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Lifelong Learning is an exciting educational program at Lourdes. Open to all interested men and women, the only requirement for participation is an interest in ongoing learning
Click on a course name in the calendar below to view the course description. You may register for the following activities, classes, and events by contacting Lynda Hoffman. Special events and bus trips are also offered at various times throughout the year. Registration may be made by credit card or check. Checks should be made payable to LULL (Lourdes University Lifelong Learning) and mailed to Lourdes University Lifelong Learning, 6832 Convent Blvd. Sylvania OH 43560.
Download our Spring 2013 brochure (PDF) – update Register for classes and events (PDF) – update
Instructor: Sr. Mary Peter Kaminski Thursdays – February 14–28 (3 weeks) 9:30–11:30 a.m. Mother Adelaide Hall 118 $61/$80 – Register by February 1
Learn the ancient art of Ukrainian women who would transfer goodness from the household to the designs and push away evil.
Learn the art and share the power and love which the egg conveys. During this three-week class Sister Mary Peter will share the basic art of design, adding colors and working with the wax. Each student will receive their own kit to continue working on their own. Students are asked to bring in their own box of tissues, six 1 pint wide-mouth jars to store dyes – all other materials will be provided.
Instructor: Kristin Baldeschwiler Tuesdays – March 12–April 16 (6 weeks) 3–5 p.m. Mother Adelaide Hall 201 $72/$90 – Register by March 5
This course will introduce students to the art and life of Albrecht Dürer, one of the preeminent artists of the Northern Renaissance in Europe. Though he also painted, Durer is primarily remembered as a printmaker, so the course will also explain the medium of printmaking; particularly etching, engraving, and wood block printing. The purpose of the course is to give an overview, in slide lectures, of the stylistic and cultural hallmarks of both the artist and his time period.
Kristin is the Academic Program Coordinator at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center and a veteran instructor for Lourdes Lifelong Learning Program and she is the owner and Artisan of Keystone Clay and Bead.
Optional trip on April 23 to the Detroit Institute of Art to view and discuss his work with a curator.
Instructor: Anjelika Manakhimova Mondays – March 25–April 29 (6 weeks) 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Mother Adelaide Hall 205 $105/123 – Register by March 18
Discover traditional and contemporary techniques in watercolor and acrylic painting. During this class, students will utilize watercolor and acrylic media to produce 3 paintings: seascape, animal, and abstract compositions. All materials and supplies will be provided.
Anjelika is an amazing professional artist trained in fine art in Russia and America. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lourdes University and 20 years of experience teaching art classes. She is an active member of the local art community, and has participated in numerous local art exhibitions.
Instructor: Amanda Rabara Thursdays – March 7 and April 4 (register for one or both) 9 a.m.–noon (you may only need 2 hours) Mother Adelaide Hall 10 $45/$55 per class. Sign up for both classes and make 2 extra pendants or magnets.
Thursday, March 7 Register by February 28
Make your own custom glass night light!! Amanda will guide you through the fun and easy process, and the beautiful results will delight you!
Thursday, April 4 Register by March 26
In this class, you will create a stainless steel wine bottle stopper and a magnet. All materials will be pre-cut and ready to be assembled. There is no experience necessary to take the class. If you have not taken a class with Amanda before, please join us! Students all said that it is fun and Amanda encourages creativity! If you choose to make additional pieces, you are welcome and they can be paid for at the time of the class.* Finished pieces will be available at the following monthly lecture
Instructor: Elizabeth Wise, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chemistry Mondays – April 8–22 (3 weeks) 3–4 p.m. Mother Adelaide Hall 118 $35/$50 – Register by April 1
What is the connection between chemistry and art? Join us as we discuss: Dr. Wise's scholarship fellowship studying painting conservation in Italy; her work under the conservation team at the Toledo Museum of Art; the nature of light and color; the structure, properties, and art applications of polymers; and the oxidation of metals. Experiment using chemistry to make art of your own such as prints and earrings.
Beth earned her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh and was the recipient of the Lourdes College Faculty Excellence Award.
Instructor: Sharon Havelak Tuesdays – April 2–16 (3 weeks) 1–3 p.m. Mother Adelaide Hall 10 $51/$69 – Register by March 26
Looking for that perfect scarf? How about painting it? Explore the delight of painting a silk scarf with fiber reactive dyes. You'll have the opportunity to paint at least three scarves, using different painting techniques. No previous experience necessary. All materials will be provided
Sister Sharon Havelak, OSF, is an artist and adjunct instructor at Lourdes University. She currently manages All Good Things, a gift shop and gallery that offers items made by the Sisters of St Francis.
