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 over a week in four one-hour sessions, one hour courses offered either on zoom 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 four, one-hour courses centered on a specific topic.

November 7, 14, 28, December 5
9:00–10:00 AM
On Campus
Cost: $100
Register

Mindfulness meditation calms the mind and awakens the heart and helps us to encounter life circumstances with greater confidence. Meditation connects us with our overall wellness by harmonizing mind and body, working with our anxiety and building resilience, resulting in more aliveness and appreciation for ourselves, others and the world in which we live. Many faith and philosophical traditions include various meditation and prayer practices and while mindfulness meditation is rooted in the Buddhist tradition, here it is presented as a secular practice.

Participants will learn about the history of mindfulness meditation, receive instruction in the practices and meditate together as meditating in community helps to develop a regular meditation practice and is an opportunity to learn about and to share experiences in connection with mindfulness.

Instructor:  Marguerite Stanciu, Center for Faith and Vocation

January 13, 20, 27, and February 3
9:00–10:00 AM
On campus, Lilly Hall
Cost: $120
Register

Explore music theory by studying songs by The Beatles. A basic level of music theory is preferred (although videos of the fundamentals will be included if you are a beginner). This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of harmony using Roman numerals to analyze Beatles music. Upon completion, participants will be able to use Roman numerals to analyze chords. The ultimate goal is a deeper understanding of Beatles music and of musical harmony in general.

Instructor: Aaron Krerowicz

January 21 and 28, and February 4 and 11
7:00–8:00 PM
Online
Cost: $100 for series, $30 per single class
Class is capped at 16 participants.
Register

Have you heard about the benefits of meditation but don’t know how to begin? Sign up for a four-week online introduction to the practice of mindfulness. You’ll learn different meditation techniques to improve your focus, reduce stress, and foster mindfulness. As a bonus, we invite you to start your meditation journey with a friend or family member (all ages are welcome). When you sign up, you’ll receive a “free pass” that you can share with someone who will support and learn alongside you.

January 21Belly Breathing, Dynamic Breathing, Body Scan
January 28Guided Imagery, Walking Meditation, Gatha
February 4Labeling Thoughts, Eating Meditation, Chair Yoga
February 11Eating Meditation (Part II), Labeling Feelings, Lovingkindness 

Instructor: Kelli Esteves

 

January 25 and February 1, 8, and 15
7:00–8:00 PM
Online
Cost: $100 for series, $30 per single class
Register

Whether you are a true crime junkie, or someone just interested in the basics, this crash course will illustrate how real-life forensic science happens in the crime lab and will demonstrate how evidence from the scene of a crime gets examined by modern-day Sherlockian scientists in order to bring truth to a mystery. From blood spatter to DNA analysis to fingerprints and beyond, this course will present a light but interactive delve into the forensic sciences, where participants will be challenged to apply what they’ve learned to find clues and solve (fictional) cases presented at the end of each lecture!

January 25–Famous Cases that Forwarded the Field of Forensics
February 1–Body Fluid Identification and Blood Spatter
February 8–Interpreting a DNA Profile
February 15–Forensic Pattern Matching (Fingerprints and More)

Instructor: Ken Eilert

February 3, 10, 17, and 24
On campus, Fairbanks Building
Cost: $120
Register

Whether you’re looking to get a date this Valentine’s Day, advance in your career, or have more exciting conversations with loved ones, Speaking and Storytelling is for you. This activity-driven mini-course will provide you with techniques to strengthen your speaking and storytelling abilities in a variety of settings: dinner with family, FaceTime’swith friends, social events, interviews, meetings and more. No public speaking experience is required. Come ready to listen, laugh, and be inspired by the stories of your peers.

Instructor: Carly Middleton

February 5, 12, 19, and 26
6:30–7:45 PM, optional Q&A until 8:00 PM
On campus
Cost: $110 for series, $30 per single class
Register

Highlights of the Art and Architecture of Spain: Discover the rich and diverse artistic heritage of Spain, from its cathedrals, mosques, and synagogues to its castles, Arabic palaces, and varieties of modern buildings. Examine the paintings of world-class artists. Learn to distinguish between architectural styles. Become familiar with major artistic movements. Whether you enjoy traveling the world from your armchair or in person, this mini course will help you to understand the visual treasures you will encounter along the way.

