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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251024T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251024T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20251015T203608Z
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SUMMARY:The Future of Human-AI Relations with Mark Peres
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: The Future of Human-AI Relations\nSPEAKER:  Mark Peres\, Author/Professor/Founder \nIn this provocative and accessible talk\, ethicist and novelist Mark Peres invites audiences to explore one of the most profound questions of the 21st century: What does it mean to share the future with intelligent machines? \nDrawing on the ideas at the heart of his new novel\, The Accord\, Peres looks beyond today’s headlines to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping our understanding of consciousness\, agency\, and responsibility — and how it might evolve from a mere tool into a genuine collaborator in the human story. \nThrough a blend of philosophy\, literature\, and real-world examples\, he outlines three possible futures for human–AI relations — subordination\, domination\, or transformative partnership — and offers guiding principles to ensure that this powerful technology serves humanity rather than distorts it. This is not a technical presentation but a spirited conversation about values\, imagination\, and the choices that will determine whether AI deepens our humanity or diminishes it. \n  \n  \n\nBIOGRAPHY\nMark Peres is founding director of The Charlotte Center for the Humanities & Civic Imagination\, the Charlotte Ideas Festival\, the On Life Life and Meaning podcast\, and Charlotte Viewpoint magazine. He is also an award-winning professor of leadership and ethics at Johnson & Wales University\, where he challenges students to reflect deeply on what it means to lead a good life. \nHe is the author of ‘The Accord’ – a novel on the future of human-AI relations\, and ‘The Man Who Lived a Hundred Lives’ – a memoir about his father’s improbable life and immigrant journey. He is the winner of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Luminary Award for Lifetime Achievement. Mark is a graduate of The Florida State University College of Law\, and of Rollins College\, where he studied history and philosophy of religion. \n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/the-future-of-human-ai-relations-with-mark-peres/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MPeres_10-24-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251031T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251031T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20250625T151552Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T163516Z
UID:10000165-1761904800-1761908400@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Energy Transition to Carbon Free Electricity with Neva Espinoza
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: Energy Transition to Carbon Free Electricity \nSPEAKER: Neva Espinoza\, Senior Vice President – Energy Supply and Low-Carbon Resources & Chief Generation Officer \nNeva Espinoza will discuss how nuclear power and other advanced technologies can enable a transition to affordable\, reliable\, and carbon-free electricity \n\nBIOGRAPHY\nNeva Espinoza is Senior Vice President\, Energy Supply and Low-Carbon Resources and Chief Generation Officer at EPRI.\nIn this role\, she leads a global team conducting EPRI research and development related to energy supply – including generation\, nuclear\, and low-carbon fuels – as electricity use continues growing through the energy transition. This includes conventional and advanced nuclear\, the existing fossil fleet\, large-scale renewable generation assets\, long duration energy storage\, and the production and use of low-carbon energy carriers. \nPrevious leadership roles included serving as EPRI’s Vice President of Energy Supply and Low-Carbon Resources and Director of R&D for the institute’s Generation Sector. She joined EPRI in January 2012 with more than 10 years of operational and engineering experience in the power industry\, across a diverse set of assets and technologies. Prior to EPRI\, Espinoza served in technical and leadership positions at NRG’s Arthur Kill Power Station\, Exelon’s Oyster Creek Power Station and Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory. \nEspinoza received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Rutgers University and Master of Business Administration degree from Wake Forest University. She is a graduate of the U.S. Navy’s Officer Nuclear Power Program and held a senior reactor operator license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. \nEspinoza sits on the National Petroleum Council and the Georgia Institute of Technology Strategic Energy Institute Executive Advisory Board. \n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/energy-transition-to-carbon-free-electricity-with-neva-espinoza/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/NEspinova_10-31-2025_r1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251107T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251107T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20250625T151908Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251014T144315Z
UID:10000166-1762509600-1762513200@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:The American Fire Service with Heather Burford
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: The American Fire Service – Proud History & Innovative Future\nSPEAKER: Heather Burford \nFrom Benjamin Franklin co-founding the Country’s first volunteer fire company in 1736\, through today’s migration to electric fire engines\, the American Fire Service has evolved tremendously throughout history. Ever evolving\, the fire service has undergone remarkable transformation\, adapting to changing environments\, embracing technology and innovation\, and expanding its role beyond traditional firefighting. \nThis presentation will guide the audience through a short history of the fire service and discuss impactful advancements being made to better serve communities across our nation. The discussion will also touch on some of the lesser-known facts about the fire service such as why Dalmatians were the dog of choice for fire departments\, and the impact that COVID has had on the profession of firefighting. \n\nBIOGRAPHY\nHeather Burford has a 35-year history with the American fire service. Soon after graduating from Iowa State University\, Heather joined the Wilton Fire Department in Connecticut as a volunteer firefighter and fell in love with public safety services. In 1993\, Heather was hired as the first female Firefighter in Manchester\, Connecticut where she spent 13 years working her way up through the ranks of the department. She became the Fire Chief of the Ridgefield Connecticut Fire Department in 2006 and in 2014 she was appointed Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management for the City of Seminole in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area of Florida. \nHeather holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Connecticut\, is recognized by the Center for Public Safety Excellence® as a Chief Fire Officer and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.