Instructor: Robin Crego Wednesdays – May 1–15 (3 weeks) 3–5 p.m. St. Francis Hall Lounge (basement) $41/$59 – Register by April 24
Learn how to use polymer clay to make unique jewelry. In three, 2 hour classes, study basic techniques and incorporate them into more detailed designs by producing multi-colored canes of flowers and more. The ultimate goal is to go through the entire polymer clay process, from raw chunks of clay to refined pieces of jewelry. The class will stress color mixing techniques, while applying tips to make first time projects a visual delight. By the end of the second class, the canes will be transformed into beads and buttons for jewelry making and other projects for week three. All student supplies (clay, pasta machines etc.) will be provided by the instructor for this basic series. However, students are free to bring in any tools they might already own.
Robin is the former owner of Garden Delights and has taught Polymer Clay classes for the past twelve years.
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Instructor: Janis Weber Saturdays – March 2 and 9 (2 weeks) 10 a.m.–1 p.m. St. Francis Hall 4 $36/$54 – Register by February 22
If you feel intimidated by computers, this class is for you! You will learn how to use the mouse, find your way around the Windows 7 environment and how to organize files and folders. You will also become comfortable navigating the internet. Our instructor is very patient. No prior computer skills are required for this class.
Janis Weber is Adjunct Faculty at Lourdes, The University of Toledo, and Monroe Community College. She writes "The Mouse Trap" for Sylvania Advantage and is the owner of Ohio Computer Training, which focuses on groups as well as individual training.
Instructor: Janis Weber Saturdays – March16 & 23 (2 weeks) 10 a.m.–1 p.m. St. Francis Hall 4 $36/$54 – Register by March 8
Do you feel intimidated by Twitter, Google Plus and Ebay? To master these social medias you will only need an active Email account. No prior computer skills are required for this class.
Instructor: Janis Weber Saturdays – April 6 & 13 (2 weeks) 10 a.m.–1 p.m. St. Francis Hall 4 $36/$54 – Register by March 26
In two weekly sessions, learn to create flyers, greeting cards, calendars and brochures for personal or professional use. You'll be amazed at how easily you can make a document look professionally designed. Computer experience is required. Please bring a USB flash drive.
Instructor: Janis Weber Saturdays – April 20 & 27 (2 weeks) 10 a.m.–1 p.m. St. Francis Hall 4 $36/$54 – Register by April 12
In two weeks we will buy a domain name, use the templates available within GoDaddy and have a website up and running. Be prepared with a credit or debit card to make the small purchases required to start a new website (average $25). Computer experience is required. Please bring a USB flash drive.
Instructor: Janis Weber Saturdays – May 4 & 11 (2 weeks) 10 a.m.–1 p.m. St. Francis Hall 4 $36/$54 – Register by April 26
After two short weeks, you will be able to create a professional slide presentation for personal or business usage. You will be amazed at how talented this program will have you appear with little effort. As a marketing tool, this is fantastic. Computer experience is required. Please bring a USB flash drive.
Instructor: Pat Bercher Tuesdays – March 5–April 23 (8 weeks) 1–2:30 p.m. St. Francis Hall Lounge (basement) $48/$66 – Register by February 26
We will engage in 15 readings from the Great Conversation 6 text which draws from classic, contemporary, fiction, drama, poetry, essays, history, and philosophy. There is introductory information about each author and interpretative questions that will lead to fun and lively discussions! Among the noted authors: Omar Khayyam, George Elliot, Mark Twain, Jane Addams, and Mary McCarthy.
Note: The required book is available for $25 payable to the instructor will be used both Spring and Fall. Pat Bercher is a certified Great Books Instructor and an experienced Lifelong Learning teacher with outstanding student reviews!
Instructor: Judith Speizer Crandell Tuesdays – March 12–April 2 (4 weeks) 10 a.m.–noon St. Francis Hall 2 $48/$66 – Register by March 5
Using visuals as inspiration, we will unlock our creative natures and write, write, write! One picture will then translate into a thousand words. The idea is to find keys to past, present, and future through visual prompts. You will be provided with pictures to work from as well as choosing your own. In a world where we're bombarded by images faster than the speed of light, the ideas evoked can be translated and caught by the written word in unexpected ways. This class promises to be fun, interesting, and a surprise to all of us! Come equipped with something to write on and something to write with. For the first class, please bring a picture of yourself from any period in your life. Judith Speizer Crandell is a published, award-winning author who uses her life as the basis for her own writing.