Instructor: Linda Willem

February 5: Medieval architecture 
Romanesque    
Gothic
Arabic/Mudejar  

February 12: Modern architecture 
Modernismo (Art nouveau) 
Santiago Calatrava  

February 19: Old Masters 
El Greco 
Velasquez 
Goya  

February 26: Avant-garde artists 
Picasso 
Dalí
Miró 

February 1, 13, 20, and 27
Noon–1:00 PM
Online
Cost: $100 for series, $30 per single class
Register

Does it ever seem like finding solid, reliable information on the internet is a mess? Finding the best information doesn’t have to be frustrating. Butler University Librarians will guide you through the process of identifying misinformation, navigating consumer health issues, and using basic and advanced search skills on Google, Google Scholar, and other publicly accessible databases. From the best restaurants to detailed scientific research, learn to untangle the knots using the strategies and skills of professional researchers.

February 6–Misinformation
Concepts and the psychology of misinformation
How to spot misinformation
How to find reliable popular website sources
How to identify bias in news

February 13–Consumer Health Information
Understand the basics of health literacy
Best practices when evaluating online health resources
Review reliable online health information resources

February 20 –Google
Identifying your information needs
What is Google and Google Scholar
Structure of Google and Google Scholar
Basic search strategies
Advanced search strategies

February 27–Databases
Identifying your information needs, part two
What is a database
Structure of databases
How to find publicly accessible databases
Basic database search strategies

Instructor: Jennie Burke

 

February 8 and 22, March 7 and 21
7:00–8:00 PM
Online
Cost: $120
Register

Love to read? Interested in revamping your knowledge of Greek mythology? This course is for you. Join a group of engaged readers to discuss novels that retell the stories of ancient Greek mythology. In a book club type setting, we will focus on untold stories or new perspectives on characters that are silent in the ancient sources. Each meeting will be devoted to a novel, and discussions will review the basics of ancient Greek mythology, introduce ancient source material, and delve into the characters and plot.

Books needed for class:
These are easy to find at the library or new/used on Amazon
A Thousand Ships, Natalie Hayne
The Silence of the Girls, Pat Barker
Ariadne. A Novel, Jennifer Saint
Circe, Madeline Miller

Instructor: Lynn Kvapil 

March 2 and 3
10:00 AM–Noon
On campus, Lilly Hall 328 Black Box Theater
Cost: $30
Register

Wear clothes you feel comfortable moving in and athletic shoes.

Calling all actors, directors, and theater lovers—learn how to fake fight! In this course, we will cover the fundamentals and techniques of unarmed stage combat, from pushes to punches, from shoves to (non-contact) slaps. Emphasis will be placed in the safe and proper execution of these techniques and more while also investigating how to create convincing choreography.

March 2—The basics: pushes, pulls, grapples, slaps, non-contact punches, introduction to choreography.

March 3—Contact punches, elbows, and kicks; choreography—geography of the fight. Show and tell—choreographing a fight with your partner and showing the class.

Instructor: Andres Lopez

 

March 5, 12, 19, and 26
9:00–10:00 AM
On campus
Cost: $120
Register

In this course, we will compare and contrast the way the French and the American live, work, interact, and see the world around them. By looking at daily life activities, the workforce, education, as well as the economic and political systems in both France and the United States, we will analyze how and why the French and the Americans are so similar yet so different. We will also learn to speak some very basic French to better understand, through their language structure and vocabulary usage, why the French think and behave the way they do. By the end of the course, students will be better able to understand and alleviate some of the misunderstandings and biases both countries have faced with each other throughout their shared history.

