BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Senior Scholars at Queens - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://seniorscholars.net
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Senior Scholars at Queens
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20240310T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20241103T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250428T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250501T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192151
CREATED:20250219T181928Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250310T190443Z
UID:10000135-1745827200-1746118800@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Wildacres Spring 2025 Retreat / April 28 - May 1\, 2025
DESCRIPTION:Wildacres 2025: April 28 – May 1\, 2025\n\nEnjoy 3 nights in a Blue Ridge Parkway Mountaintop Resort with 75 of your Senior Scholar friends!\nSpeaker Meg Johnson\, Music Therapy\nSpeaker Joe Kendrick\, Music Impacts on Society\nWaterfalls\, hiking paths\, fresh air\, local entertainers\, 8 home-style\, all-you-can-eat meals!\n\nAll this for only $305/double occupancy. \nReservations now open. Hurry\, it will fill up fast! \nDetails Here
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/wildacres-spring-2025-retreat-april-28-may-1-2025/
LOCATION:Wildacres Retreat\, 1565 Wildacres Road\, Little Switzerland\, NC\, 28749\, United States
CATEGORIES:In-person,Social Events,Wildacres Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Wildacres-2022_Gallery-21.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250428T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250428T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192151
CREATED:20250320T172021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250320T172702Z
UID:10000157-1745834400-1745838000@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Wildacres 2025 Speaker Meg Johnson: Music Therapy
DESCRIPTION:Senior Scholars annual Wildacres retreat is scheduled for April 28-May 1\, 2025. For full details and to register for this event\, please go to the Wildacres page. \nTOPIC: Music Therapy: The science\, the singing and everything in between.\nSPEAKER: Meg Johnson\, Music Therapy Program Director and Clinical Coordinator\, Queens University \nThe presentation will provide an overview of the field of music therapy: the academic foundations\, the education of students and therapists\, the places we work and how we do what we do. \n\n  \nBIOGRAPHY \nMeg Stanley Johnson has extensive clinical experience with a variety of client populations including child\, adolescent and adult psychiatric settings\, memory care groups\, and children and adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities in both individual and group settings. Her current clinical focus is with young adults with autism who have limited verbal skills and a history of aggression. \nShe is the music therapy program director and clinical coordinator at Queens in addition to teaching in the music therapy and general education programs. \nEducation \n\nM.M.\, Neurologic Music Therapy\, Colorado State University\nB.M.\, Music Therapy\, Queens College\, Charlotte\, NC\nB.A.\, Psychology\, Queens College\, Charlotte\, NC\nBi www.musictherapy.org\nwww.ncmusictherapy.org\nwww.cbmt.org
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/wildacres-2025-speaker-meg-johnson-music-therapy/
LOCATION:Wildacres Retreat\, 1565 Wildacres Road\, Little Switzerland\, NC\, 28749\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker Presentations,Wildacres Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/MJohnson_9-27-2024.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250429T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250429T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192151
CREATED:20250320T173132Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250320T173602Z
UID:10000158-1745920800-1745926200@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Wildacres 2025 Speaker Joe Kendrick: How Music Impacts Society
DESCRIPTION:Senior Scholars annual Wildacres retreat is scheduled for April 28-May 1\, 2025. For full details and to register for this event\, please go to the Wildacres page.  \nTOPIC: Songs of Solidarity\, Songs of Protest\, Songs of Hope Amidst Struggle: A Brief Survey of the Impact of Music on the Radio for Social Movements\nSPEAKER: Joe Kendrick\, Director of Programming and Operations Manager\, WNCW \nAn overview of songs\, artists\, genres and eras of music on radio that reflect and have impacted various social movements in America. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nPublic radio programmer\, music host\, writer\, podcaster\, college instructor\, public speaker\, event producer \nMy role is to envision and develop the sound and image of WNCW\, create original programming and manage round the clock operations. I recruit\, develop and manage our programming staff. Also I host and produce weekly music shows and a bi-weekly podcast\, Southern Songs and Stories. I represent WNCW in person as well as virtually worldwide to donors and industry partners. Additionally\, I am part of the team that produces the annual Earl Scruggs Music Festival in Tryon\, NC. \nJoe Kendrick profile \n 
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/wildacres-2025-speaker-joe-kendrick-how-music-impacts-society/
LOCATION:Wildacres Retreat\, 1565 Wildacres Road\, Little Switzerland\, NC\, 28749\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker Presentations,Wildacres Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/JKendrick-1_1-17-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250502T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250502T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192151
CREATED:20250317T152153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T121108Z
