, sugar's potentials for humor, and the history of artificial sweeteners.
The Tales of Hoffman - The Met Live in HD*; presented by Deanna Reuben (Oct. 1, 5 and 8)
- In the class on 10/1, we will offer an immersive and insightful exploration about the composer, the music, and the characters of the opera. On 10/5, we will attend the opera via the Met's Live in HD at the Imax Theater. It's so magical to attend an opera in this setting, as you can see so many expressive details and at intermission, they feature a behind-the scenes look at the production along with interviews with singers, directors, etc. There will be subtitles. We will have a follow-up class/discussion about the opera and our experience on 10/8. For those interested, there will be a shuttle bus from the Upland Center to and from the theater. Admission ticket to the opera is separate and will be purchased at the theater. Further details to follow.
Famous? American Women You May Never Heard Of; presented by Hallie Vaughan (Oct. 15 and 22)
- We will be discussing American Women who have done amazing things, but practically no one knows about.
Civil Discourse: Is it possible?; Presented by Pastor Fred Opalinski and Pastor Hans Becklin (Oct. 29 and Nov. 12)
- We live in an age when genuine discourse seems to be at an all-time low. Instead of sitting down and talking in a spirit of humility, people want to fight their "enemy" into submission. Compromise and understanding--two crucial marks of civil discourse--are declining. Combining insights from Social Science, Religion, and Philosophy, Fred Opalinski and Hans Becklin will analyze the current situation and discuss possible ways to get out of it. Course participants will also have the opportunity to apply their learnings as we discuss important civic, political, and cultural issues together.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ Us
Beginning in 1998, the Alvernia Seniors College has offered educational opportunities to thousands of students over the years. The program waned with the COVID pandemic, but we have seen a revitalization in recent years. We are excited to offer Alvernia Lifelong Learning experiences (like classes and clubs) for participants. We owe a great debt of gratitude to Â鶹ÊÓƵ and President Emeritus Dr. Thomas Flynn, whose leadership, vision, and sense of mission enabled us to grow our program and have provided us with ongoing opportunities for cultural exploration. Come join us!