Senior Learning Programs

Thursday, October 28
1-2:30 PM
Location:   Administration Building, Vermeer Fireside Room

Dr. Larry McClellan, Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Community Studies

Cost: $15 for SALT Members; $25 for Non-Members
Registration: Email to andrea.dieleman@trnty.edu or phone 708.239.4798 by Oct. 20

In the decades before the Civil War, more than 3,000 fugitive slaves/freedom seekers traveled through the Chicago region on their way to freedom in Canada. Dr. McClellan introduces these journeys and the networks of support that evolved to become the Underground Railroad. He will be emphasizing journeys and sites in communities south and southwest of Chicago.

Wednesdays, September 29, October 6 & 13
9-10:15 AM
Location:   Classroom Building, Room 202

Dr. Kyle Dieleman, Professor of History

Cost: $40 for SALT Members; $60 for Non-Members
Registration: Email to andrea.dieleman@trnty.edu or phone 708.239.4798 by September 20

This course traces the theoretical and historical developments of toleration throughout Western history, primarily in Europe and the United States. The focus will be on religious toleration and, in particular, Christian responses to religious disagreements within Christianity as well as interactions with other world religions. The three-course sessions will highlight approaches to tolerance in ancient and medieval worlds, early modern contexts, and contemporary realities, respectively. To delve deeply into how Christians have approached toleration, we will explore primary sources that make arguments about toleration, consider historical instances in which toleration was or was not valued, and attend to broader questions about the relationship between historical realities, historical reconstructions, and Christianity.

Mondays, October 4, 11 & 18
12-1:15 PM
Location:   DeVos Athletics and Recreation Center, Room 106

Dr. Shari Jurgens, Professor of Physical Education

Cost: $40 for SALT Members; $60 for Non-Members
Registration: Email to andrea.dieleman@trnty.edu or phone 708.239.4798 by September 25

Senior Physical Education, Recreation and Kinesiology students will lead participants in discussions about physical and nutritional wellness and how healthy eating and physical activity contribute to our overall wellness. Being healthy involves being able to move throughout our lifetime, which includes long term health, but also short-term enjoyment of life. We will discuss the importance of stretching,  strengthening, movement, and even give some general nutrition tips. Each session will include about half of the time in the classroom and half in the fitness center, learning new exercises and stretches. Before participation in the fitness center, a waiver will need to be signed by all participants. All exercises and stretches will be tailored to your fitness level.

Tuesdays, October 5, 12 & 19
10-11:15 AM
Location:   Administration Building, Vermeer Fireside Room

Cleo Lampos, Storyteller

Cost: $40 for SALT Members; $60 for Non-Members
Registration: Email to andrea.dieleman@trnty.edu or phone 708.239.4798 by September 25

So many stories and pieces of history escape our attention. By focusing on the lives of women who quilt, Lampos combines glimpses into the past with the personal narrative of those who created fabric masterpieces, sometimes in difficult circumstances. Time will be allowed for participants to display their own quilt and tell the story of its significance.

Session 1: Trail Quilts.
The westward expansion of the United States pushed one covered wagon train after another across the Great Plains to Oregon. On board these “ships of the land” were stacks of quilts. As the pioneers progressed on the trail, other comforters were stitched. The philosophy of these sturdy women as they trekked across the unknown is reflected in their quilts.

Session 2: Sunbonnet Sue.
In the 1930’s, the United States faced the harshest economic era ever. Dust clouds decimated the farms of the Great Plains. Resources grew scarce. In the midst of the Great Depression, one quilting pattern grew to iconic status: Sunbonnet Sue. Discover the psychological underpinnings of this feed sack success. Learn the history of the decade of despair as Lampos displays her Sunbonnet Sue Quilt.

Session 3: Hmong and Amish Quilts.
During the Vietnam War, the Hmong Mountain People of Laos and Cambodia helped the American troops. These people were forced to flee their homes as the Communists took over their land. Some Hmong settled near the Amish communities of Ohio. That is where the story of God’s grace begins. Lampos will display examples of Hmong and Amish quilting as she tells an inspiring story of living in the community.

Thursdays, October 7, 14 & 21
2:30-3:45 PM
Location:   Heritage Science Center, Room 104

Dr. Lou Sytsma, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry

Cost: $40 for SALT Members; $60 for Non-Members
Registration: Email to andrea.dieleman@trnty.edu or phone 708.239.4798 by October 1

Out of the 90 elements that occur in nature, seven were mentioned as early as Bible times. Today, over 80,000 different chemicals are in commercial production. This class will explore both some of those chemicals that had a hand in influencing history as well as the characters that developed those chemicals.

Mondays, October 18, 25 & November 1
10-11:15 AM
Location:   Classroom Building, Room 213

Dr. Bob Rice, Professor Emeritus of History

Cost: $40 for SALT Members; $60 for Non-Members
Registration: Email to andrea.dieleman@trnty.edu or phone 708.239.4798 by October 10

In this class we will examine the history of immigration —first during its classic century from 1820 to 1920; second during a time of restriction and reopening of immigration from 1920 to 1965; and third during the last fifty years of changing patterns, competing viewpoints, and current issues. Although we will consider broad trends and focus on particular policies and statutes, we will also read short passages from immigrant memoirs which relate to immigrants’ uncertainties and hopes in coming to America.

Wednesdays, October 20, 27 & November 3
10:30-11:45 AM
Location:   Ozinga Chapel Choral Room

Jeff Timmer, Director of Vocation and Career Development

Cost: $40 for SALT Members; $60 for Non-Members
Registration: Email to andrea.dieleman@trnty.edu or phone 708.239.4798 by September 20

This course will look at music’s role in both current and past evangelistic efforts around the world. We will “visit” multiple areas including Japan, East Africa, Central Brazil, and Oceania to hear and discuss the worship music traditions of other believers. We will also discuss some of the challenging cultural change issues connected to music and missions, along with recent efforts to assist new believers in developing their own indigenous hymns. Jeff Timmer completed a master’s degree in ethnomusicology and engaged in thesis research in Japan.