\nHeather has a long history of community involvement and volunteering. She is an active member of Team Rubicon\, a veteran-led humanitarian and disaster recover organization; she serves as a board member for the South Carolina Firefighters Burned Children’s Fund; and she currently serves as a member of the Indian Land Consolidated Fire Protection District Commission. Heather resides in South Carolina\, where she is close to her parents and extended family. \n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/history-of-firefighting-with-heather-burford/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/HBuford_11-7-2025.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251114T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251114T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20251022T200736Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T204609Z
UID:10000187-1763114400-1763118000@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Ancient Rome's Last God with E. Michael Whittington
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: Ancient Rome’s Last God\nSPEAKER: E. Michael Whittington\, Retired Art Museum Director \nThe Roman Empire with its larger-than-life emperors\, mighty legions\, extravagant gladiatorial games\, and extraordinary art and architecture fires our imagination and influences popular culture. \nThe ancient Roman supernatural was populated by a dizzying panoply of gods\, goddesses\, deified rulers\, heroes\, and fantastical beasts. Unique in this pantheon was a young man whose lifeless body was recovered from the Nile in the autumn of 130 CE. Immediately proclaimed a god\, temples were built to worship him\, a city was founded in his name\, dozens of surviving sculptures forever captured his youth\, coins were struck with his likeness\, and Olympic games were celebrated in his honor. \nWho was this young man named Antinous who rose so quickly from obscurity to prominence in the imperial court? What were the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death and why did he become the Roman Empire’s last god? \n\n  \nBIOGRAPHY\nE. Michael Whittington is an art historian specializing in ancient art. Michael was Curator of the Arts of Ancient America at the Mint Museum of Art and an Adjunct Instructor of Art History at UNC-Charlotte. As a Director/CEO\, he led art museums in California\, Oklahoma and Washington state. Michael organized significant national and international exhibitions and participated in scholarly and professional symposia in the United States\, Europe\, Latin America\, and Asia. \nWhittington has a BA in Anthropology from West Georgia University and an MA in Art History from the University of Florida. \nMichael retired to Greenville\, South Carolina in 2024. He teaches art history at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Furman University in Greenville. \nRecommended Readings: \n\nBeard\, Mary: Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Roman World. Liveright Publishing Corporation\, New York. 2023\nBirley\, Anthony R. Hadrian: The Restless Emperor. Rutledge\, London and New York. 1997\nBoatwright\, Mary Taliaferro: Hadrian and the City of Rome. Princeton University Press\, Princeton. 1987\nEveritt\, Anthony: Hadrian and the Triumph of Rome. Random House\, New York. 2009\nHolland\, Tom Pax: War and Peace in Rome’s Golden Age. Abacus Books\, London. 2023\nLambert\, Royston: Beloved and God: The Story of Hadrian and Antinous. Phoenix\, London. 1984\nOpper\, Thorsten: Hadrian: Empire and Conflict. Harvard University Press. Cambridge. 2008\nZaccaria\, Mari and Sergio Sgalambro: “The Antinoeion of Hadrian’s Villa: Interpretation and Architectural Reconstruction.” American Journal of Archaeology. Volume 111 No. 1\, January\, 2007\nAncient Sources: Aurelius Victor de Caesaribus. Translated with an introduction and commentary by H.W. Bird. Liverpool University Press\, Liverpool. 1994.\nDio’s Roman History. William Heinemann\, London. 1914\nLives of the Later Caesars. The first part of the Augustan History with newly compiled Lives of Nerva and Trajan. Translated and Introduced by Anthony Birley. Penguin Books\, London. 1976\n\n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/ancient-romes-last-god-with-e-michael-whittington/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/EMWhittington_11-14-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251121T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251121T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20250625T152011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T164922Z
UID:10000167-1763719200-1763722800@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Talking Turkey to Keep the Wolves Away with Anne Larkin and Samuel Kunjukunju
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: Talking Turkey to Keep the Wolves Away – Eradicating Elder Financial Fraud \nSPEAKER: Ann Larkin and Samuel Kunjukunju \nSeniors lose billions of dollars every year due to criminals absconding with much-needed retirement assets. Learn about current scams\, the financial industry’s responses\, and the need for more help. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nANNE WILSON LARKIN works as a consultant with the American Bankers Association (ABA) and The Moonshot Initiative to help fight elder financial exploitation. Scammers took her parents’ assets\, which ignited a passion for keeping other people’s assets safe. She is a litigator by training\, holding five state bar licenses and\, also worked within government and academia. Anne’s work for 15 years as a Senior Vice President for a large bank connected her with other passionate people across the country and internationally. During COVID\, she held 50 conversations with different Adult Protective Services agencies regarding what is needed. She obtained her Juris Doctorate with Highest Honors from the University of Oklahoma and is a proud TCU Horned Frog undergrad. \nSAMUEL KUNJUKUNJU is the Vice President of Consumer Education at the American Bankers Association (ABA). He designs and implements programs to support the banking industry’s efforts to protect consumers and engage vulnerable communities through the ABA Foundation. Sam oversees the Foundation’s national financial education programming and serves as the subject matter expert on elder financial exploitation. Sam holds a Master of Public Health as well as a Master of Business Administration from the University of Rochester.\nMany financial industry\, government\, and non-profit resources exist (see e.g.\, bank and investments websites; FBI\, including iC3; DOJ\, including Elder Justice Coordinators; FTC and their elder advisory committees; CFPB’s Office of Older Americans; state Adult Protective Agencies (APS) and the National APS Association; AARP; the Better Business Bureau; The Moonshot Initiative (TMI); and other state and local law enforcement). \nSimilarly\, many books address elder financial fraud: Empty Mansions re: Huguette Clark; The Stealing Joy; Elder Fraud Wars; Quick Guide to Recognizing Elder Fraud. Recent movies include “I Care A Lot” (guardianship abuse); “Tinder Swindler” (romance scams); and “The Bee Keeper” (retribution after a computer scam).` \n  \n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/talking-turkey-to-keep-the-wolves-away-with-anne-larkin-and-samuel-kunjukunju/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/11-21-2025_speakers.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260109T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260109T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20250916T171531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T170030Z
UID:10000181-1767952800-1767956400@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:AI in Your Hands: A Practical Guide with Cori Faklaris
DESCRIPTION: TOPIC: AI in Your Hands: A Practical Guide to Capabilities\, Prompting\, and Pitfalls\nSPEAKER: Cori Faklaris\, Asst Professor\, UNC Charlotte\nAI is everywhere\, but it doesn’t come with a user manual. Tools such as ChatGPT can be powerful assistants for brainstorming\, writing\, and learning. At the same time\, they are used to create scams\, “deepfakes\,” and convincing misinformation. \nHow can a non-expert tap into its capabilities without falling into the pitfalls? Join Dr. Cori Faklaris\, a usable security and AI expert\, as she demystifies machine-learning technologies such as chatbots and image generators. Attendees will receive guidance on writing effective prompts to make AI your personal intern\, the essential skills to spot frauds\, and her views of AI’s impact on education\, career paths\, and publishing. \n\nBIOGRAPHY\nDr. Cori Faklaris is an assistant professor at UNC Charlotte’s College of Computing and Informatics\, where she directs the Security and Privacy Experiences (SPEX) group. \nHer focus is on understanding people’s needs and designing for safe\, secure\, and trustworthy computing\, including artificial intelligence. In this interdisciplinary work\, Faklaris draws on methods from social science\, computer science\, data science and machine learning\, cybersecurity\, and design. She also employs skills and knowledge from her past careers in journalism\, IT/UX\, and social media. \nAmong other accomplishments\, she received a 2024 Google Research Scholar award for work to connect people with advice about their security and privacy concerns. Her work is also funded by BasisLabs LLC founder Carl Hoffman\, the U.S. Army Research Lab\, and the U.S. National Science Foundation. \nDr. Cori Website \n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/ai-in-your-hands-a-practical-guide-with-cori-faklaris/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CFaklaris_1-9-2026.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260116T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260116T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20250908T205237Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T205613Z
UID:10000178-1768557600-1768561200@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Be a Voice for the Children in Our Community with Rhonda McGuire
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: Be a Voice for the Children in Our Community with Rhonda McGuire\nSPEAKER: Rhonda McGuire \nThe Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program recruits\, screens\, trains\, and supervises volunteer advocates to protect and promote the best interest of abused and neglected children in the state’s custody (foster care). \nA GAL works as part of a team with a program staff and an attorney advocate to prepare a written report to help the judge understand what is best for the child and to ultimately find them a safe\, permanent home as quickly as possible. Before beginning service\, GALs participate in 35 hours of training and observe two hours of juvenile court. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nRhonda McGuire is the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program Specialist for the Mecklenburg County Office. She has been with GAL for 11 years. Rhonda’s role in the office is to recruit\, screen and help train community members to advocate for children in foster care. \n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/be-a-voice-for-the-children-in-our-community-with-rhonda-mcguire/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RMcGuire_1-16-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260123T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260123T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20251112T172454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T172857Z
UID:10000191-1769162400-1769166000@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Habitat's Evolving Business Model with Laura Belcher