Instructor: Eloise Sureau

 

March 18, 20, 25, and 27
4:00–5:00 PM
On campus
Cost: $120
Register

Have you ever admired the straight posture of a dancer? In addition to intensive training, virtually all dancers do supplemental exercises to enhance their alignment and core stability. This course will be a gentle exercise class to introduce participants to some of the cross-training techniques dancers use to prevent injury and heighten body awareness.

Instructor: Cynthia Pratt

March 28, April 4, and 11
On campus
Cost: $75
Register

Writer Laurie Frankel’s book, This Is How It Always Is, is a novel about a family with five boys in which the youngest feels he’s something entirely different—a girl. It’s about the ways this is how it always is: Change is always hard and miraculous and hard again; parenting is always a leap into the unknown with crossed fingers and full hearts; children grow but not always according to plan. And families with secrets don’t get to keep them forever.

Participants will come together to talk about the book. Specifically, we will discuss topics and/or themes within this book that are important to society. By sharing our thinking, perspectives, and questions, we can build a richer understanding and make meaning of the experiences shared in this book.

March 28—Welcome and introductions; initial thoughts and reactions
April 4—Gender and identity/gender stereotypes; exploration of complex emotions/feelings shared in the story.
April 11—How do we (or society) view normal? Fitting in and/or belonging and examining our strategies/skills to create an inclusive learning environment; Discussion/Sharing of resources.

Instructor: Brandie Oliver

April 1, 3, 8, and 10
4:00–5:00 PM
On campus, Lilly Hall first floor
Cost: $120
Register

How did ballet start? Why are all the terms in French? When did female dancers first start dancing on their toes (en pointe)? These questions and many more are answered in this four-session course designed to give an overview of the fascinating history of the art of ballet. In this class we will cover the inception and institutionalization of ballet and it’s use as a political tool as well as a means of escapism and artistic expression. The class will include viewing sections of some of ballet’s “greatest hits” and introduce participants to dance luminaries throughout the centuries.

Instructor: Cynthia Pratt

April 3, 10, 17, 24
4:00–5:00 PM
Online
Cost: $110 for series, $30 per single class
Register

Cryptography is the science of secret messages. Participants will learn about a wide variety of cryptosystems, from Caesar’s cipher to quantum cryptography. Hands-on examples and secret messages will be sent! We will discuss the important role cryptography played in history, including the breaking of the enigma cipher by Alan Turing and his team during World War II.

Week 1 Classical Cryptography—We will learn, and practice, substitution ciphers and Vigenere, and their use up through the 1800s.

Week 2 Enigma, Alan Turing, and World War II—We will talk about encryption machines, the roles they played in WW2, and the work of Alan Turing and other cryptographers and the advent of the computer.

Week 3 Public-Key Cryptography—This is what we use today for the web, banking, passwords, you name it.  We will learn how it works and talk about some ethical issues around strong cryptography.  We will also talk about cryptocurrency and blockchain.

Week 4 Quantum—Quantum computers have the potential to break most public-key systems.  We will talk about how, and what we plan to do about it.

Instructor: Jon Sorenson

One Hour Talks

A one-time session delivered in-person or online about a chosen topic.

December 4
7:00–8:00 PM ET
Online–session will be recorded
Cost: $30.00
Register

The idea of networking is typically one that sends a cold shiver down the back of any self-claimed introvert. But it doesn’t have to. Networking, at its core, is about one thing—being curious. Join JJ Debrosse to learning more about the before, during, and after of networking to make the most out of your conversations. Session will be recorded for flexible viewing.

Instructor: JJ Debrosse, Lacy School of Business

December 6
Noon–1:00 PM ET
Online–session will be recorded
Cost: $30.00
Register

Known as the Crossroads of America, the Hoosier State has a rich and complex history that is often overlooked. Having just celebrated its bicentennial in 2016, now is a wonderful time to consider that past as we contemplate the future. Come hear about some of the fascinating people who have helped make Indiana the place we live and work in today. Session will be recorded for flexible viewing.

