Lifelong Learning Collaborative Course Offerings
The Lifelong Learning Collaborative at Butler University improves and enriches the lives of adults by connecting Butler faculty and lifelong learners, both locally and around the globe. There are no tests, no grades, and no degree requirements, creating opportunities to explore new topics with others who share your intellectual curiosity.
Courses are designed for a variety of experiences: minicourses offered in multiple one-hour sessions, one hour courses offered either virtually or on campus, and behind-the-scenes experiences. Take as many courses as you like, and as often as your schedule allows. Check back frequently for new course offerings.
Testimonial: “The instructor was engaging, went at a great pace, and answered all of my questions. What a wonderful learning session. Thank you!”
Minicourses
A series of multiple, one-hour courses centered on a specific topic.
December 2 and 11
Noon–1:00 PM
In-Person (TBD) and Online
Cost: $50 (two part series).
Are you ready to share your story with the world? Join us for an engaging, hands-on podcasting workshop designed specifically for adult learners with no prior experience. In two hour-long sessions, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to create your very own podcast from scratch!
Session 1: Crafting Your Podcast (Virtual)
In our first hour together, we’ll introduce you to the essentials of podcast creation:
• Understanding the basic structure of a podcast
• Exploring storytelling techniques to engage your audience
• Introduction to recording equipment and basic recording techniques
You’ll leave this session with a clear plan and the knowledge to start recording your first podcast episode on your own!
Session 2: Polishing and Publishing (HyFlex: In-Person or Virtual Attendance)
Our second session will focus on bringing your podcast to life:
• Introduction to basic audio editing tools and techniques
• Finding the perfect royalty-free music to enhance your podcast
• Step-by-step guide to publishing your podcast for the world to hear
Whether you join us in-person or virtually, you’ll receive hands-on guidance and support to refine and publish your podcast. By the end of this workshop, you’ll have all the tools you need to launch your very own podcast. No technical expertise required – just bring your passion and ideas!
Don’t miss this opportunity to unleash your creativity and join the exciting world of podcasting.
Instructor: Kristen Palmer
One Hour Talks
A one-time session delivered in-person or online about a chosen topic.
September 9
4:00–5:15 PM
Butler Pickleball Courts
Cost: $30
Learn the rules, culture, and game of Pickleball (the fastest growing sport in America and maybe the world) and be playing in the first lesson! Supplies will be provided – class will be capped at 14 participants.
Instructor: Lisa Farley
September 30
4:00–5:15 PM
Butler Pickleball Courts
Cost: $30
Would you like to level up your pickleball game? Practice skills and strategy in this intermediate session.
Instructor: Lisa Farley
September 17
12:30–1:30 PM
Dugan Hall 230A or Online
Cost: $30
Have you ever felt “stuck” when planning a vacation, not knowing how much to do in a day, what to visit, or how much to spend? Let AI do the heavy lifting in this session where participants will get hands-on experience using AI to plan your next fabulous adventure. Laptops will be provided, but feel free to bring your own! (This class is offered in person and on Zoom).
Instructor: Kristen Palmer
October 13
2:00–3:15 PM
Dugan Hall 221
Cost: $30
In honor of Taylor Swift coming to Indianapolis, we are calling all Swifties in this special session open to all ages: tweens, senior citizens, and everyone in between!
Does the fear of public speaking have you staying up for Midnights? Want to have a better Reputation for leading meetings or projects? Join us for a fun-filled workshop to learn how to Speak Now to audiences of all sizes. We’ll cover anxiety-reducing strategies you can implement in personal, professional, and school contexts to exude confidence for Evermore.
Instructor: Dr. Carly Middleton
November 1
10:00 AM–Noon
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site *
Cost: $30
As the election is only days away, join Charles Hyde, President and CEO of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, for an impactful discussion about civil civic discourse, a cornerstone of a thriving democracy, through the lens of our 23rd president. Following the discussion, participants will tour the beautiful 10,000 sq. ft. Italianate Victorian family home of President Benjamin Harrison. Built in 1875, the home is beautifully furnished with many of Harrison’s paintings, furniture, and other artifacts including political memorabilia.
*Presidential Site address: 1230 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46202. Free parking available on the street and in a lot next to the site.
Instructor: Charles Hyde, President and CEO of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
November 14
5:00 PM–6:15 PM
Lilly Hall 149
Cost: $30
Learn how students and faculty at Butler University are using prescribed music playlists to target dementia symptoms and enhance memory. Examine data from our latest studies. Attendees will receive an introduction for playlist building.
Instructor: Tim Brimmer
November 18
4:00-5:15 PM
Dugan Hall 351
Cost: $30
What makes the French laugh and how does that compare to American humor? Join French professor Eloise Sureau, as she discusses the importance of humor in the French culture at all ages!
Instructor: Eloise Sureau
Date: TDB
3:00–4:30 PM
Jordan Hall 141
Cost: $30
This interactive and thought-provoking session will examine what contributes to human well-being and flourishing. We will explore topics such as the psychology of positive emotions, the role of social connections and relationships in happiness, and the impact of mindfulness and gratitude practices on well-being. p and be able to use the P.E.R.M.A.P. Model as a roadmap to their personal happiness journeys.
Instructor: Dr. Brandie Oliver
Behind the Scenes and Special Events
Expert-led educational tours.
September 12
5:00-7:00 PM
Holcomb Observatory*
Cost: $30
A unique planetarium viewing intertwines science and mythology to take the viewer on a poetic journey through how the Mayans have viewed and understood the Universe throughout their history. The visuals give the viewer the impression of being inside a beautifully stylistic painting. This artistic interpretation of the Universe makes for a journey that will not be forgotten.
Following this, you’ll embark on a tour of the observatory, including a demonstration of the operation of Indiana’s largest telescope.
*Guest Parking Available near Robertson Hall
**A lift will be provided to telescope for accessibility in lieu of stairs
October 4
9:00 AM–10:15 AM
Meet in front of Dugan Hall 625 Butler Way
Cost: $10
In 2022 the Indianapolis Business Journal released the “Top 10 Architecturally Wonderous Buildings in Indianapolis” – which names three Butler University buildings. Join us for a walk through Butler’s campus to admire the architecture of the buildings and grounds. This campus walk will learn about J.I. Holcomb’s vision that brought the Gardens, Bell Tower, and Observatory which bear his name, the brutalist Clowes Memorial Hall, the Collegiate Gothic Arthur Jordan Memorial Hall, and the New Formalism of Irwin Library, among many more.
*Golf cart transportation available if needed.
Instructor: John Lacheta
October 23
10:00 AM
Crown Hill Cemetery Main Parking Lot*
Cost: $30
Join professor and Indiana Landmarks tour guide, Debbie Corpus, as you investigate a few of the 225,000 graves representing the intriguing, inspirational, and unique Hoosiers buried in Crown Hill Cemetery. Trivia will be provided along the way!
You will be guided through in vehicles to cover the expansive grounds.
*Address: 700 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Instructor: Debbie Corpus