UID:10000149-1746180000-1746183600@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:The Levine JCC's Butterfly Project with Lori Semel
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: The Levine JCC’s Butterfly Project with Lori Semel\nSPEAKER: Lori Semel\, Butterfly Project Coordinator \nThe Butterfly Project was developed as a call to action through education\, the arts\, and memorial making\, which uses the lessons of the Holocaust to educate about the dangers of hatred and bigotry and cultivates empathy and social responsibility. \nParticipants paint ceramic butterflies that are displayed as symbols of resilience and hope\, with the goal of creating 1.5 million butterflies around the world—one for each child who perished during the Holocaust\, and honoring the survivors. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nLori graduated from East Carolina University. She taught middle school for 10 years\, leaving to stay home with her two children. She began volunteering with the LJCC Butterfly Project in 2011\, joined as staff shortly after and is now Coordinator. \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-levine-jccs-butterfly-project-with-lori-semel/
LOCATION:PUMC – Wolfe Hall\, 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/2025/04/LSemel_4-25-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250509T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250509T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192152
CREATED:20250317T152103Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T160037Z
UID:10000150-1746784800-1746788400@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Healthcare Delivery with Dr. Stephen Riggs
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: Healthcare Delivery\, Past\, Present and a Future with AI\n\nSPEAKER:  Dr. Stephen Riggs\, Steve Riggs\, MD\, MBD\, FACS; Professor Advocate Health\, Wake Forest School of Medicine Vice Chair Department of Urology- Atrium Health Levine Cancer Center\, Carolinas Medical Center  \nHealthcare delivery is experiencing unprecedented change and growth. The United states spends more on healthcare than any other country but ranks low when measuring many health outcomes. Government (medicare and medicaid) health insurance remains a topic of great debate while Artificial intelligence brings excitement and new energy to fixing some of our greatest challenges. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nI am a Professor and Urologic Oncologist within the Department of Urology\, Wake Forest School of Medicine and Levine Cancer Institute within Advocate Health (formerly Atrium Health). I have an active clinical practice in Urologic Oncology and extensive experience in designing and conducting clinical trials. My clinical interest includes bladder\, kidney\, testis\, and prostate cancer with a research focus on standardization and optimization of surgical care. I currently serve Vice Chair for the Department of Urology\, Chair for Robotic Surgery and Strategy for the Southeast and Co-lead the Enterprise Surgical Quality committee focused on defining and standardizing surgical quality and operations across the Advocate Enterprise. \n\nMedical School: University of South Carolina College of Medicine\nResidency: Vanderbilt University – Surgery; University of Mississippi Medical Center – Urology\nFellowship: University of California Medical Center – Urologic Oncology\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/healthcare-delivery-with-dr-stephen-riggs/
LOCATION:PUMC – Wolfe Hall\, 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/2025/04/SRiggs_5-9-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250514T131500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250514T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192152
CREATED:20250109T181756Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250317T155007Z
UID:10000123-1747228500-1747231200@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Curriculum Committee Meeting  - May 14
DESCRIPTION:Curriculum Committee Meetings are open to Membership.  \nJoin our monthly Curriculum Committee meetings\, via Zoom\, to hear about upcoming speakers/events or to suggest speakers you know (or have heard speak) and believe would be of interest to your fellow Senior Scholars. \nThese meetings are always held on the Zoom platform.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/curriculum-committee-meeting-may-14/
LOCATION:Zoom Registration Required
CATEGORIES:Curriculum Committee,Zoom Presentation Only
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Zoom-Meetings.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250516T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250516T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192152
CREATED:20250310T182846Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250317T154930Z
UID:10000137-1747389600-1747393200@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Charlotte Douglas International Airport Update with Jack Christine
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: Charlotte Douglas International Airport Update\nSPEAKER: Jack Christine\, A.A.E.\, Chief Infrastructure Officer\, CLT Airport \nMr. Christine is overseeing Destination CLT\, a five-year\, $2.5-$3.1 billion capital program that includes planning\, design and construction of expansion of terminal and concourse\, and the development of numerous airfield projects. He will provide an update of progress and plans for the future. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nDetails coming soon. \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-douglas-international-airport-update-with-jack-christine/
LOCATION:Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, North Carolina\, 28211
