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Wisconsin Alumni Lifelong Learning introduces Passport Series

January 3, 2008 By Kate Dixon

University experts will lead courses in global affairs, sciences and humanities as part of Wisconsin Alumni Lifelong Learning programs to be offered this spring.

Wisconsin Alumni Lifelong Learning provides programs in Wisconsin and throughout the United States, all drawing on a wide range of expertise of University of Wisconsin–Madison faculty and staff. Programs are offered through a partnership between the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) and the UW–Madison Division of Continuing Studies (DCS). 

"The mix of online and in-person learning events make it possible for alumni and friends to tap in to the UW’s rich resources wherever they live," says Sarah Schutt, senior director of WAA’s alumni education programming. "The spring 2008 lineup includes a variety of lecture series, field trips to Wisconsin businesses and courses with popular professors."

WAA’s newest learning programs are the two-part workshops in the Passport Series. These workshops teach basic language and cultural information for those interested in a specific country and can boost the skills and confidence of international travelers. The 2008 series will cover French language and culture on Wednesday, March 26, and Wednesday, April 2, and Italian language and culture on Tuesday and Thursday, May 20 and 22. Registration is required.

This spring is also WAA’s first offering of an online course titled "The Civil War and the Reconstruction of American Society," featuring an award-winning Web site and lectures. Known to generations of UW–Madison students as American History 102, the class is taught by Stanley K. Schultz, professor emeritus of history. Registration is open until Monday, Jan. 28.

Alumni learning opportunities throughout the United States are held in different locations each year. Learners often have a chance to see special traveling exhibitions, as well as hear from a UW–Madison faculty member and meet fellow Badgers.

Upcoming 2008 programs include:

  • Tuesday, Jan. 15-Tuesday, Feb. 19: "Dante’s Inferno and Medieval Italy." This on-campus course traces Dante’s journey through the afterlife — Inferno, Purgatory and Paradise — with Professor Emeritus Christopher Kleinhenz.
  • Monday, March 3-Monday, April 14: "Seeking Truth, Living with Doubt: Science and Religion." Learners will examine faith and reason in this on-campus course with physics Professor Marshall Onellion.
  • Friday-Sunday, March 28-30: "Alumni College by the Sea: The Science of Happiness." Based on groundbreaking UW–Madison research, the session will be held at the Asilomar Conference Grounds, a scenic retreat in Pacific Grove, Calif. A similar course has been popular with learners at Harvard University.
  • Friday, May 9: The time-honored Day on Campus will bring alumni back to campus for a day of lectures taught by top UW–Madison faculty.
  • Friday-Sunday, June 6-8: "Alumni College in Door County: The Unique History and Landscapes of Door County." Learners will spend three days in Baileys Harbor, Wis., studying Door County’s natural and cultural landscapes with Professor Emeritus William Tishler, an author and Baileys Harbor native.

Also back for another summer is the award-winning Grandparents University, which brings grandparents and grandchildren ages 7-14 from all over Wisconsin and the world to learn together from university experts and share a campus experience.

Due to popular demand, three sessions of Grandparents University will take place in 2008: Thursday-Friday, July 17-18; Monday-Tuesday, July 21-22; and Thursday-Friday, July 24-25. The annual conference is co-hosted by WAA and UW-Extension Family Living Programs.

The Wisconsin Alumni Association also hosts several ongoing learning opportunities. They include:

  • Wednesday Nite @ the Lab: This free weekly program features evening talks by UW–Madison researchers about their investigations and inventions in life, earth and social sciences.
  • Made in Wisconsin: This popular program offers learners a behind-the-scenes look at Wisconsin’s top industries. Trips often include a chance to meet UW–Madison faculty and alumni with company connections. Spring destinations include a candy-making company, a state brewery and Wisconsin cheesemakers.
  • Global Hot Spots Lecture Series: UW–Madison faculty provide thought-provoking talks in these monthly sessions about global health, human rights, and countries and regions in the news. The free Global Hot Spots lectures are sponsored in partnership with the Division of International Studies.

Registration and details are available toll free at (888) WIS-ALUM.

Tags: alumni, events, learning