Instructor: Jason Lantzer, Honors Program

January 21
7:00–8:00 PM
Online
$30 per single class
Class is capped at 16 participants.
Register

Have you heard about the benefits of meditation but don’t know how to begin? Sign up for a four-week online introduction to the practice of mindfulness. You’ll learn different meditation techniques to improve your focus, reduce stress, and foster mindfulness. As a bonus, we invite you to start your meditation journey with a friend or family member (all ages are welcome)! When you sign up, you’ll receive a “free pass” that you can share with someone who will support and learn alongside you.

Instructor: Kelli Esteves

January 28
7:00–8:00 PM
Online
$30 per single class
Class is capped at 16 participants.
Register

Have you heard about the benefits of meditation but don’t know how to begin? Sign up for a four-week online introduction to the practice of mindfulness. You’ll learn different meditation techniques to improve your focus, reduce stress, and foster mindfulness. As a bonus, we invite you to start your meditation journey with a friend or family member (all ages are welcome)! When you sign up, you’ll receive a “free pass” that you can share with someone who will support and learn alongside you.

Instructor: Kelli Esteves

January 23
7:00–8:30 PM
Online
Cost: $30
Register

In this talk and Q&A, Prof. James F. McGrath talks about his new book The A to Z of the New Testament with a focus on the book as an expression of his passion for lifelong learning and to make the fruits of what he and other New Testament scholars research available to a general audience in a form they can understand and appreciate. This is your chance to hear more about how Dr. McGrath’s experience teaching both at Butler University and in an adult Sunday school class at his church has helped him develop skills in communicating the major conclusions of his field in a way that anyone can understand. It is also an opportunity to ask any question you’ve always wanted answered about the New Testament.

Instructor: James McGrath

January 30
4:00–5:00 PM
On campus
Cost: $30
Register

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the role of design extends far beyond aesthetics and functionality. It encompasses a profound responsibility to create solutions that are inclusive, innovative, and sensitive to diverse perspectives. “Think Differently, Design Intentionally” is a dynamic course that delves deep into the transformative concepts of inclusive design and rethinking disability, empowering participants to harness the power of creativity and empathy to design better products and experiences for all.

Instructor: Sara Huehls, Eli Lilly Co

January 25
7:00–8:00 PM
Online
Cost: $30
Register

Whether you are a true crime junkie, or someone just interested in the basics, this crash course will illustrate how real-life forensic science happens in the crime lab and will demonstrate how evidence from the scene of a crime gets examined by modern-day Sherlockian scientists in order to bring truth to a mystery. From blood spatter to DNA analysis to fingerprints and beyond, this course will present a light but interactive delve into the forensic sciences, where participants will be challenged to apply what they’ve learned to find clues and solve (fictional) cases presented at the end of each lecture!

Instructor: Ken Eilert

February 4
7:00–8:00 PM
Online
$30 per single class
Class is capped at 16 participants.
Register

Have you heard about the benefits of meditation but don’t know how to begin? Sign up for a four-week online introduction to the practice of mindfulness. You’ll learn different meditation techniques to improve your focus, reduce stress, and foster mindfulness. As a bonus, we invite you to start your meditation journey with a friend or family member (all ages are welcome)! When you sign up, you’ll receive a “free pass” that you can share with someone who will support and learn alongside you.

Instructor: Kelli Esteves

February 11
7:00–8:00 PM
Online
$30 per single class
Class is capped at 16 participants.
Register

Have you heard about the benefits of meditation but don’t know how to begin? Sign up for a four-week online introduction to the practice of mindfulness. You’ll learn different meditation techniques to improve your focus, reduce stress, and foster mindfulness. As a bonus, we invite you to start your meditation journey with a friend or family member (all ages are welcome)! When you sign up, you’ll receive a “free pass” that you can share with someone who will support and learn alongside you.

Instructor: Kelli Esteves

February 1
7:00–8:00 PM
Online
Cost: $30
Register

Whether you are a true crime junkie, or someone just interested in the basics, this crash course will illustrate how real-life forensic science happens in the crime lab and will demonstrate how evidence from the scene of a crime gets examined by modern-day Sherlockian scientists in order to bring truth to a mystery. From blood spatter to DNA analysis to fingerprints and beyond, this course will present a light but interactive delve into the forensic sciences, where participants will be challenged to apply what they’ve learned to find clues and solve (fictional) cases presented at the end of each lecture!

Instructor: Ken Eilert

February 8
7:00–8:00 PM
Online
Cost: $30
Register

Whether you are a true crime junkie, or someone just interested in the basics, this crash course will illustrate how real-life forensic science happens in the crime lab and will demonstrate how evidence from the scene of a crime gets examined by modern-day Sherlockian scientists in order to bring truth to a mystery. From blood spatter to DNA analysis to fingerprints and beyond, this course will present a light but interactive delve into the forensic sciences, where participants will be challenged to apply what they’ve learned to find clues and solve (fictional) cases presented at the end of each lecture!

Instructor: Ken Eilert

February 15
7:00–8:00 PM
Online
Cost: $30
Register

Whether you are a true crime junkie, or someone just interested in the basics, this crash course will illustrate how real-life forensic science happens in the crime lab and will demonstrate how evidence from the scene of a crime gets examined by modern-day Sherlockian scientists in order to bring truth to a mystery. From blood spatter to DNA analysis to fingerprints and beyond, this course will present a light but interactive delve into the forensic sciences, where participants will be challenged to apply what they’ve learned to find clues and solve (fictional) cases presented at the end of each lecture!

Instructor: Ken Eilert

February 1
Noon–1:00 PM
Online
Cost: $30
Register

Does it ever seem like finding solid, reliable information on the internet is a mess? Finding the best information doesn’t have to be frustrating. Butler University Librarians will guide you through the process of identifying misinformation, navigating consumer health issues, and using basic and advanced search skills on Google, Google Scholar, and other publicly accessible databases. From the best restaurants to detailed scientific research, learn to untangle the knots using the strategies and skills of professional researchers.

In this class you will learn:

Concepts and the psychology of misinformation
How to spot misinformation
How to find reliable popular website sources
How to identify bias in news

Instructor: Jennie Burke

February 13
Noon–1:00 PM
Online
Cost: $30
Register

Does it ever seem like finding solid, reliable information on the internet is a mess? Finding the best information doesn’t have to be frustrating. Butler University Librarians will guide you through the process of identifying misinformation, navigating consumer health issues, and using basic and advanced search skills on Google, Google Scholar, and other publicly accessible databases. From the best restaurants to detailed scientific research, learn to untangle the knots using the strategies and skills of professional researchers.

In this class you will learn:
Understand the basics of health literacy
Best practices when evaluating online health resources
Review reliable online health information resources

Instructor: Jennie Burke

February 20
Noon–1:00 PM
Online
Cost: $30
Register

Does it ever seem like finding solid, reliable information on the internet is a mess? Finding the best information doesn’t have to be frustrating. Butler University Librarians will guide you through the process of identifying misinformation, navigating consumer health issues, and using basic and advanced search skills on Google, Google Scholar, and other publicly accessible databases. From the best restaurants to detailed scientific research, learn to untangle the knots using the strategies and skills of professional researchers.

In this class you will learn:
Identifying your information needs
What is Google and Google Scholar
Structure of Google and Google Scholar
Basic search strategies
Advanced search strategies

Instructor: Jennie Burke

February 27
Noon–1:00 PM
Online
Cost: $30
Register

Does it ever seem like finding solid, reliable information on the internet is a mess? Finding the best information doesn’t have to be frustrating. Butler University Librarians will guide you through the process of identifying misinformation, navigating consumer health issues, and using basic and advanced search skills on Google, Google Scholar, and other publicly accessible databases. From the best restaurants to detailed scientific research, learn to untangle the knots using the strategies and skills of professional researchers.

