Some lectures fulfill Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) 🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 requirements.

In-person lectures are scheduled for Mondays 3:30–5 p.m. at O’Connor Woods Senior Living Community, 3400 Wagner Heights Rd, Stockton, CA

Our Monday lecture series is exclusively in person at O’Connor Woods. You are not required to be a resident of O’Connor Woods to attend. These in-person lectures are available to ALL GOLD and SILVER MEMBERS ONLY.

There are no lectures on Feb. 12, Feb 19., Mar. 11 or Apr. 8, 2024.

Humanities, Cultural Heritage, and the Arts in Stockton - a History 🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻

Date: FEB. 5

Presenter: Phillip Merlo, CEO of San Joaquin County Historical Museum

Stockton, California is an extremely historically significant and incredibly diverse place, not just within the context of the Central Valley and California, but within the broader context of American history and the story of diaspora in the Pacific Rim. Several nationally and internationally significant events and processes took place here, and immigrants from every corner of the globe have settled in Stockton's neighborhoods and agrarian hinterlands. One might think that a place with as much history, diversity, and cultural capital as Stockton would be a hotspot for the arts, humanities, and cultural heritage. This presentation is going to trace the development of Stockton's cultural economy in the early-mid 20th century, and then present three case studies regarding the history of public and private cultural economy infrastructures in the Stockton Metro Region between 1969 and 2019.  Audiences will learn about the Cultural Heritage Board and its decades long efforts to preserve historic neighborhoods and sites in Stockton, the great successes of arts programs at UOP, the Stockton Civic Theater, and the Haggin, and the historic lack of government funding for cultural programming relative to other cities in inner California. 

Citizen Brubeck 🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻

Date: FEB. 26

Presenter: Mike Wurtz, Head of the University Special Collections and Archives & Keith Hatschek, Professor Emeritus, Music Management & Music Industry

Dave and Iola (née Whitlock) Brubeck started their lives together at Pacific right next to the stage at the campus Conservatory Theater in 1941. Their partnership in music, Civil Rights, cultural exchange, and international diplomacy lasted over 70 years. Hear and see their stories and learn about their wonderful legacy.

Auguste Rodin Has All the Feels 🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻

Date: MAR. 4

Presenter: Lisa Cooperman, University Curator

The Thinker….The Kiss….The Gates of Hell….are instantly recognizable as Auguste Rodin’s sculptural masterpieces. They along with scores of other deeply human bronze works are the product of a committed craftsperson immersed in the flow of cultural change that will become modern art. This talk will focus on Rodin’s well-known output and explore other dimensions of his craft as well as the relationship with his ‘muse’ the equally talented sculptor Camille Claudel.

PACIFIC: 100 Years in Stockton 🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻

Date: MAR. 18

Presenter: Nicole Mountjoy, Academic Support Librarian for Innovative Programs

This lecture will cover Pacific's involvement in the Stockton community since its relocation in 1923 from San Jose.

A Willow Tree Becomes a Forest 🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻

Date: MAR. 25

Presenter: Russell Low, Researcher and Author

“A Willow Tree Becomes a Forest” explores the struggles to establish roots & pursue dreams in a world of Chinese Exclusion. Hop Lee arrived in Oregon in 1877 with a blank diary, a Chinese fortune, and a burning desire to become an American. Washing clothes made money, but his dream of citizenship was ever elusive. This presentation celebrates the immigrant American spirit that built America.

What You Need to Know about Disabilities and Inclusive Strategies 🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻

Date: APR. 1

Presenter: Daniel Nuss, Director, Services for Students with Disabilities

In this discussion style lecture, Danny will provide an overview of disabilities, discuss autism spectrum disorders, address current trends in mental health, and provide strategies for acceptance and inclusive practices. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and participate in the discussion.

Association and Twins-Original Photography in Conjunction with Associated Masterpieces 🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻

Date: APR. 15

Presenter: Renata Bricka

The presentation is an interesting walk through the original photography of Renata Bricka and her associations with well-known masterpieces that are explained. It is an entertaining and though-provoking format that will allow the participants to ask questions and use their own imagination. The word Twins describes images that are closely related.

Ride Across America 🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻

Date: APR. 22

Presenter: Gregory Wright, Teacher

I rode my bike across America to raise money for Got Kids, an after school program in Lodi Unified School District. I also wanted to relive a trip in 1986 when I was 23. But most important, I wanted to get re-centered, to find something. To be a better person

Democracy in Decline: Impunity & Minoritarianism Part I & II 🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻

Date: APR. 29 & MAY 6

Presenter: Gene Bigler, Former Diplomat and Retired Professor

This two part lecture will examine two of the major hypotheses about the decline of democracy in the U.S.: impunity across society and tyranny of the minority. Recent studies suggest that the rise of authoritarianism and flaws in the U.S. Constitutional system are at the root of the tendency. Arguments, evidence and alternative perspectives will be reviewed in the context of contemporary politics.

