The NIU Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI), established in 2000, is a member-directed group of individuals primarily age 50+ who enjoy learning in informal, flexible, non-competitive groups and like connecting with peers who share their interests. No grades, no tests – just learning for the fun of it.

Wednesdays, March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17 and May 1, 8
1 to 2:45 p.m.

Since our beginning, over 20 years ago, the LLI has offered Notables, weekly talks by experts, most often NIU faculty. We continue the series this spring with topics including reevaluating Thomas Jefferson, the economics of immigration, railroads in World War II and more. A full schedule of topics and speakers will be available later. LLI Members often have found that topics that seemed of minor interest turned out to be intriguing. As always, we include plenty of time to ask questions.

March 20
How do we judge heroes from the past in light of today’s values? Should we? Professor Kerry Burch, from the NIU Dept. of Leadership, Educational Psychology & Foundations, will speak on Making Education Out of Jefferson in an Age of Racial Reckoning.

March 27
We are more aware of Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders than ever before. NIU psychology professor Doug Wallace talks about Saving the Brain: Approaches to Preserving Neuroplasticity, what happens to the brain during diseases and possible therapeutics.

April 3 (On Zoom)
Stories about immigrants and their impact on the U.S. economy fill the media. Cornell University Professor Francine Roth, speaking on Immigration & the Economy: Impacts and Trends, will clearly explain, with lots of good graphics, why immigration, historically and today, has had a positive effect on economic growth.

April 10
Invasive species are plant and animal immigrants that often are unwelcome and are an issue world-wide. You’ll hear about Invasive Species Both Near and Far: A Peek into the Science of Studying Invasive Species from the Great Lakes to the Galapagos from NIU biological sciences professor Jennifer Koop.

April 17
World War II saw a major increase in rail traffic as trains, in addition to their usual loads, were used to move service people and war materiel around, not only in U.S. but throughout war zones. Bill Cummings, a railroad enthusiast and an emeritus professor in NIU’s accountancy department, will speak on Railroads in World War II.

April 24
Is Carl Sandburg, one of the 20th century’s best known U.S. authors relevant today? Steven Duchrow. formerly NIU Director of Cultural Arts and then Senior Director of Performing Arts at Elgin Community College,, will answer this question with stories about Sandburg and excerpts from Duchrow’s work on him in Carl Sandburg: Poet of the People.

May 1
NO NOTABLE

May 8
Cultural anthropologist Micah Morton holds joint appointments in NIU’s anthropology department and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies. Among his interests are religious and spiritual ecologies. He will talk to us on The Art of Living & Dying: A Cross-Cultural Perspective.