Instructor: Charish Halliburton Wednesdays - April 10–May 1 (4weeks) 3–4 p.m. St. Francis Hall 1 $24/$42 - Register by April 3
Gather your memories together like bundles of yarn and weave them into a story. This is how you write a memoir. No one else can recount your experiences with passion and detail. No one else can verbalize the emotion connected to a certain stage in your life. In truth, no one can tell the story of You, quite like you.
This course invites you to look back on your life and point out a period of personal growth, change or tragedy, examine it like a writer and develop it into a narrative. The story of You doesn't necessary start at the crib. Your story could very well begin in a military barrack, on a missionary trip to Papua New Guinea or three months ago at the grocery store. Your story could become a poem, an essay, or a book; the rule of memoir writing is that you spin a good yarn. What's needed for class? A notebook or journal, a pen or pencil but most importantly . . .You!
Charish Halliburton is an internationally published poet and travel writer. She now resides in Sylvania, OH, where she's a freelance journalist for multiple online publications.
Instructor: Derek S. Davey, Professional Genealogist Mondays - March 11–April 15 (6 weeks) Noon–2 p.m. St. Clare Hall 146 $72/$90 - Register by February 25
Do you know who you are? Are you interested in your family history? Learn about genealogical principles and ethics, research tools, records, and how to use them. Students will learn how to research, organize, and evaluate their findings. Also included will be newspaper sources, as well as vital court, church, immigration, military, cemetery, burial, probate, and land records. The Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) will also be discussed.
Derek is an active expert on Ancestry.com and specializes in computer genealogy, Civil War, and New England research. He holds a certification from Boston University and is a member of the Assoc. of Professional Genealogists, the Ohio Genealogical Society, and Genealogical Speakers Guild.
Instructor: Derek S. Davey, Professional Genealogist Fridays - March 8–April 19 (6 weeks ) Noon–2 p.m. St. Francis Hall 1 $72/$90 - Register by February 22
Have you started your genealogy and have the basics down? The Advanced Genealogy course will take those basics and expand on them. Learn skills the professionals use to solve genealogy challenges.
Instructor: Mary Koslovsky Wednesdays - March 6–April 3 (No class March 27) 3–4 p.m. St. Francis Hall 1 $24/$42 - Register by February 27
These sessions will focus on the struggles of women to contribute to the enrichment of American life during the 20th Century. Session I will deal with the campaign to secure women's suffrage suffrage which was finally accomplished in 1920. Session II will deal with the changing roles of women during the Roaring 20's, the Great Depression and World War II and its immediate aftermath. Session III will focus on the 1960s and 1970s. Finally, Session IV will deal more specifically with the accomplishments of Ohio women during the 20th Century.
*See the opulence of the time period with an optional tour of Stan Hywet and the life of Gertrude Seiberling and her famous visitors April 5!
Instructor Francine (Fran) Curro Cary, Ph.D., Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) Thursdays - March 7–April 2 (No class March 27) 2–4 p.m. $36/$54 - Register by February 28
Women have come a long way in the U.S. In this introductory course, we will learn how women contributed their experiences and talents to win opportunities in education, the professions, and political life. We will learn about Lucy Stone, Sarah and Angelina Grimke, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Carrie Catt. We will use a classic history of women's rights, Century of Struggle, by Eleanor Flexner, to follow this story, discussing the women who made history. The book can be bought used through Amazon or it will be available in the Library. You may read as much as you can, or savor it at your leisure long after this course is over. The focus will be on discussing the six amazing women on whose shoulders we stand today!
Instructor: Dr. George Shirk Wednesdays - March 13–April 17 (5 weeks) 10 a.m.–noon Carmel Hall 1 $66/$88 - Register by March 6 Geo caching - field trip included!
Flying over the Midwest and West, you become aware of the patterns, squares and lines. Where did they come from? Why those shapes? A thousand years from now, will some future civilization compare this work to that of the mound-builders, wondering what they signify? This class will look at the development of the land measurement process in America that produced those patterns, squares, and lines. Moving from 18th Century technology to 21st Century technology, we will begin with a brief history of land measurement in England and the colonial period, move on to the Articles of Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance, and end with Precision Farming.
Topics to be covered:
The final class will be a field trip which will incorporate geo caching. Dr. Shirk earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from the University of Illinois and his MAT from the University of the South. He currently teaches at Adrian College and is a Professor Emeritus from the University of Toledo. His work includes Professional Development programs in the use of Investigation in Number, Data, and Space.
Instructor: Dr. Dwayne Beggs Thursdays - March 14 & 21–April 4 & 11 (4 weeks) 10–11:30 a.m. Mother Adelaide Hall 206 $36/$54 - Register by March 7
In August of 1954 the United States became officially involved in the war taking place in Vietnam between the North Vietnamese Communists and the Democratic government of South Vietnam. The military strategy used from the late fall of 1964 through the summer of 1965 was ineffectual in bring the war to a conclusion and so William Westmoreland, the U.S. Commander in Vietnam, implemented a new program that would be called Search and Destroy. Search and Destroy Operations were attempts made by the U.S. Military to find the North Vietnamese Communist forces and eradicate them, thus removing the treat of South Vietnam being consumed by Communism. Join us as we learn about the Strategy of Search and Destroy used by General Westmoreland and the U.S. Military as they attempted to free South Vietnam from attack, destruction and ultimately a Communist takeover.
This course will tie in and end with the lecture given by Dr. William Allison on the My Lai Massacre (April 11 at 7 p.m. in the Franciscan Center) which occurred in part because the search and destroy program.
Instructor: Dr. Dwayne Beggs Thursdays - April 18–May 16 10–11:30 a.m. Mother Adelaide Hall 206 $70/$88 - Register by April 11 Optional Trip to the Hayes Memorial May 23
In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States. To many southerners this was the last straw-they no longer wanted to be a part of the Union; a union they believed was attacking their very way of life and that ultimately would relegate them to a life of poverty. By 1861, several States had seceded from the Union and the Civil War was launched. Join us as we examine what events brought on the Civil War, who fought — and why they fought — the Generals who led the fighting, major battles fought, life on the home front and the events that brought the war to a conclusion.
Dr. Dwayne Beggs earned a M.A. and a Ph.D. in U.S. Diplomatic/Military History from BGSU. He has taught a Vietnam War class at BGSU for the past 3 years. He also holds an M.Div and served as a Youth Pastor/Associate Pastor for 22 years.
Instructor: Don Rowney Thursdays - March 21; April 4–25; May 2 & 9 (7 weeks) 10 a.m.–noon Mother Adelaide Hall 204 $84/$102 - Register by March 14
This course focuses on cycles in the decline and rise of state authority in Russia and the struggle of segments of the population to escape from this authority or to liberalize it. This focus allows us to review the stories of some of the most dramatic moments and striking personalities in Russian history, including the Revolution of 1917 and Vladimir Lenin; Josef Stalin and the emergence of Nazi forces in World War II; the USSR's emergence as a military-political superpower in the Cold War the era of decline following Stalin's death and the role of successors such as Brezhnev, Gorbachev, Yeltsin and Putin. For information, students will rely on selected short readings, films and classroom discussions.
Don Rowney earned the M.A., Ph.D. and Certificate in Russian and East European Studies at Indiana University. He has taught and lectured at BGSU, Cornell, Moscow State University and the Russian State Humanities University.
Instructor: Norma Flores Tuesdays - April 3–May 7 (6 weeks) Noon–1 p.m. St. Francis Hall 1 $36/$54 - Register by March 26
What we know about Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany centers around political and territorial conquests, but what was life like for those who were far removed from the field of battle? In our coursewe will examine the domestic side of the war and ask how was Hitler able to seduce an entire nation into accepting his leadership and radical policies? And more specifically, what impact did Hitler's rise to power have on the domestic family as both Aryan and non-Aryan women were subjected to state inspections mandated by new laws? From Kindergartens to the Honor Cross of the German Mother, come and find out how the Nazi Party infiltrated every aspect of German home life, while promoting Hitler's concepts of how the new German family should look, think, and act through a series of positive and negative decrees that aimed at supplanting the traditional view of the domestic household.
Instructor: Dr. Regan Brock Thursdays - May 9 & 16 2–3:30 p.m. Carmel Hall 1 $24/$42 - Register by May 2 Optional Field Trip May 23 to Hayes Memorial
This class will explore the development of the role of First Lady in the United States, with emphasis upon the ever-changing power of women in political life and upon the controversies and contributions of Ohio's eight First Ladies. How has the role changed over time? Why do we remain so ambivalent regarding our expectations? When the time comes, what will we expect of the first First Gentleman? Why not join us after the class to tour Lucy Hayes' home?
Dr. Brock is the Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences and Professor of History at Mercy College. In graduate school, she specialized in 19th Century America and currently teaches Women in American History and First Ladies at Mercy College.
Instructor: Father Charles Ritter Wednesdays - April 10–May 1 (4 weeks) 1–2:30 p.m. Mother Adelaide Hall 202 $36/$54 - Register by March 26
Fifty Years Later: A look at what happened, what didn't happen, and the impact of the major Council documents on the life of the church.
