- VOLTS (VALPARAISO ORGANIZATION FOR LEARNING & TEACHINGS SENIORS)
What Is VOLTS?
VOLTS Valparaiso Organization for Learning and Teaching Seniors is a group of seniors in the area who are intellectually curious and like to learn, particularly with a group of peers.
Valparaiso Organization for Learning and Teaching Seniors (VOLTS) was organized in the Spring of 1995 with the support of the Office of Continuing Education at Valparaiso University.
VOLTS is directed by its own members. Programs, including guest speakers and lecturers, are chosen by the interests of those involved. Topics include previews of university drama and musical productions, discussion of current events, and presentations by VU faculty or other professionals.
As the name implies, the program is designed for seniors who are interested in learning and teaching. Expertise within the group naturally lends itself to an exchange of information within the group.
Thus, VOLTS does not replicate a classroom setting in which members are lectured to by a speaker. Rather, VOLTS allows participants to be actively involved in both learning from and teaching fellow members.Who can participate?
The VOLTS program is open to all senior citizens who are excited about knowledge. Participants are retired or above the age of 60.When can I start?
Anytime! A VOLTS schedule is prepared each semester and is included in the current brochure. If you are interested in participating you are welcome to come as a guest or visitor to a session. Virtually all meetings are held on the campus at the University.What Is the cost?
The cost per year is currently $20 per person or $35 per couple.Request information
For more information please contact the Office of Continuing Education at Valparaiso University at 219-464-5313, or you may submit an online form requesting more information. To request information about our VOLTS program, click here.Program Planning Committee
- Richard Brauer
- Bette Brown (Chair)
- Dotti Clifford
- Wes Maiers (Coordinator-Current Events)
- Johanna McGill
- Marvin Mundt
- Marilyn Owens
- Dr. Albert Trost (Coordinator-Current Events)
VOLTS Fall 2009 Program Schedule August 31
Selection from the Robert & Ellie Haan Collection of IN Art
Speaker: Dr. Laurette E. McCarthy, Independent Scholar
Location: Harre Union, Brown and Gold Room; 3:30 pm
September 10
Current Events
Location: Harre Union Ballroom A, 9:00 am
September 14
VU Humanitarian Engineering in Eastern Africa
Speakers: Dr. Michael Hagenberger (VU's Engineers Without Borders) with students Alex Williams, Rachel Howell, and James Nagel.
Location: Harre Union, Brown and Gold Room; 3:30 pm
September 24
Current Events
Location: Harre Union-Ballroom A, 9:00am
September 28
"Forgoing Promising Futures: The Regional Impact of Adult Education"
Speakers: Paula Siminski, Assistant Director and Rebecca Reiner, Director, of Portage Adult Education & Learning Center
Location: Harre Union, Brown and Gold Room; 3:30 pm.
October 1
Play Review: "Fuddy Meers"
Speaker: Dr. Lee Orchard, Director
Location: VUCA (Room TBA), 4:00 pm
October 8 Current Events
Location: VU Harre Union-Ballroom A, 9:00 am
October 12
Architecture and Archeology in Rome
Speaker: Dr. Richard DeMaris, VU Professor of Theology
Location: Harre Union, Brown and Gold Room, 3:30 pm
October 22
Current Events
Location: Harre Union-Ballroom A 9:00am
October 26 Homelessness in Valparaiso (Slide and presentation)
Speaker: R.G. Skagberg, Christian Community Action Rep.
Location: Harre Union Brown and Gold Room, 3:30 pm
November 2
Looking for Lincoln
Speaker: Norm Hellmers, National Parks Service (Retired)
Location: Harre Union, Brown and Gold Room, 3:30 pm
November 5
Current Events
Location: Harre Union-Ballroom A, 9:00 am
November 5
Musical Review: Cabaret
Speaker: Dr. Andrew White, Director
Location: VUCA 4:00pm (Room TBA)
November 16
The Bologna Process
Speaker: Roy Austensen, VU Dept of History
Location: Harre Union, Brown and Gold Room, 3:30 pm
November 19
Current Events
Location: Harre Union-Ballroom A, 9:00 am
December 3
Current Events
Location: Harre Union- Ballroom A, 9:00 am
December 7
A Director Prepares
Speaker: Dr. Lee Orchard, Department of Theater
Location: Harre Union, Brown and Gold Room; 3:30 pm
December 10
Current Events
Location: Harre Union- Ballroom A, 9:00 am