*NEW* In-Person Lectures TUESDAYS 3:30-5PM
RIO LAS PALMAS SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY 877 E. MARCH LANE, Stockton, CA


Our Tuesday lecture series is in person at Rio Las Palmas. You are
not required to be a resident of Rio Las Palmas to attend. These in person
lectures are available to ALL GOLD and SILVER members.

Humanities, Cultural Heritage, and the Arts in Stockton - a History

Date: FEB. 13

Presenter: Phillip Merlo, CEO of San Joaquin County Historical Museum

Stockton, California is an extremely historically significant and incredibly diverse place, not just within the context of the Central Valley and California, but within the broader context of American history and the story of diaspora in the Pacific Rim. Several nationally and internationally significant events and processes took place here, and immigrants from every corner of the globe have settled in Stockton's neighborhoods and agrarian hinterlands. One might think that a place with as much history, diversity, and cultural capital as Stockton would be a hotspot for the arts, humanities, and cultural heritage. This presentation is going to trace the development of Stockton's cultural economy in the early-mid 20th century, and then present three case studies regarding the history of public and private cultural economy infrastructures in the Stockton Metro Region between 1969 and 2019.  Audiences will learn about the Cultural Heritage Board and its decades long efforts to preserve historic neighborhoods and sites in Stockton, the great successes of arts programs at UOP, the Stockton Civic Theater, and the Haggin, and the historic lack of government funding for cultural programming relative to other cities in inner California. 

 

Gratitude and Breath: Foundational Connection

Date: MAR. 12

Presenter: Alexis Easton, Retired United Methodist Clergy

Breath and Gratitude are foundational cousins: Breath keeps us alive and Gratitude makes our lives worth living. How would your daily life be improved by breathing to thrive, not just survive? How would gratitude practice be a blessing to you and others? Join us to learn neuroscience basics and psychosocial benefits of both. Sample practice tools, and leave with a handout of follow-up resources.

Thinking About Music and Religion

Date: APR. 9

Presenter: Rex Hamilton, Professor of General Education and Religion

In this presentation I will discuss the nature of "music-as-such" and the way that music has functioned in the world of religious studies. I will use audio examples to illustrate the discussion. 

 

More World Order or Disarray?

Date: MAY. 14

Presenter: Gene Bigler, Former Diplomat Retired Professor

Since the end of the Second World War, the United States and its allies have worked together to reduce international conflict, avoid economic catastrophes like the Great Depression, and create opportunities to spread well being by building a series of global institutions to establish a more peaceful and just system of world order. The result was that the global community experienced one of the longest periods of reduced international conflict and increased global prosperity in human history, but suddenly we must confront a simultaneous series of new challenges in the rise of China, nuclear proliferation, spreading authoritarianism, and major conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, just as the climate change crisis and the migratory impulse of the world's disadvantaged people threaten to plunge the world into the disarray of the pre-1946 era. How is the U.S. responding and what are the prospects for restoring world order or more disarray?  


 

ZOOM LECTURES ARE SCHEDULED THURSDAYS 3:30-5 PM.

Our Thursday lecture series is exclusively online via Zoom. For these online lectures, registered members will receive a Zoom invite on a weekly basis. Recordings will be sent in the same manner the day after the lecture (with permission from the speaker). Lectures are available to GOLD and SILVER members only.

The World on Fire: US Foreign Policy in Troubled Times 💻

Date: FEB. 8

Presenter: Gene Bigler, Former Diplomat and Retired Professor

As deadly conflicts continue to rage in Gaza and Ukraine, the Secretary-General of the UN opened the COP conference on climate change declaring that the "World Is on Fire." The foreign policy challenges for the Biden administration are already enormous but now need to be conducted during a presidential election campaign. What is the outlook for the U.S. and world community as 2024 gets under way?

 

Joseph Goebbels: The Man Who Seduced a Nation! 💻

Date: FEB. 15

Presenter: Anette Isaacs, German Historian

 

Caves, Stones and Rocks Part II 💻

Date: FEB. 22

Presenter: Stephenie Slahor, Professional Writer

Earlier, Dr. Slahor presented Caves, Stones and Rocks Part I and now she is hosting Part II of the series. If you missed Part I, no worry, you'll still enjoy some "armchair travel" to fascinating sites around the world where geology plays a unique role in terrain, history or lore. Among the sites to be included are Easter Island, the Rock of Gibraltar, and Stonehenge.

Rhythms of the Road: A Musical Journey with Planes, Trains and Automobiles 💻

Date: FEB. 29

Presenter: Mike Agron

Embark on a tuneful journey of iconic songs inspired by our love for travel. Delve into a symphony of styles, from the rhythms of Swing (Glenn Miller), Jazz (Ellington), Pop (Sinatra), Rock (Beach Boys), Folk (Peter, Paul & Mary), Country (Johnny Cash), and Soul (O’Jays) and more. Together, we'll explore over a dozen tracks, each echoing our collective yearning for adventure, freedom, and romance..