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/JChristine_5-16-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250523T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250523T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192152
CREATED:20250407T181126Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T150201Z
UID:10000160-1747994400-1747998000@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Wildlife You May Know with Bob Senn
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: Wildlife You May Know\nSPEAKER: Bob Senn\, Certified South Carolina Master Naturalist \nPresentation with slideshow\, and a side of humor\, on many of the wildlife seen in North and South Carolina. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nBob is a certified South Carolina Master Naturalist. There are five zones in SC and Bob was initially certified for the coastal zone in 2014.\nAfter working in that area and continuing with projects and education over the next several years around the state\, Bob became one of the few Naturalists with a Statewide certification in May\, 2017. Bob has done work with Sea Turtles\, Wolves\, Snakes\, Hawks\, Oyster Beds and other assorted wildlife.\nBob has given presentations to many groups and has led activities at Anne Close Greenway and the SCDNR (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources) Marine Research Center on James Island\, South Carolina. He is also a member of the South Carolina Association of Naturalists. \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/wildlife-you-may-know-with-bob-senn/
LOCATION:Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, North Carolina\, 28211
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/BSenn_4-23-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250530T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250530T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192152
CREATED:20250430T151022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T215956Z
UID:10000151-1748599200-1748602800@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Charlotte Fire Department Update with Battalion Chief Horne
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: Charlotte Fire Department Update \nSPEAKER:  Battalion Chief Horne \nChief Horne will provide us insight into the operations of an agency that is so critical to the safety of Charlotte. This talk\, which will be our last educational presentation for the spring term\, will serve as something of a counterpoint to last year’s presentation by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. \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-fire-department-update-with-battalion-chief-horne/
LOCATION:Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, North Carolina\, 28211
CATEGORIES:Hybrid: In-person & Zoom,Speaker Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CHorne_5-30-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250605T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250605T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192152
CREATED:20250310T182437Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260313T143438Z
UID:10000136-1749123000-1749132000@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Spring Luncheon: June 5 | SOLD OUT!
DESCRIPTION:SPRING LUNCHEON IS SOLD OUT!\nGet ready to enjoy our last event before our summer break—our wonderful spring luncheon. Save Thursday\, June 5 from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. for this perennially popular gathering. It will be at the Raintree Country Club\, 8600 Raintree Lane (near the Arboretum off Pineville-Matthews Road)\, and cost $45 per person.\nThe sumptuous buffet will include herbed chicken\, pulled pork and fixings\, mixed green salad\, macaroni and cheese\, baked beans\, and berry cobbler. Cash bar will be available to purchase alcoholic beverages.\nOur speaker will be local historian and man-about-town Tom Hanchett\, who will talk about Charlotte’s changing food scene and hidden restaurants you should know about. \nSignups start mid-April with the following payment options:\n• Online – Use the RSVP button above. Signups end Tuesday\, May 27.\n• In Person – Stop by the Spring Luncheon desk at Friday meetings starting April 11 through May 23.\n• By Mail – Mail checks to:\nSenior Scholars at Queens\n1900 Selwyn Ave\nMSC 1409\nCharlotte\, NC 28274 \nRegistration and checks must be received by Friday 5/23/25. \nFor questions\, contact Nancy Stancill at nancy.stancill@gmail.com
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/spring-luncheon-june-5-sold-out/
LOCATION:Raintree County Club\, 8600 Raintree Lane\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28277
CATEGORIES:Holiday Luncheons,In-person
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Spring-2025-Luncheon_02.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250912T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250912T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192152
CREATED:20250512T165319Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T151630Z
UID:10000162-1757671200-1757674800@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Globalization\, Trade\, and Tariffs with Sergio Castello
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: Globalization\, Trade\, and Tariffs\nSPEAKER: Sergio Castello\, Professor\, Wingate University \nA look at globalization since the 1970s to today and the importance of trade (and the notion of comparative advantage) in the US economy driven by multinational corporations and the TAA program to help dislocated workers. \n\nBIOGRAPHY\nSergio Castello was born in Barcelona\, Spain. At 18\, he came to the US with $157\, one suitcase and two tennis racquets. He earned a BBA in finance (minor in mathematics) from Freed-Hardeman University\, an MBA from the University of Memphis\, and a Ph.D. in international trade and finance from Colorado State University. He has been married to Lora for 35 years and have five children\, Katie\, Kerri (deceased)\, Walker\, Monica\, and Sofia. He enjoys playing tennis and golf and spending time in Montana. \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/globalization-trade-and-tariffs-with-sergio-castello/
