Discover Genealogy, STEAM, & More at Lifelong Learning Connections

University of Findlay’s fall 2021 Lifelong Learning Connections program will return in an in-person format Tuesday, Oct. 19 and 26.

This flexible learning experience, sponsored by the Office of University Advancement, allow participants to explore various topics and learn from expert instructors from the University and the surrounding community. Participants may choose their level of involvement by attending as many sessions as they wish throughout the two days of events.

“We are so thrilled to be returning to safe, in-person sessions for our Lifelong Learning Connections members this October,” said Julie Klingler, director of the Wolfe Center for Alumni, Parents, and Friends. “Being together and learning are two things this group loves so we’ve designed interactive sessions we know they’ll enjoy.”

To maintain the health and safety of participants, presenters, and employees, all in-person attendees are required to wear a mask and practice physical distancing.

Session fees are $15 per day and includes lunch. To register for this fall’s program, visit the Lifelong Learning webpage. If you have questions relating to the event, please contact the Office of Alumni, Parents, and Friends at alumni@findlay.edu or 419-434-4516.

The schedule of events is as follows:

Tuesday, Oct. 19

Welcome Back Reception
10:15 – 11:30 a.m. | Winebrenner, TLB Auditorium
​​The first session will include morning refreshments and a meet-and-greet.

Genealogy: The Science Behind Discovering Your Ancestry
Abby Kalkstein, Ph.D., assistant chair of Biology & chair of Honors Advisory Board & Program, University of Findlay
10:15 – 11:30 a.m. | Winebrenner, TLB Auditorium
Dr. Abby Kalkstein will discuss how genetics connect people to their past and delve into the various companies on the market that provide DNA ancestry testing, the risks involved, and reliability factors.

Lunch & Campus Update
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Winebrenner, TLB Auditorium
UF leadership will provide a campus update with a casual lunch.

Birding: The Wonders of Watching & Migration
Benjamin Dolan, Ph.D., associate professor of Biology & director of Natural Areas & Plant Collections, University of Findlay and Katie Ware ’15
1 – 2 p.m. | Rieck Center for Habitat Studies
Birding is a fascinating activity and northwest Ohio has beautiful birds to enjoy. UF experts will guide participants through an exploration of birding in a variety of ways at the Rieck Center Nature Preserve. Attendees will take a nature walk for bird watching, hone their binocular skills, learn about migration, and discover new technologies that can help distinguish bird calls.

Tuesday, Oct. 26

Joseph and Judith Conda STEAM Education Center Tour
Heather Sensel, Mazza Museum education manager
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Joseph & Judith Conda STEAM Education Center
Tour the newest addition to UF’s campus, the Joseph and Judith Conda STEAM Education Center, to discover how the UF campus, along with Findlay City Schools, will partner to bring students of all ages together for hands-on experiences involving Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics/Medicine.

Explore University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum
Participants will learn how children’s literature and art connect to create the books all generations love to read as they explore new exhibits and familiar favorites.

Lunch
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion, Lape Great Hall
A casual lunch will be provided in the Virginia B. Gardner Lape Great Hall. 

John & Hester Powell Grim Theatre Backstage Experience
Ron Tulley, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
UF Theatre Faculty & Students
12:15 – 1:30 p.m. | Frank J. Egner Center for Performing Arts, lobby
A comprehensive tour showcasing the UF Egner Theatre and its program. This tour includes a stop at the Scenic Shop, backstage behind-the-scenes access, and a talk-back chat with theatre faculty and students.