Fr. Charles Ritter currently serves as Associate Pastor at St. Joseph Church in Sylvania. He enjoyed a sabbatical study period in Jerusalem in 2010. He is also an experienced Lifelong Learning teacher with outstanding student reviews!
Instructor: Peter Sibilio, Ph.D. Mondays - February 25–March 18 (4weeks) Noon–1 p.m. St. Clare Hall 142 $45 /$ 63 - Register by February 18
The course will provide a brief introduction to the academic study of the New Testament. It requires no previous study or religious perspective, but will try to respect religious sensibilities. We will begin with a brief overview of the Old Testament and the Greco-Roman world. From there, we will study the letters of Paul and the gospels, roughly in their chronological order of composition. Note: the textbook required for this class is the Catholic Study Bible, available at the Lourdes bookstore for $40 (new) or $30 (used).
Dr. Sibilio is Assistant Professor of Theological Studies at Lourdes.
Instructor: Sabina Dhillon Saturday, April 20 (1 week) 2–4 p.m. St. Francis Hall 1 $14/$30 - Register by April 12
Sikhism is a fascinating culture from India. Due to recent news about attacks to Sikh people and their temples, this course will give you an opportunity to learn about the Sikh culture and provide awareness of the Sikh religion. This course will provide students with a brief introduction to the Sikh culture with some historical insight about Punjab, Punjabi music and dance, the Sikh religion/traditions. Pre-requisites to Indian culture or history are not required. A small sampling of Indian food will also be provided.
Sabina Dhillon is a Sikh American who has graduated from the University of Toledo with a B.A in Art and Mercy College with a B.S in Healthcare Administration. She works at the Toledo Public Library and has taught Sikh culture and dance classes to the Toledo community.
Students are invited to visit Tandoor Cusine of India on Reynolds Road after the class. Please contact Deb by April 13 to make your reservation!
Instructor: Jim Krusinski Mondays - April 1–15 (3 weeks) 6:30–8:30 p.m. Franciscan Center $60/$78 - Register by March 22
Over the course of three weeks, we will taste a minimum of eighteen wines from three premier wine growing regions. By comparing wines side-by-side, we will see the impact that climate and other growing conditions have on the finished product. We also will discuss how to read wine labels from each state, taste grape varieties that range from familiar to exotic, and answer your questions about wine in general. This course is geared to anyone interested in learning more about wine, regardless of their wine tasting experience.
Back by popular demand, Jim Krusinski is a Certified Specialist of Wine. Jim has been teaching wine classes in the greater Toledo area for over ten years and has passed on his knowledge of wine in a light-hearted, no-nonsense manner that prepares students to make better choices when ordering wine in a restaurant or in a store.
Instructor: Andy Rogers Tuesdays - March 12–26 (3 weeks) 9:30–11 a.m. Carmel Hall 1 $27/$48 - Register by March 5
Have you considered the possibility that you may outlive your savings in retirement? "But What if I Live? The American Retirement Crisis" may be just what you need. We know Americans are living longer today than ever before. Medical costs are on the rise along with taxes. Social Security looks questionable and pension plans are disappearing daily. Many Americans are concerned by the possibility that they may outlive their savings.
While no one can remove all the risk from life or retirement, gaining control of your retirement plan begins with preparation and education. Learn how to build wealth, reduce risk and meet your personal goals. Whether you are planning to retire soon, just recently retired or planning for the future, this class will provide you with valuable information to help you make life choices. Booklets and handouts are included.
Partnered with the country's leading retirement providers, Fidelity Investments, Franklin Templeton, and Blackrock, Andy Rogers provides 401k and retirement services unique to the Toledo area. Originally licensed in 1984, Rogers has over two decades of experience in financial management. Rogers serves on the financial board of Christian Fellowship church. He also teaches beginner and advanced financial planning classes at Monroe County Community College.
Instructor: Norm Thal Thursdays - March 14 & 21; April 4–25; May 2 & 9 (8 weeks) 1–2:30 p.m. St. Francis Hall 1 $60/$78 - Register by March 7
Based on a Briefing book from the Foreign Policy Association (available in the Lourdes Bookstore), this course studies the world issues in depth. Class discussions (often spirited) and special videos featuring guest experts provide insights into many of the world's major problems and hotspots. Subjects for 2013 include Egypt, Iran, Myanmar, Africa, Southeast Asia, and China.
All participants will receive class assignments prior to the first meeting!
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