Aquinas College
EN-12: Continuing Education

"A Field Trip to Africa through Fiction: Three Writers from Three Regions". The event featured the author of "We Are the Voice of the Grass: Interfaith Peace Activism in Northern Uganda." Event discussed the complexities of race and identity in Gordimer’s country under the apartheid regime and the challenges faced by Muslims from East Africa seeking a new life in Europe. "Tour of Blandford Nature Center with the 'Doc'". Mary Jane Dockeray, Ph.D., was Curator Naturalist of the Blandford Nature Center from 1968- 1990. She was named one of The event featured a visit to Blandford Nature Center. It is a 143 acre natural gem within Grand Rapids’ city limits. "Tiny Homes on Wheels: Airstream Trailers". David Winick’s association with Airstream trailers began out of a hobby, but within years resulted in his being approached by the Airstream Corporation and commissioned to design their 75th Anniversary trailer in 2007. It was a limited edition of 75 units and sold out before the end of production. He now custom builds trailers for many folks whose names are recognizable including James Hetfield of Metallica. Join David as he shows some of his best tiny trailer work and the stories behind them. He will not only talk about his hobby, now profession, but also about a new film by Eric Bricker titled, Alumination, which will feature more of his work and interviews. "Science of Happiness". Do you ever wonder what makes us happy? What doesn’t make us happy? Why some people are happier than others? Why happiness matters in the workplace and at home? There is a growing body of significant research on who is happy and why. In this presentation, Tim will take the class through some of the findings and help us all understand how to be happier and, thus improve our lives. "Keep on the Grass: A Brief History of Grand Rapids Parks". This class is based on the book, Keep on the Grass: A Brief History of Grand Rapids Parks produced by the Grand Rapids Historical Commission. Christine Byron and Tom Wilson will highlight the rich history of Grand Rapids parks legacy. There was a time when people flocked to city parks in the summer to escape the heat, picnic on the lawns, watch baseball games, and swim. Parks provided supervised games and activities for the city’s children. In the winter, the parks offered skating and sledding. Discover where the first parks were located and how new parks were developed. "Declining Poverty and Increasing Income Inequality". Market-based economies can reduce poverty and create broad levels of prosperity. At the same time, they can increase income inequality. Professor Barrows will explore the significant reduction in global poverty as well as the causes and caveats behind growing income inequality, with particular focus on growing income inequality in the United States in recent decades. "Winter Book Discussion with Nancy Dunn". Nancy Dunn will lead a lively three-week discussion of the book Sharp – The Women Who Made an Art of Having an Opinion by Michelle Dean. Sharp concentrates on ten 20th century women that asserted themselves through their writing in a climate where women were treated with extreme condescension by the maledominated cultural establishment. We will discover that despite different backgrounds, divergent political and artistic opinions, their lives intersected. They significantly contributed to the cultural and intellectual history of America. "Positive Change for OUR Community." Fred Keller is the Founder and Chair of Cascade Engineering which he started in 1973. Join Fred as he discusses community change practices that have been legion throughout world history. In today’s fractured narcissistic world we often wonder if there is any hope for achieving true harmony in our towns and cities. We feel that if only we had the right political leader in the Governor’s mansion or the White House, we would be ok. Yet this notion is naïve at best, dangerous at its worst. Fred will explain several experiments that have been tried in West Michigan, and why we indeed can solve all of our problems if we just “trust the process”. "What Poverty Looks Like". The Tutoring Center at First United Methodist Church is in their 27th year of giving K-2nd graders at MLK school one-to-one reading tutors as well as “filling the gap” in many of their social, emotional and cultural needs. Presenters will share their experience about this undeniably much needed program. Power to the People" The Fight for States' Rights." The speaker will examine significant history behind the power struggle between state and federal governments, highlight examples of current battles, and address how this contentious struggle continues to shape government and public policy on many of today's compelling issues such as immigration, voter registration, and climate change. "It’s Not About Me: Reflections on a Journey of Selflessness". During this two-part course, Dr. Underhile will explore the role of ego in our day-to-day lives. Students will consider how to be confident without being selfish, and learn ways of living a meaningful life rich with intrinsic pleasure while making space for others. Dr. Underhile will also reflect on how living at the mercy of ego and extrinsic rewards can lead to fragility. Finally, he will discuss the joy inherent in pursuing selflessness. "Living Gently with Myself". This 2-part program is based on Dr. Lundy’s new book, Living Gently with Myself: A 30-Day Guidebook. Living kindly and gently is not valued nor promoted in our culture and is often perceived as weak. The opposite is actually true. Learning to listen to and honor our deepest desires and needs is courageous, especially as we age. Living gently allows us to opt out of stressful, noxious patterns promoted by our culture. Learn how you can live more kindly and gently with yourself just as you are to experience greater well-being. "Archaeology and the Environment". Environmental archaeology is the study of past human relationships with the natural world. This relationship can be examined through analysis of archaeological plants and animal remains and through examination of ancient landscapes with a particular focus on food systems. Dr. Arnold will discuss the impact people have had on the world around them and the way people have been affected by their environment. "Radical Homemaking and Remaking Community". If your favorite way to kick back is to binge on HGTV, you are part of a very big trend. But don’t worry: your guilty pleasure is not simple escapism. Some social critics say you are motivated by a yearning to remodel our currently contentious and confused country. It’s an awakening that journalist Emily Matchar dubs “the new domesticity,” and it’s a turning “away from corporate culture” to “a more eco-conscious, family-centric. DIY lifestyle… “Let’s examine the way this creative, entrepreneurial and interdependent movement might be just what we need to revolutionize our cultural and political communities. "Michigan’s Native Mammals" with “the Doc”. Mary Jane Dockeray, Ph.D., was Curator Naturalist of the Blandford Nature Center from 1968- 1990. She is an inductee into Michigan’s Hall of Fame. Do you have a furry creature at your house? Not a dog or cat, but one or more that creeps you out or eats your hostas. You might be surprised at what the “Doc” prescibes. Squirrels, bats and voles...oh my! "Dwelling Place and the Revitalization of the Heartside Neighborhood." Learn about the history of the Heartside neighborhood of Grand Rapids and the impact that Dwelling Place has made over the past 38 years. From affordable housing and economic development to art programming and resident engagement, hear from the Director of Neighborhood Revitalization, Heather Ibrahim, about her 20+ year tenure in the organization, the positive changes that have happened and what is planned for the future.