Academy of Lifetime Learning

The Academy is a learning community sponsored by the School of Continuing Education . The Academy is open to everyone in the area who is age 50 and over and who has a curiosity and desire to learn.

Advisory Council Board Membership Roster

Membership Application (mail or fax)

Membership: $35.00 per calendar year  

A one-year membership for $35 includes these benefits:

  • Free monthly luncheon lectures Social events coordination
  • Reduced fees for Doudna Academy events
  • Reduced registration fees for Academy workshops, courses and tours
  • Option to purchase an EIU Recreation Center membership
  • Complimentary tuition to audit one EIU credit course per semester

The Academy's mission is to grow and serve the educational needs of community members age 50 and over. We welcome your membership and ideas for future programming.

Course Registration Form (mail or fax)

Fax: 217-581-6697

Mailing Address
Academy of Lifetime Learning
School of Continuing Education
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Ave.
Charleston, IL  61920-3099

Email us: all@eiu.edu


Fall 2009 Workshops

Academy Fall 2009 Program Guide

Fall 2009 Workshops

  • Meditation in Motion * Participants will learn the principles of meditation in motion through the non-impact movement of Okinawa Karate’s White Crane Forms of the Naha-te Schools. The forms taught will be Sanchin of Pan Gai Noon Karate, Tensho of Goju-Ryu karate and Happoren-of MingHe Quan (whooping crane) boxing. Correct breathing and posture as well as visual focus principles will be taught. The defensive applications of the forms will be discussed. Participants will also be taught the application and usage of the Tetsu Tama iron health balls. Please bring two golf balls with you to class. Wear loose clothing and gym shoes. (limit 15 participants)
    Presented by: Prof. Gustavo Albear
    Date: Monday, Sept. 14, 2009
    Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
    Location: LifeSpan Center 217-639-5150
    Cost: Academy Member: $15; Non-member: $35
    Register by: 9/8/2009

  • Presentation Skills * This workshop enables participants to develop public-speaking skills. Do you support an organization or cause for which you might be called on to speak in public? If so, this may be just the workshop you need to give you the courage and skills to provide a great speech. (limit 15 participants)
    Presented by: W. Andrew Robinson, Ph.D.
    Date: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009
    Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
    Location: EIU Blair Hall, Room 2116
    Cost: Academy Member: $15; Non-member: $35
    Register by: 9/17/2009

  • Behind the Scenes * Doudna Fine Arts Center’s various performance spaces utilize an amaz­ing array of technologies, dedicated to supporting musical artistry and education. Mark Rubel, audio director from the Department of Music, will lead workshop participants on a guided tour of the facilities, demon­strating and explaining in simple terms the technical state of the musical art. (limit 15 participants)
    Presented by: Mark Rubel, Ph.D.
    Date: Monday, September 28, 2009
    Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
    Location: Lobby, Doudna Fine Arts Center
    Cost: Academy Member: $15; Non-member: $35
    Register by: 9/21/2009

  • Fitness Goals for the Older Adult * Physical activity in the form of jogging/running is an excellent method for “seasoned” adults to maintain a healthy lifestyle, achieve fitness goals, and maybe even do the “unthinkable”– participate and compete in a community running event. Research, anecdotal evidence and personal experience will be shared on the benefits of fitness for the mature adult. A strategic plan for how to safely train for an upcoming event will be presented. (limit 15 participants)
    Presented by: Jon Oliver, Ph.D. and Calvin Smith, Ph.D.
    Date: Monday, Oct. 5, 2009
    Time: 9-10:30 a.m.
    Location: EIU Blair Hall, Room 2116
    Cost: Academy Member: $15; Non-member: $35
    Register by: 9/28/2009

  • Beginning Square Dance * Have fun! Stay in shape! Learn how to square dance with some basic moves. (limit 32 participants)
    Presented by: Joe Landeck, MS Ed.
    Date: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009
    Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
    Location: LifeSpan Center 217-639-5150
    Cost: Academy Member: $15; Non-member: $35
    Register by: 10/15/2009

  • Aging With Grace Mini-Conference * Academy of Lifetime Learning Open House and Celebration of the Master of Gerontology Degree Program. Keynote presentation by David Snowden, Ph.D., author of “Aging With Grace” (Nun Study on Alzheimer’s symptoms), with workshops by William Hine, Ph.D. (Third Age Learning), William Kirk, Ph.D. (Spiritual Resiliency and Aging), James Painter, Ph.D. (Portion Size and Aging) and Jeffrey Lynch, MA (The Classics and the Mature Reader). Lectures will be followed by a book-signing and reception. (limit 250 participants)
    Presented by: David Snowdon, Ph.D.; William Hine, Ph.D.; Jeffrey Lynch, MA, James Painter, Ph.D.; William Kirk, Ph.D.
    Date: Friday, Oct. 23, 2009
    Time: 1-5:30 p.m.
    Location: EIU MLK Jr. University Union, University Ballroom
    Cost: Academy Member: free; Non-member: free
    Register by: 10/16/2009

  • Developing Critical Thinking Skills * Session participants will learn various critical-thinking techniques. They will also learn about filters that cause them to respond to decisions in different ways. Participants will experience at leastfour critical thinking exercises that will help them evaluate how they think. (limit 15 participants)
    Presented by: Renee Nelms King, Ph.D.
    Date: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009
    Time: 3-4:30 p.m.
    Location: EIU Blair Hall, Room 2116
    Cost: Academy Member: $15; Non-member: $35
    Register by: 10/27/2009

  • Using a Global Positioning System for Fun * Learn about the GPS satellite system that is available to everyone. GPS can be used to find your way to a new place, or just for fun. A popular pastime is to find a hidden treasure, called a geocache, using GPS capabilities. GPS can also assist in finding historic markers. Get some hands-on experience using a GPS. (limit 10 participants)
    Presented by: Sam Guccione, Ph.D.
    Date: Monday, Nov. 16, 2009
    Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
    Location: EIU Blair Hall, Room 2116
    Cost: Academy Member: $25; Non-member: $45
    Register by: 11/9/2009

  • Identifying Pattern Glass * This workshop is designed to help participants appreciate and identify Early American Pattern Glass of the type that was common on American tables from 1850-1915. At that time, U.S. glassmakers were among the best in the world, and more than 3,000 different patterns were produced. The glass-making process will be explained and representative patterns displayed. Participants are welcome to bring pieces from their families or collections for identification. (limit 15 participants)
    Presented by: Charles Eberly, Ph.D.
    Date: Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009
    Time: 10:30 a.m.-noon
    Location: EIU Blair Hall, Room 2116
    Cost: Academy Member: $15; Non-member: $35
    Register by: Nov. 23