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: Habitat’s Evolving Business Model\nSPEAKER: Laura Belcher\, President/CEO Habitat for Humanity\, Charlotte Region \nFounded locally 42 years ago\, Habitat Charlotte Region has built over 1500 new homes and served over 5000 families. In recent years\, as land availability becomes scarce and building material costs escalate\, Habitat has looked at how it needs to evolve to meet the rising demand for affordable homeownership options. \nJoin this presentation to hear how Habitat has moved from homebuilder to neighborhood developer while also preserving aging housing inventory and preparing future homeowners through financial education. As one of the largest affiliates in the US\, Habitat Charlotte Region’s $65million operation continues to look for ways to transform and intensify its impact. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nLaura Belcher joined Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region in 2014 as President & CEO. During her leadership\, the organization has seen nearly a 400% increase in families served through new homeownership\, critical home repairs and financial education programming. Laura has led the organization through 2 strategic mergers in the past 5 years\, expanding programming into Iredell and Gaston Counties. 2023 provided a career highlight as Habitat Charlotte Region hosted the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project building 27 homes in a week with 3800 volunteers. \nLaura spent the first 20 years of her career in corporate roles with Arthur Andersen\, Wachovia Securities and Transamerica.  Laura was a CPA\, graduated from the College of William and Mary\, and spent 9 years in nonprofit work as CFO/COO of the Arts & Science Council prior to joining Habitat. \nLaura is on the Catapult Employers Association Board of Directors and chairs the Governance Committee. Laura is a member of Women Executives and International Women’s Forum. Her recent recognitions include 2025 Charlotte Business Journal Power 100 influential leaders\, 2024 Charlotte Woman of the Year and Business NC 2024 Power List as one of the most influential leaders in non-profits and philanthropies. \n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/habitats-evolving-business-model-with-laura-belcher/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/LBelcher_1-23-2026.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260130T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260130T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20251114T190352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T172706Z
UID:10000192-1769767200-1769770800@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Civil and Indian Wars with Peter Cozzens
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: Deadwood\, Wild Bill Hickok\, and Calamity Jane: The Births of Three Legends\nSPEAKER: Peter Cozzens\, Author \nThe presentation will scrutinize the birth and evolution of three of the most legendary subjects of the Wild West. It will also look at how Deadwood provoked the most consequential Indian War in the West. \nNOTE: This presentation will be via Zoom in Wolfe Hall.  \n\nBIOGRAPHY\nPeter Cozzens is the international award-winning author and editor of nineteen books on the American Civil War and the American West. Cozzens retired after a thirty-year career as a Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Department of State. Before joining the Foreign Service\, he served as a captain in the U. S. Army. His book The Earth Is Weeping: The Epic Story of the Indian Wars for the American West  received the 2017 Gilder Lehrman Prize in Military History for the best military history work in the English language.  In December 2024\, the Economist selected it as one of the seven greatest military history books ever written. \nIn 2002\, Cozzens received the American Foreign Service Association’s highest award\, given annually to one Foreign Service Officer for exemplary moral courage\, integrity\, and creative dissent. He has also received an Alumni Achievement Award from his alma mater\, Knox College.\nHis most recent book is Deadwood: Gold\, Guns\, and Greed in the American West. \n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/civil-and-indian-wars-with-peter-cozzens/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PCouzzens_1-30-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260206T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260206T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20251022T165321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T171440Z
UID:10000186-1770372000-1770375600@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:The Library Era with Jenni Gaisbauer
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: The Library Era: Charlotte Mecklenburg’s New Main Library\nSPEAKER: Jenni Gaisbauer\, CFRE\, Executive Director\, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation \nA library has stood on the corner of Sixth and North Tryon Streets in Uptown Charlotte since 1903 when industrialist Andrew Carnegie donated $25\,000 (equivalent of $1million today).\nIn the spring of 2027\, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library will open its much anticipated new Main Library in the same location. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Snohetta\, your Library will be an awe-inspiring fusion of architecture\, technology\, and civic gathering spaces spanning an impressive 115\,000 square feet. Join us as Jenni shares the vision and intimate details of the new Main Library and what will take place in all its beautiful community spaces. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nA non-profit executive\, Jenni has more than 25 years of experience in strategic planning\, philanthropy\, comprehensive campaigns\, special events\, board development\, and community partnerships. Jenni joined the Library in 2013 and serves dual roles as the Chief Development Officer and the Executive Director of the Library Foundation. Previously\, Jenni served as the Senior Vice President of Development at Levine Museum of the New South and Assistant Development and Marketing Director at World T.E.A.M. Sports. \nJenni a graduate of the American Leadership Forum and has served on the boards of Association of Fundraising Professionals\, The Plus Collective\, Girls on the Run\, Community Building Initiative and currently serves on the boards of the Arts & Science Council\, Children’s Home of North Carolina and the Library Support Networks. In 2015\, Jenni was honored as the Fundraising Executive of the Year by Association of Fundraising Professionals\, Charlotte Chapter. Jenni earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Montana and a master’s degree from The Ohio State University. \nWhen not working\, Jenni enjoys traveling\, cooking\, reading\, watching football\, and spending time with her family. \n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/the-library-era-with-jenni-gaisbauer/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/JGaisbauer_2-6-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260213T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260213T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20250925T165719Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250925T171537Z
