A new series of talks and classes offered by Lifelong Learning at Lourdes University will begin soon! The monthly lectures listed below are completely free and everyone is invited. Lectures are offered in person, with coffee and donuts, as well as online.
In addition to these lectures, Lifelong Learning offers fun and engaging classes. Most classes will be held on the Lourdes University campus, some will be offered online, and a few will be hybrid. There is a fee to join classes. For more information, call (419) 824-3707 or visit www.Lourdes.edu/Lifelong
The Digital Future of Currency
10:00-11:00 AM
Friday, January 21
The first crypto currency transaction was 13 years ago with Bitcoin, and ever since crypto currencies have become increasingly popular. Learn what these crypto currencies are and how they change the way business is done. What implications do crypto currencies have for our future economy and for the rapidly evolving technology associated with them?
Dr. Gregory W. Arburn teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in finance, economics, and international business at the University of Findlay. Dr. Arburn earned a BS is from Purdue University and MS and PhD from Clemson University. Dr. Arburn is the President of the Wealth Management Society of Northwest Ohio and President and Treasurer of the Ohio Association of Economists and Political Scientists.
Unexpected Connections Between Bacteria and Art
10:00-11:00 AM
Friday, February 18
Most people do not usually think of bacteria when they think of art, but bacteria is involved in the conservation as well as the creation of art. Select bacteria produce pigments which can be extracted to create long-lasting paints. These bacteria may be used to create vibrant “living paintings” in petri dishes.
Bacteria also have a surprising use in the conservation of art. Older paintings can be cleaned by the application of select bacterial strains. The presence of microbes (fungus, mold, and bacteria) on paintings also has the potential to detect forgeries!
Dr. Elizabeth Wise is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences at Lourdes University. Studies of the intersection between chemistry and art have included a fellowship for Dr. Wise to study painting conservation in Florence, Italy.
From Death into Life
10:00-11:00 AM
Friday, March 18
Joe D’Ambrosio was convicted of murder and sentenced to death in 1989. Always maintaining his innocence, his pleas for assistance fell upon deaf ears. Fr. Neil Kookoothe met Joe in 1998 while serving as spiritual advisor to several men on Ohio’s Death Row. Fr. Neil holds degrees in law and nursing, as well as Masters degrees in Theology and Divinity. Fr. Neil’s experience in theology, nursing and law drew his interest to the case and aided Joe in bringing attention to unresolved issues never addressed in court. Joe’s case was ultimately heard by the Supreme Court of the United States and Joe was exonerated in 2012. Joe and Fr. Neil will tell this story from death row to freedom.
Designing a City: Norman Bel Geddes and Toledo
10:00-11:00 AM
Friday, April 8
Toledo was abuzz in 1945 when Norman Bel Geddes, one of the most celebrated designers in America at that time, was commissioned to produce a plan for the city. He called it Toledo Tomorrow and it was a bold proposal, intended to position Toledo to become a regional hub. Geddes was well-known for his ideas on the future of cities (flying cars! aerodynamic buses!), but this was his only proposal for a particular place. We look at Geddes’ work, and how this plan, though never implemented, has had an impact on our city.
Sujata Shetty, Ph.D. is Director of the Jack Ford Urban Affairs Center and a professor in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Toledo. Andreas Luescher, Ph.D. is a Swiss architect, who is currently Professor of Teaching Excellence, Professor of Architecture and Chair of Architecture and Environmental Design at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
A Century of Music
10:00-11:00 AM
Friday, May 20
How many Toledo institutions have lasted 100 years? The Toledo Choral Society stands out in this class for its commitment to bringing the finest in classical and contemporary choral music to our community. Today, the Toledo Choral Society boasts nearly one hundred members from the northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan region. Singers from diverse backgrounds are united by their passion for performing outstanding choral works.
Join Mike Holtgrieve, Historian, and Judy Harris Szor, longtime member and past President, on a trip through a rich century of history. We will showcase the personalities that drove this organization and the impact they had on the Toledo musical community, as well as the music performed for greater Toledo audiences.