Illinois State University’s Academy of Seniors will celebrate the history and future of Bloomington-Normal, explore what immigration means to the American dream, and delve into Alexander Hamilton—the man and the musical.
Academy of Seniors and Mornings with the Professors offer adult-enrichment programs for community members. A complete list of classes, times, locations, and costs can be found at seniorprofessionals.illinoisstate.edu.
A postcard showing the old Livingston Building in Bloomington, Illinois.
Beginning Tuesday, March 6, the academy will hold sessions on the Twin Cities, with history explored by the McLean County Museum of History’s Bill Kemp and Illinois State’s University Professor Alan Lessoff. City officials will also speak to the future of Bloomington-Normal, featuring Vasudha Pinnamaraju of the McLean County Regional Planning Commission, and retiring manager for the Town of Normal, Mark Peterson.
Portrait of Alexander Hamilton by John Trumbull, hanging in the National Portrait Gallery.
The popularity of the musical Hamilton continues to spread throughout the country, dominating the theatre scene in Chicago and opening in St. Louis. The academy will explore the real life and impact of Alexander Hamilton, and the phenomenon of the musical with Illinois State history faculty members John Reda and Lane Crothers, and retired Assistant Dean of Fine Arts Pete Guither.
Also joining the academy will be a talk on women’s rights activism by Associate Professor of History Kyle Ciani.
Immigration’s place in America will be examined with speakers from The Immigration Project, and Immigrants and Workers’ Rights Practice Group.
Mornings with the Professors will welcome faculty to speak on an eclectic group of topics, from the psychology behind superheroes to the art of Pompeii. A full list can be found on the Mornings with the Professors website.
Register for classes online, or call (309) 438-2160.