UID:10000182-1770976800-1770980400@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Charlotte at a Crossroads: Building a Sustainable City for Generations to Come with Shannon Binns
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: Charlotte at a Crossroads: Building a Sustainable City for Generations\nSPEAKER: Shannon Binns\, Founder/Executive Director Sustain Charlotte \nCharlotte is growing faster than almost any city in the nation. With this growth come big questions: How will we move around safely and efficiently? How do we keep housing affordable? How do we protect our air\, water\, and natural spaces? \nIn this talk\, Shannon Binns\, founder and executive director of Sustain Charlotte\, will share how smart growth and better transportation choices can make our community more equitable\, connected\, and healthy. He’ll highlight local success stories\, current challenges\, and ways that all of us — at every stage of life — can play a role in shaping a thriving future for Charlotte. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nShannon is the Founder and Executive Director of Sustain Charlotte. Before moving to Charlotte in 2007\, Shannon worked at The Nature Conservancy in Washington\, D.C.\, where he was part of their climate change science and policy team. \nShannon served in the Peace Corps in Senegal\, in AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps\, and helped found a tsunami relief organization in Thailand. He worked as an industrial engineer for Motorola\, General Motors and Trane in the for-profit sector. He holds a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from Iowa State University and a Master of Public Administration in environmental science and policy from Columbia University. \nHe has previously served as a supervisor on the Mecklenburg County Soil and Water Conservation Board\, an adjunct professor in the Sustainable Technologies program at Central Piedmont Community College and a member of the North Carolina Advisory Board for Environmental Defense Fund. In 2015\, he was named one of “Seven to Watch” by The Charlotte Observer and one of the Charlotte Business Journal’s “40 Under 40.” In 2018\, Charlotte’s NPR affiliate\, WFAE\, named him one of “The Most Powerful Voices in Charlotte.” In 2024\, the Charlotte Business Journal named Shannon one of the region’s “Top 100 Innovators.” \nWebsite: https://www.sustaincharlotte.org \nBook Recommendations: \n\nHappy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design — Charles Montgomery\nThe Smart Growth Manual — Andres Duany\, Jeff Speck\, Mike Lydon\nReimagining Sustainable Cities: Strategies for Designing Greener\, Healthier\, More Equitable Communities — Stephen Wheeler\nToward Sustainable Communities — Mark Roseland\nThe Death and Life of Great American Cities — Jane Jacobs\n\n\n  \nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/charlotte-at-a-crossroads-building-a-sustainable-city-for-generations-to-come-with-shannon-binns/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SBinns_2-13-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260220T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260220T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20260119T163129Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T163129Z
UID:10000207-1771581600-1771585200@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:The United States and Africa: History\, Change\, and the Road Ahead with Beth Whitaker
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: The United States and Africa: History\, Change\, and the Road Ahead \nSPEAKER: Beth Whitaker\, Professor of Political Science\, UNC Charlotte \nHow has the United States engaged with Africa over time and what does that relationship look like today? \nIn this talk\, Dr. Beth Elise Whitaker\, Professor of Political Science and longtime scholar of African politics and U.S.–Africa relations\, will explore the evolving dynamics that have shaped American policy toward the continent. Drawing on more than two decades of research\, teaching\, and on the ground experience—including her work in Kenya as a Fulbright Scholar—she will trace key moments in the diplomatic\, security\, and economic ties linking the U.S. and African nations. \nDr. Whitaker will discuss how Cold War rivalries\, humanitarian crises\, and counterterrorism strategies influenced earlier eras of engagement\, and how today’s shifting global landscape has transformed U.S. priorities. She will also highlight the role of migration\, diaspora communities\, and African public opinion in shaping contemporary policy debates. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nDr. Beth Elise Whitaker is professor of political science and associate dean for research and interdisciplinary collaboration in the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. \nWhitaker’s research focuses on migration and security\, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Her work explores how political dynamics influence attitudes and policies toward migrants and refugees. \nAs a Fulbright Scholar in Kenya in 2005-2006\, she examined U.S.-African counter-terrorism cooperation. \nShe is co-author with John F. Clark of Africa’s International Relations: Balancing Domestic and Global Interests (Lynne Rienner Publishers\, 2018) and her articles have appeared in many academic journals. \nWhitaker worked previously at the Brookings Institution and the American Council on Education and has consulted for the U.S. Department of State\, U.S. Department of Defense\, Social Science Research Council\, United Nations Foundation\, and Save the Children Fund. She earned her bachelor’s degree in public and international affairs from Princeton University and her master’s and Ph.D. in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. \n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/the-united-states-and-africa-history-change-and-the-road-ahead-with-beth-whitaker/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/BWhitaker_2-20-2026.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260227T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260227T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20251210T160650Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T160824Z
