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. 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 and now works in collaboration with the Valpo Education Department. 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 per academic year.

Register

Download and complete the VOLTS Registration Form. You may submit your registration and payment at any VOLTS meeting, or simply bring them to the Education Department in Wesemann Hall, 656 S. Greenwich Street.

Request information

For more information please contact the The Department of Education at Valparaiso University at 219.464.5077, or you may send us an email at emma.kelley@valpo.edu or douglas.wassilak@valpo.edu.

Schedule and Parking

VOLTS will be moving to the Education wing of Wesemann Hall for the 2024-2025 academic year! Free parking is available in Lot 50, directly across from Wesemann Hall. ADA parking is available. Once inside, you may take the elevator to 2B or take the stairs to the second floor.

Click here for a Campus Map and Parking (Building Location Starred)

Spring 2025 Schedule

Monday, January 13, 3:30PM: Wesemann Hall 2nd Floor Library

  • Project Neighbors: Service Update for Homeless Men in Valparaiso
  • Cody Wilson, Project Neighbors Housing Director

Monday, January 27, 3:30PM: Wesemann Hall 2nd Floor Library

  • Indiana Dunes Tourism
  • Dustin Ritchea, Communication and Creative Director at Indiana Dunes Tourism

Monday, February 10, 3:30PM: Wesemann Hall 2nd Floor Library

  • Weather in NW Indiana
  • Craig Clark, Professor of Meteorology at Valparaiso University

Monday, February 24, 3:30PM: Wesemann Hall 2nd Floor Library

  • Forensic Psychology at Valparaiso University
  • Holly Cross, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Valparaiso University

Monday, March 10, 3:30PM: Wesemann Hall 2nd Floor Library

  • To Be Announced

Monday, March 24, 3:30PM: Wesemann Hall 2nd Floor Library

  • Valpo’s Lutheran Centennial: Enduring Faith, Eternal Joy
    • Reflecting on 100 years of Lutheran higher education and discerning the future of the University
  • Rev. Dr. Brian Beckstrom, Associate Vice President for Mission at Valparaiso University

Monday, April 14,  3:30PM: Wesemann Hall 2nd Floor Library

  • Marking Native Borders: Indigenous Geography and American Empire in the Early Tennessee Country
  • Lucas Kelley, Assistant Professor of History at Valparaiso University

Monday, April 28, 3:30PM: Wesemann Hall 2nd Floor Library

  • Impact of the 2024 Election
  • Al Trost, Former Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Emeritus Professor 

Monday, May 12, 3:30PM: Wesemann Hall 2nd Floor Library

  • Valparaiso Community Schools Energy Projects
  • Andy Blastick, Director of Buildings and Grounds, Valparaiso Community Schools
Program Planning Committee
  • Dave Eickemeyer and Susan Livarchik – Co-chairs
  • Ann Jones
  • Michael Strayer
  • Dr. Albert Trost 
  • Ruth Bettermann
  • Phyllis Schroeder
  • David Grote
  • Education Department Representatives: Douglas Wassilak, Emma Kelley