ISSUED: 2 February 2018
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — The Lifelong Learning Program at Shepherd University announces its 2018 spring semester. Most of the courses begin the week of March 12, and a reception to discuss the new semester will be held February 20 at 5 p.m. in the Erma Ora Byrd Hall lobby.
Longtime favorite courses return this semester with in-depth discussions of the plays of the upcoming 2018 Contemporary America Theater Festival season, discussions of fast-moving global issues, dialogue about Middle East radical groups, and the return of Dr. Ray Smock, director of the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education and former historian at the U.S. House of Representatives, with readings from his journal. Self-improvement courses continue to be a part of the program with new and ongoing classes in health, mind, spiritual, and fiscal areas.
Shepherd’s Lifelong Learning Program is offering a particularly wide range of courses in literature this semester, including a workshop for writers on how to improve their fiction writing, in-depth discussions of “The Little Prince,” classes on the writings of Larry McMurtry, “Cold Mountain” by Charles Frazier, German fairy tales, a fresh group of thought-provoking short stories and poems to read and discuss, and Greek/Roman myths. Historical areas that will be covered range from the Cuban Missile Crisis, Syrian refugees, and myths and realities about Islam to the Troubles in Ireland.
Lifelong Learning continues its partnership with the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education with showings and discussions of three films that focus on citizen action and awareness. The program also continues its support of the President’s Lecture Series by arranging presentations on environmental and science topics from leaders in their disciplines.
Day and overnight tours offer a wide range of cultural and historical experiences along the Eastern Seaboard. Events offered this semester include the Terracotta Army Exhibit; the American Visionary Art Museum; a National Symphony Orchestra Concert; Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown; and the 26th Annual French Film Festival.
The Lifelong Learning Program also facilitates national and international tours including Scenic Switzerland; Old Quebec City; Rockies, Rails and National Parks; and Peru and Machu Picchu.
Classroom offerings consist of six-week courses and those of shorter duration, Brown Bag Luncheon Lectures, and films. Although some events are free, attendance generally requires an annual membership fee. There are two levels of Lifelong Learning membership available: Silver and Gold. Silver, which costs $85 a year, and includes tour discounts and free lunch lectures. Silver members pay $60 for each class they want to take. Gold membership, which costs $325 a year, includes all enrollment fees, all lectures, discounts on tours, free parking decal for lots on East and West Campus with access to the campus shuttle bus, and invitations to special events. Spouses and domestic partners can receive a Gold membership for an additional $175.
The Shepherd University Lifelong Learning Program is a volunteer, member-driven organization that is dedicated to offering stimulating academic courses and activities to the community. For additional information and to register, visit www.shepherd.edu/lifelonglearning or contact Karen Rice, krice@shepherd.edu or 304-876-5135.
— 30 —