UID:10000200-1772186400-1772190000@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Microplastics with Olya Keen
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: Microplastics and Other Contaminants of Emerging Concern\nSPEAKER: Olya Keen\, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director\, UNC Charlotte \nThe talk will focus on microplastics and other contaminants of emerging concern\, such as PFAS\, plasticizers\, pharmaceuticals\, flame retardants\, etc. I will discuss where they come from in the environment\, where we encounter them in our daily lives and the latest research discoveries. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nOlya Keen received her BS and MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of South Florida and her PhD in the same discipline for University of Colorado at Boulder. She has been a faculty member in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UNC Charlotte for 13 years. She has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles on contaminants of emerging concern and ways to treat them in water. \n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/microplastics-with-olya-keen/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/OKeen_2-27-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260306T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260306T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20251210T155909Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T172652Z
UID:10000199-1772791200-1772794800@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Vaccine Science with Courtney Labonge
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: Vaccines Science\, Development and Clinical Trial Applications\nSPEAKER: Courtney Labonge\, Associate Director\, Alkermes\, Inc \nThis presentation explores the fundamentals of vaccine science\, the various types of vaccines\, and their critical role in clinical trials. \nIt covers the importance of vaccines in public health\, mechanisms of immune response\, safety and efficacy principles\, phases of clinical research\, regulatory review\, and post-marketing surveillance. \nReal-world case studies\, including COVID-19 vaccine development\, and innovations in vaccine technology are discussed\, highlighting the global health impact and ongoing challenges in vaccine trials. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nCourtney Labonge is Associate Director of Study Start Up at Alkermes\, where they lead global clinical trial operations and process innovation. With extensive experience in study start-up\, regulatory affairs\, and team leadership\, Courtney is recognized for driving collaboration and operational excellence across late-stage clinical programs. \nCourtney holds a BS in Biology from UNC Wilmington. She has received multiple industry awards for leadership and research\, including Charlotte Top 30 under 30. \nWebsite \nBook Recommendations: \n\nVaccine: The Controversial Story of Medicine’s Greatest Lifesaver by Arthur Allen\nThe Vaccine Race: Science\, Politics\, and the Human Costs of Defeating Disease By Meredith Wadman\n\n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/vaccine-science-with-courtney-labonge/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/CLabonge_3-6-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260313T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260313T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20260215T161637Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T161637Z
UID:10000211-1773396000-1773399600@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Charlotte’s 1830’s Gold Rush with Landis Wade
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: Charlotte’s 1830’s Gold Rush Meets Deadly Gold Rush: Where Fact and Fiction Come Together\nSPEAKER: Landis Wade\, Author \nLearn how the first US gold rush began\, how it became centered in Charlotte\, and how it changed Charlotte’s economy. Meet interesting characters who mined gold in Charlotte in the 1830s and see the location of the Rudisill gold mine that produced gold for more than one hundred years. Learn about the history and features of the US Mint in Charlotte and how it became the first art museum in North Carolina. See examples of the gold coins minted at the Charlotte mint. And learn about the mystery of Deadly Gold Rush\, and how it was inspired by the city whose streets were said to be paved with gold. \n\nBIOGRAPHY\nLandis Wade is a recovering trial lawyer turned author who writes mysteries and legal thrillers. His publication credits include six works of fiction\, eight non-fiction books\, and many short stories. Deadly Declarations\, his first novel in the Indie Retirement Mystery series\, won ten awards. Deadly Gold Rush\, his recent release in that series\, has been positively compared by Kirkus Reviews to Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series and by Midwest Book Reviews as “a satisfyingly complex entwining of events and personalities that proves hard to put down.” The Charlotte Writers Club awarded Landis their 2025 Adelia Kimball Founders Award for service to the club and the literary community. Landis splits his time between Charlotte (where he grew up and practiced law)\, Durham (where his grandson lives)\, and the North Carolina mountains (where the trout live). \n\nRESOURCES \nAuthor website: www.landiswade.com  \nPodcast website: https://charlottereaderspodcast.com/ \n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/charlottes-1830s-gold-rush-with-landis-wade/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/LWade_5-5-2023.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260327T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260327T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20260202T172807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T175224Z
UID:10000209-1774605600-1774609200@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:America and the World:  Navigating Trump 2.0 with Dr. Harry I. Chernotsky