Humanities, Cultural Heritage, and the Arts in Stockton - a History 💻

Date: MAR. 7

Presenter: Phillip Merlo, CEO of San Joaquin County Historical Museum

Stockton, California is an extremely historically significant and incredibly diverse place, not just within the context of the Central Valley and California, but within the broader context of American history and the story of diaspora in the Pacific Rim. Several nationally and internationally significant events and processes took place here, and immigrants from every corner of the globe have settled in Stockton's neighborhoods and agrarian hinterlands. One might think that a place with as much history, diversity, and cultural capital as Stockton would be a hotspot for the arts, humanities, and cultural heritage. This presentation is going to trace the development of Stockton's cultural economy in the early-mid 20th century, and then present three case studies regarding the history of public and private cultural economy infrastructures in the Stockton Metro Region between 1969 and 2019.  Audiences will learn about the Cultural Heritage Board and its decades long efforts to preserve historic neighborhoods and sites in Stockton, the great successes of arts programs at UOP, the Stockton Civic Theater, and the Haggin, and the historic lack of government funding for cultural programming relative to other cities in inner California. 

The Human-Animal Bond - An Attachment to Our Pets 💻

Date: MAR. 14

Presenter: Linda Hollis, Assistant Professor of Practice; Innovation in Aging

The significance of human-animal bonds has been documented throughout history and across various cultures. Increased research between pets and humans has surfaced over the past few decades, focusing mainly on the physical, physiological, and social benefits of companion animals and humans. This presentation will specifically focus on pet owners' attachment to their pets.

Pacific: 100 Years in Stockton 💻

Date: MAR. 21

Presenter: Nicole Mountjoy, Academic Support Librarian for Innovative Programs

This lecture will cover Pacific's involvement in the Stockton community since its relocation in 1923 from San Jose.

The Status of the Educational System in Our Current Society 💻

Date: MAR. 28

Presenter: Belkis Choiseul-Praslin, Teacher Education Program Lead and Assistant Professor & Charlane Starks, Teacher Education Program Lead and Assistant Professor

 

The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss 💻

Date: APR. 4

Presenter:  Celia Zhang, Assistant Professor, Audiology

The presentation will discuss the changes to our hearing as we age, why hearing loss treatment is vital to your overall health and well-being, and recent research about the hidden risks of hearing loss.

Putin’s Russia: Two Years Into the War 💻

Date: APR. 11

Presenter: Asya Pereltsvaig, Language Expert & Historian

On February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin unleashed a war on the neighboring country of Ukraine, which has resulted in mounting military casualties on both sides and a civilian tragedy on the Ukrainian side. Nearly two years later, the war still rages despite the continuing pressure on Russia from the West and the resulting economic hardships it has created. As Russia is nearing the elections in March 2024, almost sure to renew Putin’s presidency, we will examine why Putin is still in power and Russia is still at war. Using a wide range of sources in Russian, Ukrainian and English, we’ll investigate just how broad the popular support for Putin and his policies is in Russia and, most importantly, why – and the answers may surprise you. With rapidly changing events, the lecture will be news-oriented and will aim to cover the latest developments.

Liverpool Beyond the Beatles 💻

Date: APR. 18

Presenter: Asya Pereltsvaig, Language Expert & Historian

Known primarily as the birthplace of The Beatles, Liverpool is UK’s veritable cultural capital and a port city steeped in maritime history. In this class, we will focus on the city’s connection to the sea, its rich immigrant community and its role in World War II.

Pundits, Polls and Politics-The ’24 Election 💻

Date: APR. 25

Presenter: Douglas Stowell, Principal Consultant

How can we sort out all the hype, hyperbole and hysteria that accompanies the current process of electing our president. In 2024, the impacts of social media and artificial intelligence will loom large in swaying opinions! First, we’ll review voting trends 2000-2020. Let’s then take a good look at 1) How better voter polls are done, 2) The major election issues according to the polls, 3) Party positions stated, and 4) Early outcome prediction polls. We’ll do some in class polls AND apply a typical corporate assessment model (CAM) to the choice for POTUS. Just 1 in 20 voters actually decide an election! How can we be a prepared voter and be part of the “1”? Let’s find out!

A World War II Story through Sketches 💻

Date: MAY 2

Presenter: Janet DeVries, Retired Student Career Counselor and World Traveler

Explore a World War II story through S. Sgt. Jacob John de Vries’ sketches of people, landscapes, and churches in France, Austria, and Germany in 1944-45. de Vries served in the US Army 103rd Infantry in Europe and First Allied Air Borne Army occupying forces in Berlin. Even before his formal art training, he was always sketching, including during his four years in the Army.