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/2025/06/SCastello-1_9-12-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250919T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250919T093000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192152
CREATED:20250908T165046Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T165046Z
UID:10000171-1758272400-1758274200@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:New Member Orientation - September 19
DESCRIPTION:All members old and new are invited to attend our New Member Orientation meeting in person. \nLearn more about the organization including how to meet people\, join events and how you can help the organization – the best way to meet new people! \nIn person meeting\, in Room 106 in PUMC. \nClick the RSVP button for an email to tell us you’re coming!
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/new-member-orientation-september-19/
LOCATION:Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, North Carolina\, 28211
CATEGORIES:In-person,New Member Orientation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NewMemberOrientation-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250919T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250919T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192152
CREATED:20241014T205309Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250317T163259Z
UID:10000111-1758276000-1758279600@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Elections Integrity with Mary Jo McGowan
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: Elections Integrity\nSPEAKER: Mary Jo McGowan\, Dept of Political Science and Public Administration\, UNC-Charlotte \nA review of the elections process helps folks understand how elections work and how confident we can be in our electoral process. \n\nBIOGRAPHY\nMary Jo McGowan is a faculty member at UNC Charlotte in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration. \nHer research focus is on public policies relating to elections and running for office. She is a part of a research team studying impacts of election administration on electoral outcomes. \nThe team (Martha Kropf\, Zachary Mohr\, Mary Jo McGowan and JoEllen V. Pope) will publish their study of election costs A Republic If You Can Afford It: How Much Does it Cost to Administer an Election later this year. \nAdditionally\, she studies policy complexity and its effect on outcome variables such as candidate decisions to run for office. Dr. McGowan teaches in the Model UN\, Public Policy\, and introductory Political Science courses. She is the Undergraduate Director for the Political Science Dept and Director of the American Studies program at UNC 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/elections-review-with-mary-jo-mcgowan/
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/2022/11/MJMcGowan_10-13-2023.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250926T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250926T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192152
CREATED:20250901T155630Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T154743Z
UID:10000169-1758880800-1758884400@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:U.S. Relationship with Mexico with Dr. Jurgen Buchenau
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: U.S. Relationship with Mexico: Past\, Present and Future\nSPEAKER: Dr. Jurgen Buchenau\, Dowd Term Professor of Capitalism Studies; Professor of History and Latin American Studies\, UNC Charlotte \nAn overview of the relationship between North America’s most populous countries since independence\, with special emphasis on the history of the border\, economic relations\, and immigration. \n\nBIOGRAPHY\nJürgen Buchenau is the Dowd Term Chair of Capitalism Studies\, the co-director of the Center for Migration and Diaspora Studies\, and Professor of History and Latin American Studies at UNC Charlotte. \nBuchenau has authored and edited thirteen books\, including Plutarco Elías Calles and the Mexican Revolution (2007)\, winner of the Alfred B. Thomas Book Award of the Southeastern Council of Latin American Studies\, and The Sonoran Dynasty in Mexico: Revolution\, Reform\, and Repression (2023). \nBuchenau’s research has been funded by the National Endowment of the Humanities and the American Philosophical Society. He is currently the editor of The Latin Americanist and two book series with Wiley and the University of New Mexico Press and has just completed a book on U.S.-Mexican relations. \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/u-s-relationship-with-mexico-with-dr-jurgen-buchenau/
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/JBunchenau_9-26-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250926T114500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250926T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192152
CREATED:20250911T151803Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250919T164623Z
UID:10000179-1758887100-1758895200@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Lunch Bunch: September 26
DESCRIPTION:We have booked Leo’s Italian Social\, for Friday\, September 26\, 11:45 a.m. \nLocated in the Piedmont Center \nLimited space available! Please sign up by 9/25/2025. \nIf you register and find you can’t attend\, please email LunchBunch@SeniorScholars.net so that we can offer your seat to another member. \nLeo’s Italian Social \n4720 Piedmont Row\nSuite 150\nCharlotte\, NC 28210
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/lunch-bunch-september-26/
LOCATION:Leo’s Italian Social\, 4720 Piedmont Row Dr\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28210\, United States
CATEGORIES:In-person,Lunch Bunch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Lunch-Bunch_9-26-2025_1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251003T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251003T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192152
CREATED:20250512T163530Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250901T154047Z
UID:10000161-1759485600-1759489200@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:How Old Age Echoes Young Age with Judy Goldman
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: How Old Age Echoes Young Age\nSPEAKER: Judy Goldman\, Author \nJudy will talk about how every age — young age and old age and every age in between — brings with it the fear of the unfamiliar\, as well as the exhilaration of trying out a new kind of existence. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nJudy Goldman has published eight award-winning books — four memoirs\, two novels\, and two collections of poetry. Her most recent book\, The Rest of Our Lives: A Memoir\, published in May 2025\, was named a best-seller by bookstores across the Southeast. Her work has appeared in USA Today\, Washington Post\, Real Simple\, Our State\, Charlotte Observer\, and in many anthologies and literary journals. \nBorn and raised in Rock Hill\, SC\, she has lived in Charlotte for 58 years. She and her husband have two married children and four grandchildren. \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/how-old-age-echoes-young-age-with-judy-goldman/
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/2025/05/JGoldman_9-26-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251010T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251010T093000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192152
CREATED:20250908T165126Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T165126Z
UID:10000172-1760086800-1760088600@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:New Member Orientation - October 10
DESCRIPTION:All members old and new are invited to attend our New Member Orientation meeting in person. \nLearn more about the organization including how to meet people\, join events and how you can help the organization – the best way to meet new people! \nIn person meeting\, in Room 106 in PUMC. \nClick the RSVP button for an email to tell us you’re coming!
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/new-member-orientation-october-10/
LOCATION:Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, North Carolina\, 28211
CATEGORIES:In-person,New Member Orientation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NewMemberOrientation-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251010T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251010T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192152
CREATED:20250916T165952Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250916T171250Z
UID:10000180-1760090400-1760094000@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:The Government Accountability Office with Davis Judson
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: The Government Accountability Office\nSPEAKER: Davis Judson\, Senior Analyst\, GAO \nGAO has been called the congressional watchdog and the defender of the public interest. Learn about GAO’s unique role in the federal government and how it supports Congress with objective\, reliable\, and nonpartisan information. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nDavis Judson is a project manager in GAO’s financial markets and community investment team\, where he leads teams in evaluating government programs that span Wall Street to Main Street. He received an MPA from Cornell University and a BA in economics and urban studies from Washington University in St Louis. \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-government-accountability-office-with-davis-judson/
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/DJudson_10-10-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251017T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251017T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192152
CREATED:20250625T151350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250716T164757Z
UID:10000164-1760695200-1760698800@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:The Pearl\, Charlotte's Innovation District with Hillary Crittendon
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: The Pearl\, Charlotte’s Innovation District\nSPEAKER: Hillary Crittendon \nThe Pearl\, anchored by Wake Forest School of Medicine\, is a 30-acre mixed-use development that includes education\, retail\, apartments\, a hotel\, open community space\, and health science research facilities. Located next to uptown and Atrium Health’s flagship hospital\, it aims to drive economic growth and job creation in the Charlotte Region. \nThis presentation will explore how public-private partnerships\, educational collaboration\, and strategic business development are fueling growth in the district. The Pearl exemplifies how innovation district can power transformation across education\, research\, healthcare and economic mobility–delivering a model of inclusive innovation that is uniquely Charlotte. \n\nBIOGRAPHY \nHillary Crittendon joined Atrium Health in early 2021 and serves as Head of Operations and Strategy for The Pearl\, Charlotte’s innovation district. \nPrior to joining Atrium Health\, Hillary was the Director of the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council\, a 30-member CEO council based in Charlotte which is focused on influencing economic mobility\, policy and economic development solutions for the region. She joined the CELC via McKinsey\, where she served as a consultant in various capacities over nearly 5 years. \nHillary holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in French from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill\, and a Masters in Business Administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She has experience in investment banking\, having served as an analyst at Credit Suisse\, and in financial fundraising in the private equity and hedge fund industries. She also co-founded The Brandshop\, a startup marketing and consultancy focused on supporting growth of high-end female-owned retail and lifestyle brands. \nHillary serves on the board of the Urban League of Central Carolinas and the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE). She also serves on the Advisory Board for the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System’s Career and Technical Education Program and on the Auxiliary of the Mint Museum. \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-pearl-innovation-district-medical-school-with-mexico-with-hillary-crittendon/
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/2025/07/HCrittendon_10-17-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251024T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251024T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192152
CREATED:20251015T203608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T142951Z
UID:10000185-1761300000-1761303600@seniorscholars.net
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:20260403T192153
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:20251031T114500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251031T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192153
CREATED:20251007T190431Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T190603Z
UID:10000183-1761911100-1761919200@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Lunch Bunch: October 31
DESCRIPTION:We have booked Calle Sol Latin Cafe & Cevicheria\, for Friday\, October 31\, 11:45 a.m. \nLocated 3100 Apex Drive\, Charlotte\, NC 28211 \nLimited space available! Please sign up by 10/25/2025. \nIf you register and find you can’t attend\, please email LunchBunch@SeniorScholars.net so that we can offer your seat to another member. \nLunch menu\, but full menu available. Individual checks\, tip not included. Free parking in the garage. Reservation at restaurant under name of Senior Scholars/Sara Friedman. \nCalle Sol \n3100 Apex Drive\nCharlotte\, NC 28211
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/lunch-bunch-october-31/
LOCATION:Calle Sol\, 3100 Apex Drive\, Charlotte\, 28211\, United States
CATEGORIES:In-person,Lunch Bunch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Lunch-Bunch_10-31-2025_1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T153000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192153
CREATED:20250916T191940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T161451Z
UID:10000168-1762336800-1762356600@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Field Trip: Earl Scruggs Center
DESCRIPTION:SOLD OUT!\nThe waiting list is closed. You have the option of driving up independently and paying the normal Earl Scruggs Center entry fee.\nCancel Purchased Tickets: Send a message to info@seniorscholars.net. No refunds after Wednesday October 29\, 2025\nDATE: November 5\, 2025\nTIME: 10 am – 3:15 pm\nCOST: $30/person (includes bus and Music Center entrance fee)\nADDRESS: 103 S Lafayette St\, Shelby\, NC 28150\nTRANSPORTATION:  SSQ is renting a 50-seat passenger van to shuttle members to the Earl Scruggs Center. The registration cost includes the bus cost plus the entrance fee to the Center. Meet in the lower lot of Providence United Methodist Church at 9:40. Lunch will not be provided and is not included in the fee\, there will be opportunities to explore nearby restaurants after the tour. \nREGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 31\, 2025 \nThis field trip is only available to current paid up members of Senior Scholars. \nThe Earl Scruggs Center honors legendary banjo master Earl Scruggs\, blending his story with the region’s rich history. Through engaging exhibits and events\, the Center celebrates his groundbreaking “Scruggs Style” and lasting musical legacy. \nTom Hanchett will join the Magical Mystery Tour leaving PUMC. He’s on the Board of the Center and appears on the video that starts the tour. Joe Kendrick\, who spoke to us (at a Friday meeting in January and at Wildacres) about music\, will meet with us at the Center. Joe is also a relative of Earl Scruggs\, has a weekly radio program about music and a podcast and has a relationship with the Center. \nEarl Scruggs Center
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/field-trip-earl-scruggs-center/
LOCATION:Earl Scruggs Center\, 103 S Lafayette St\, Shelby\, 28150\, United States
CATEGORIES:Field Trips,In-person
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Earl-Scruggs_v5.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251107T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251107T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192153
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251112T131500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251112T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192153
CREATED:20251104T161608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251104T194007Z
UID:10000188-1762953300-1762956000@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Curriculum Committee Meeting  - November 12
DESCRIPTION:Curriculum Committee Meetings are open to Membership.  \nJoin our monthly Curriculum Committee meetings\, via Zoom\, to hear about upcoming speakers/events or to suggest speakers you know (or have heard speak) and believe would be of interest to your fellow Senior Scholars. \nThese meetings are always held on the Zoom platform.
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/curriculum-committee-meeting-november-12/
LOCATION:Zoom Registration Required
CATEGORIES:Curriculum Committee,Zoom Presentation Only
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Zoom-Meetings.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251114T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251114T093000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192153
CREATED:20250908T165217Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T165217Z
UID:10000173-1763110800-1763112600@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:New Member Orientation - November 14
DESCRIPTION:All members old and new are invited to attend our New Member Orientation meeting in person. \nLearn more about the organization including how to meet people\, join events and how you can help the organization – the best way to meet new people! \nIn person meeting\, in Room 106 in PUMC. \nClick the RSVP button for an email to tell us you’re coming!
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/new-member-orientation-november-14/
LOCATION:Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall\, 2810 Providence Rd\, Charlotte\, North Carolina\, 28211
CATEGORIES:In-person,New Member Orientation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NewMemberOrientation-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251114T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251114T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192153
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:20251116T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251116T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192153
CREATED:20251114T220150Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251114T222528Z
UID:10000193-1763307000-1763312400@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Queens University: Dido and Aeneas Choir Concert
DESCRIPTION:In 1689\, near the end of his life\, the great English composer Henry Purcell composed the tragic opera Dido and Aeneas\, one of the most beloved English operas of all time\, and the sacred ode Celestial Music did the Gods Inspire. Queens Choirs perform both works in collaboration with dancers and scenic designers. \n \n 
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/queens-university-dido-and-aeneas-choir-concert/
LOCATION:Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts\, 2319 Wellesley Ave\, Charlotte\, 28207\, United States
CATEGORIES:Queens University
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/QU_11-16-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192153
CREATED:20251114T220359Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251114T222610Z
UID:10000194-1763665200-1763670600@seniorscholars.net
SUMMARY:Queens University: Exploring Jewish\, Israeli and Mediterranean Cuisine
DESCRIPTION:We are thrilled to announce the Inaugural Marc and Mattye Jewish Cultural Series Program on November 20\, 2025\, at 7:00 pm at Queens University Charlotte. \nHow have Jews influenced food in the diaspora\, and how has the diaspora influenced Jewish food? What is Israeli food\, shaped by waves of immigration and the country’s geography? How does it relate to — and interact with — the broader traditions of Middle Eastern cuisine? This program explores the two-way influence and symbiotic relationship between cultures\, showing how food can be a powerful force to bring people together. \nLearn about the rich culinary traditions of Israel and the Mediterranean with acclaimed Israeli Chef Shai Fargian\, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Yafo in Charlotte for nearly a decade and Calle Sol for the past four years.  This interactive program blends cooking demonstrations with cultural storytelling\, offering a window into the diversity and depth of Jewish and Israeli foodways. Everyone will have the opportunity to taste the chef’s creations immediately following the program. \n \n 
URL:https://seniorscholars.net/event/queens-university-exploring-jewish-israeli-and-mediterranean-cuisine/
LOCATION:Queens University
CATEGORIES:Queens University
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://seniorscholars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/QU_11-20-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251121T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251121T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T192153
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
END:VCALENDAR