DESCRIPTION:GREAT DECISIONS TOPIC: America and the World: Navigating Trump 2.0\nSPEAKER: Dr. Harry I. Chernotsky\, Professor Emeritus of Global Studies\, UNC Charlotte \nSince assuming office for his second term\, President Trump is charting a new course for U.S. foreign policy that is transforming America’s overall position in the world and its relationships with both longstanding partners and strategic adversaries. This talk will review these policy shifts and analyze their implications. It will also offer recommendations on how to best advance U.S. global interests in these uncertain times. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nHarry I. Chernotsky is Professor Emeritus in Global Studies\, retiring after 43 years on the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He served as the founding chair of the Department of Global Studies from 2009-2016 after spending 30 years in the university’s Department of Political Science. Previous positions included Director of International Studies and Interim Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. He is the recipient of UNC Charlotte’s Bank of America Teaching Excellence Award and its International Education Faculty Award. \nChernotsky received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Rutgers University. He specializes in international political economy and American foreign policy and has published in a wide range of professional journals. He is senior author of Crossing Borders: International Studies for the 21st Century (5th edition\, 2026) – one of the first textbooks providing an interdisciplinary perspective on the field. \nThroughout his career\, Chernotsky was a leader in international studies education. He spearheaded numerous initiatives at UNC Charlotte\, including the development of the Model United Nations program and the interdisciplinary International Studies major. He was Director of the North Carolina Great Decisions public affairs series and still lectures widely on international affairs and U.S. foreign policy. He also served as President of the Southern region of the International Studies Association (ISA) and as Chair of ISA’s International Education section. He worked for many years with the University of Cantabria (Spain) on its global studies certificate program and was Scholar in Residence at Florida Atlantic University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute\, where he continues lecture each year. \n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/america-and-the-world-navigating-trump-2-0-with-dr-harry-i-chernotsky/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/HChernotsky_3-27-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260403T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260403T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20260223T183401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T195642Z
UID:10000221-1775210400-1775214000@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:The New Science of Chaos and Complexity with John Gaertner
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: The New Science of Chaos and Complexity: Using It to Solve Really Big Problems \nSPEAKER: John Gaertner\, Consultant\, Energy and Environment \nThe world is very complex\, and our institutions struggle to manage important issues.  This presentation explores the new science of chaos and complexity\, and how it can positively affect the future by solving really big problems. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nJohn Gaertner is a consultant on energy and climate change. \nHe has worked extensively since 2020 as an independent technical expert on the North Carolina Transition to Zero-Carbon Electricity — authoring technical papers and presentations\, writing Op-Eds in NC newspapers\, presenting testimony at utility commission hearings\, and advising the environmental community on energy matters. \nJohn retired from Electric Power Research Institute as Technical Executive after 28 years. He was Senior Vice President of ERIN Engineering and Research for 8 years\, was an engineer with Duke Energy for 8 years. \nHe holds an MS in Atmospheric Science from MIT\, a BS in Physics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania\, and was a Certified Professional Engineer in North Carolina. \n\nNOTE:  LOCATION CHANGE! This speaker location is The Pearl\, 915 Pearl Park Way\, Charlotte\, NC 28204 (The church is closed due to Good Friday) in the Howard R. Levine Center for Eduction building.\nAttend in-person\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/the-new-science-of-chaos-and-complexity-with-john-gaertner/
LOCATION:The Pearl\, 915 Pearl Park Way\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28204
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JGaertner_4-3-26.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260410T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260410T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20260402T133456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T133456Z
UID:10000228-1775815200-1775818800@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Genealogy with Danielle Pritchett
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: Genealogy \nSPEAKER: Danielle Pritchett\, Genealogy Librarian \nDetails coming soon. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nDetails coming soon. \n\nAttend in-person\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/topic-tbd-with-speaker-tbd/
LOCATION:The Pearl\, 915 Pearl Park Way\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28204
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Speaker-Coming-Soon-v2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260417T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260417T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20251104T165240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T171317Z
UID:10000189-1776420000-1776423600@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:History of Stem Cell and Regenerative Therapies with Steven Spencer
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: History of Stem Cell and Regenerative Therapies for the Treatment of Chronic Pain\, Disease\, and Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System \nSPEAKER: Steven Spencer\, Director of Community Relations for NeoGenix Stem Cell & Regenerative Therapies\nSteven will define regenerative medicine\, encompassing stem cell therapy\, and discuss an overview of tissue engineering\, cellular therapies\, and biologics\, focuses on repairing or replacing damaged tissues to restore normal function. \nHe will address major global health challenges\, particularly chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders\, by offering innovative restorative solutions that go beyond traditional symptom management. The presentation traces the historical evolution of the field\, highlights key scientific milestones\, and explores current clinical applications alongside promising future directions. \n  \n\nBIOGRAPHY\nSteven Spencer is a Salisbury\, North Carolina native and a 1981 graduate of the University of Georgia. A Charlotte resident since 1989\, he began his career in orthopaedic sales and medical devices in 1987. As President of Surgical Source\, Inc.