In this class you will learn:
Identifying your information needs, part two
What is a database
Structure of databases
How to find publicly accessible databases
Basic database search strategies

Instructor: Jennie Burke

February 5
6:30–7:45 PM, optional Q&A until 8:00 PM
On campus
Cost: $30
Register

Highlights of the Art and Architecture of Spain: Discover the rich and diverse artistic heritage of Spain, from its cathedrals, mosques, and synagogues to its castles, Arabic palaces, and varieties of modern buildings. Examine the paintings of world-class artists. Learn to distinguish between architectural styles. Become familiar with major artistic movements. Whether you enjoy traveling the world from your armchair or in person, this mini course will help you to understand the visual treasures you will encounter along the way.

Instructor: Linda Willem

February 5: Medieval architecture 
Romanesque    
Gothic 
Arabic/Mudejar  
 

February 12
6:30–7:45 PM, optional Q&A until 8:00 PM
On campus
Cost: $30
Register

Highlights of the Art and Architecture of Spain: Discover the rich and diverse artistic heritage of Spain, from its cathedrals, mosques, and synagogues to its castles, Arabic palaces, and varieties of modern buildings. Examine the paintings of world-class artists. Learn to distinguish between architectural styles. Become familiar with major artistic movements. Whether you enjoy traveling the world from your armchair or in person, this mini course will help you to understand the visual treasures you will encounter along the way.

Instructor: Linda Willem

February 12: Modern architecture 
Modernismo (Art nouveau) 
Santiago Calatrava

February 19
6:30–7:45 PM, optional Q&A until 8:00 PM
On campus
Cost: $30
Register

Highlights of the Art and Architecture of Spain: Discover the rich and diverse artistic heritage of Spain, from its cathedrals, mosques, and synagogues to its castles, Arabic palaces, and varieties of modern buildings. Examine the paintings of world-class artists. Learn to distinguish between architectural styles. Become familiar with major artistic movements. Whether you enjoy traveling the world from your armchair or in person, this mini course will help you to understand the visual treasures you will encounter along the way.

Instructor: Linda Willem

February 19: Old Masters 
El Greco 
Velasquez 
Goya  

February 26
6:30–7:45 PM, optional Q&A until 8:00 PM
On campus
Cost: $30
Register

Highlights of the Art and Architecture of Spain: Discover the rich and diverse artistic heritage of Spain, from its cathedrals, mosques, and synagogues to its castles, Arabic palaces, and varieties of modern buildings. Examine the paintings of world-class artists. Learn to distinguish between architectural styles. Become familiar with major artistic movements. Whether you enjoy traveling the world from your armchair or in person, this mini course will help you to understand the visual treasures you will encounter along the way.

Instructor: Linda Willem  

February 26: Avant-garde artists 
Picasso 
Dalí
Miró

April 3
4:00–5:00 PM
Online
Cost: $30
Register

Cryptography is the science of secret messages. Participants will learn about a wide variety of cryptosystems, from Caesar’s cipher to quantum cryptography. Hands-on examples and secret messages will be sent! We will discuss the important role cryptography played in history, including the breaking of the enigma cipher by Alan Turing and his team during World War II.

Classical Cryptography—We will learn, and practice, substitution ciphers and Vigenere,

Instructor: Jon Sorenson

April 10
4:00–5:00 PM
Online
Cost: $30
Register

Cryptography is the science of secret messages. Participants will learn about a wide variety of cryptosystems, from Caesar’s cipher to quantum cryptography. Hands-on examples and secret messages will be sent! We will discuss the important role cryptography played in history, including the breaking of the enigma cipher by Alan Turing and his team during World War II.

Enigma, Alan Turing, and World War II—We will talk about encryption machines, the roles they played in WW2, and the work of Alan Turing and other cryptographers and the advent of the computer.

Instructor: Jon Sorenson

April 17
4:00–5:00 PM
Online
Cost: $30
Register

Cryptography is the science of secret messages. Participants will learn about a wide variety of cryptosystems, from Caesar’s cipher to quantum cryptography. Hands-on examples and secret messages will be sent! We will discuss the important role cryptography played in history, including the breaking of the enigma cipher by Alan Turing and his team during World War II.

Public-Key Cryptography—This is what we use today for the web, banking, passwords, you name it.  We will learn how it works and talk about some ethical issues around strong cryptography.  We will also talk about cryptocurrency and blockchain.

Instructor: Jon Sorenson

April 24
4:00–5:00 PM
Online
Cost: $30
Register

Cryptography is the science of secret messages. Participants will learn about a wide variety of cryptosystems, from Caesar’s cipher to quantum cryptography. Hands-on examples and secret messages will be sent! We will discuss the important role cryptography played in history, including the breaking of the enigma cipher by Alan Turing and his team during World War II.

Quantum—Quantum computers have the potential to break most public-key systems.  We will talk about how, and what we plan to do about it.

Instructor: Jon Sorenson

April 15
On campus, South Campus
9:00–10:30 AM
Cost: $30
Register

This is an introduction to the function and dysfunction of the heart. It is a unique organ having both muscular and electrical components. Unlike the fabled center of emotion, the human heart in conjunction with the lungs are the common denominators of life. Participants will learn cardiac anatomy, physiology, and the role of specific abnormalities such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation play in the disruption of function. Participants will also learn how to use a phone app to monitor their heart rhythms. Bring your questions and we will get to “the heart of it!”

Instructor: Michael Pauszek

Behind the Scenes

Expert-led educational tours.

December 8, 2023
10:00 AM–noon
On Campus
Cost: $30
Register

Feel a bit of the “Hinkle Magic” with a unique behind-the-scenes tour of Hinkle Fieldhouse. Participants will meet in the Wildman Room for a bit of history about the building and then a walking tour with insider stories. Parking in the Hinkle lot and enter through Gate 4. 

Instructor: Mike Freeman, Senior Associate Athletic Director

March 5
4:30–6:00 PM
On campus
Cost: $30
Register

Ever wondered what it takes to operate a university campus? Look behind the scenes of a central utility plant, and the technology that powers it. The course includes a tour of the University’s central plant that provides heating and cooling to most of the campus, an overview of how those systems work, and how the ‘internet of things’ is being leveraged by University Operations to provide comfort to the campus while maximizing sustainability.

Instructor: John Lacheta

March 23
10:00–11:30 AM
On campus
Cost: $30
*Walking on uneven ground is part of this tour.
Register

Butler friends and alums have all walked the long hallways in Jordan or gazed at the stars from Holcomb Observatory or cheered on a team in Hinkle Fieldhouse. All these familiar places and many more on the Fairview Campus are named for the “Butler Greats” who devoted so much of their lives and fortunes to Butler University. Here’s your opportunity to follow clues about these Butler Greats to find their final resting spots in Crown Hill Cemetery. Through this exploration, you’ll learn the stories behind all the familiar names and become better acquainted with the history and beautiful grounds of this cemetery on the National Register of Historic Places. You will also have opportunity to see Indianapolis from the vantage point of its Crown Hill, so named because it was “the crowning hill among all hills in Marion County.” We will be driving through a portion of the 555 acres, stopping frequently to walk through specific sections in search of these “Butler Greats.

Instructor: Debbie Corpus

April 10
12:30–1:30 PM or 4:30–5:30PM
Cost: $30
Register for 12:30 start
Register for 4:30 start

We will take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful woods of the Butler campus and identify the wildflowers blooming there. We will learn what makes these short-lived plants unique, and the types of environments that support wildflowers. This is an opportunity to get out in nature, take a deep breath, and enjoy the beauty around us. Photography enthusiasts welcome!

The class will be capped at 20 participants.

Instructor: Marcia Moore

April 27
10:00-11:30 AM
Cost: Free

Calling all gardening enthusiasts, from beginners to experts! This interest group will gather to learn about Holcomb Gardens getting back to its “roots” with an Indiana Native Plant initiative. We will explore the history of Holcomb Gardens, take a tour of the gardens, learn about future design, and discuss plans for a large planting day in Holcomb Gardens in May. 

Instructor: Bethanie Danko