\, Steven represented several nationally recognized and publicly traded orthopaedic implant and device manufacturers. During this time\, he cultivated a leadership philosophy grounded in service and mentorship\, continuing to guide young professionals in orthopedic surgery and medical device sales today. \nIn 2016\, Steven founded Regen Medicine Consulting\, with a mission to educate healthcare providers and their patients about the life-changing potential of regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy. His work emphasizes patient safety\, healthy aging\, and longevity\, guided by the core values of Truth\, Trust\, and Transparency. As Steven often says\, “All healing comes from within\, and it all begins with you.” \nCurrently\, Steven serves as Director of Community Relations for NeoGenix Stem Cell & Regenerative Therapies\, where he continues his lifelong commitment to advancing innovative\, patient-centered healthcare. \n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/history-of-stem-cell-and-regenerative-therapies-with-steven-spencer/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SSpencer_4-17-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20260329T153716Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T153716Z
UID:10000226-1777024800-1777028400@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Field to Factory to Finance with Tom Hanchett\, PhD
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC:  Field to Factory to Finance: A History of Charlotte and its Region\nSPEAKER: Tom Hanchett\, PhD\, Author\nTrace the development of our city from an Indian crossroads to a farm hamlet to hub of America’s textile manufacturing region\, to a major banking center today. \n\nBIOGRAPHY\nDr. Tom Hanchett is a community historian who works with neighborhood groups in Charlotte. Educated at Cornell\, University of Chicago and UNC Chapel Hill\, he is author of a history book about Charlotte\, Sorting Out the New South City\, as well as his new book Affordable Housing in Charlotte: What One City’s History Tells Us About America’s Pressing Problem. Charlotte Magazine calls him “Charlotte’s Dr. History” and named him a Charlottean of the Year. \nClick here to check out his lively website.  \n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/field-to-factory-to-finance-with-tom-hanchett/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/THanchett_04-24-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260508T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260508T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20260329T152742Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T152742Z
UID:10000225-1778234400-1778238000@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:The Passover Story Turned Upside Down with Craig Perry
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: The Passover Story Turned Upside Down: Slavery and the Jews of Medieval Egypt\nSPEAKER: Craig Perry\, Professor\, Emory University\nThe memory of slavery in Egypt\, God’s redemption of the Israelites\, and the Exodus led by Moses are central to the sacred history of the Jewish people. For much of history\, however\, Jews were much more likely to be among the slave owning-classes than the enslaved. This presentation will focus on how a remarkable discovery in a medieval Egyptian synagogue illustrates the global history of the slave trade\, the centrality of slavery in Jewish and Islamic culture\, and the lives of enslaved people who converted to Judaism and became the parents of Jewish children. \n  \n\nBIOGRAPHY\nCraig Perry is an assistant professor of Middle Eastern and Jewish Studies at Emory University. He is the co-editor of the Cambridge World History of Slavery (2021)\, author of Slavery and the Jews of Medieval Egypt: a history (2026)\, and the winner of the Rome Prize in Medieval Studies (2024). \nBook link: Slavery and the Jews of Medieval Egypt: A History \n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/the-passover-story-turned-upside-down-with-craig-perry/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CPerry_5-8-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260529T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260529T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152656
CREATED:20260115T211151Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T211253Z
UID:10000206-1780048800-1780052400@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:State of the Canopy with Krysten Reilly
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: State of the Canopy\nSPEAKER: Krysten Reilly\, Director of Programs\, TreesCharlotte\nCharlotte is often called a “City of Trees\,” with an urban tree canopy covering roughly about half of the city\, making it one of the greenest large cities in the U.S. However\, rapid growth and development along with an aging canopy and new environmental stresses have caused gradual canopy loss in recent years. TreesCharlotte will take you through a thoughtful presentation to examine where our city’s tree canopy currently stands and what we are doing to help mitigate tree loss through the county. Maintaining Charlotte’s tree canopy is critical for reducing heat\, improving air and water quality\, managing stormwater\, and preserving overall quality of life as the city continues to grow. \n  \n\nBIOGRAPHY\nKrysten Reilly is the Director of Programs at TreesCharlotte\, the nonprofit dedicated to growing\, diversifying\, and stewarding Charlotte’s urban tree canopy. In her role\, she leads community-facing programs\, helps develop and refine new campaigns such as their Treesilience Initiative and TreeSpeaker program. Additionally\, Krysten coordinates the scheduling and implementation of planting\, stewardship\, education\, and outreach events that connect residents with tree care and equity-focused urban forestry work. She’s originally from New England and brings a passion for resilient\, community-centered environmental programming to her work in Charlotte. \n\nNOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC\, no registration required. Attend via Zoom\, please register with the Zoom link above.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/state-of-the-canopy-with-krysten-reilly/
LOCATION:Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/KReilly_5-29-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR