News

Lee University’s Encore Program, which offers people age 60 and over the opportunity to take university courses, has announced its spring 2024 offerings. 

With a fee of $25, Encore students may choose up to two of the following courses: Tennessee in Tennis Shoes: A Traveling History Course; The New Normal: Health, Age, and Research Discovery; The Other America: The People and Place of Appalachia; Joint Conditioning; Fitness Class; Fit4Life: Senior Strength; Introduction to American Sign Language; The Life and Ministry of Jesus; C.S. Lewis I: Life and Non-Fiction; The Gathering Storm (Part 2); Spanish II and Latin American Culture; Watercolor Painting for Beginning and Intermediate Painters; Introduction to LeeU Student Electronics; Exploring More Student Electronics; and Oil Painting “Alla Prima.” 

Tennessee in Tennis Shoes: A Traveling History Course, led David Altopp, will visit multiple sites of interest in Tennessee, as well as make a special trip to the Biltmore House. Other travel options include the Cumberland Playhouse, Grinders Switch Country Show, Oak Ridge History Museum, Museum of Appalachia, President Andrew Johnson Historic Site, and a trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan. Class participants may choose which sites they wish to visit at the informational meeting with a minimum of 30 participants required for each trip. Dates of travel and locations will be announced at the meeting on Thursday, Jan. 18, at 4 p.m. 

The New Normal: Health, Age, and Research Discovery course focuses on topics of health and aging, with consideration of new medical approaches to age and illness. The course, led by Dr. Karen Mundy-Judkins and Dr. Bennett M. Judkins, will provide strategies to ensure better healthcare, quality of life, and longevity. This five-week course will meet on Mondays, 4-5:30 p.m., beginning Feb. 5. 

The Other America: The People and Place of Appalachia is a five-week course overviewing the history and culture of the Appalachian region. The course will focus on the food, music, and language of Appalachia, as well as the politics and economy, among other topics. At the end of the course, attendees will be invited to a covered dish celebration dinner of Appalachian foods. Mundy-Judkins and Dr. Bennett M. Judkins will teach this course on Mondays, 4-5:30 p.m., starting March 18. 

The Joint Conditioning course will cover different techniques to help students strengthen and regain movement in their joints. The class will include different stretches and breathing techniques to help with relaxation, flexibility, agility, and strength. Chairs will be used in class, but some of the exercises do require standing. Roxanne Tyson will teach this 10-week course on Wednesdays, from 2-2:50 p.m., beginning Jan. 24. 

In Fitness Class, students will build muscle and strength by using weights. They will also stand to increase endurance and mobility while enjoying fun music that helps with coordination. Students will need to wear the proper attire, such as clothing that one can move easily in, along with comfortable walking shoes. Tyson teaches this 10-week course on Wednesdays from 1-1:50 p.m., starting Jan. 24. 

The 10-week course, Fit4Life: Senior Strength, is a fitness class for adults looking to improve cardiovascular health, increase strength, and have more energy. Whether an avid exerciser or a beginner, Fit4Life offers an opportunity for all to have a healthier body and mind. Chairs are provided for those who prefer seated exercises or require support while standing. Kendra Gray will teach this course on Tuesdays from 5-5:50 p.m., starting Jan. 23. 

Introduction to American Sign Language, taught by Faithlyn Hall, will provide students with basic expressive and receptive skill development in American Sign Language, as well as a foundational knowledge of Deaf culture. The course will cover basic vocabulary units, basic grammar, and Deaf culture. This eight-week course will meet Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 17, from 6-7:15 p.m. 

The Life and Ministry of Jesus course will cover special events leading up to the birth of Jesus, His early life, and the high points of His ministry. Special emphasis will be given to the miracles of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount. Dr. Henry Smith will instruct this course, which will meet for six weeks on Mondays, 5-6:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 15. 

C.S. Lewis I: Life and Non-Fiction course will examine the contour and context of the life and thought of C.S. Lewis. Throughout the 10-week course, students will study his partial autobiography “Surprised by Joy” and his famous work “Mere Christianity,” as well as other texts. The class is taught by J. David Schlosser and will meet on Wednesdays from 1-2 p.m. beginning Jan. 17. 

The Gathering Storm (Part 2), led by Dr. Brian Peterson, is a discussion-based course that will focus on the connection between the Bible and modern politics and culture, all through the lens of Peterson’s recent book, “The Gathering Storm: America Under Judgement.” Beginning Jan. 10, the seven-week course will meet on Wednesdays, 3:45-4:45 p.m. 

Spanish II and Latin American Culture course is a continuum from Spanish I and will develop its focus on verb tenses, vocabulary, and Latin American culture through films, documentaries, movies, and other Latin American speakers. This four-week course, taught by Dr. Alexander Steffanell will meet on Wednesdays, 1:25-2:15 p.m., starting Feb. 7. 

Watercolor Painting for Beginning and Intermediate Painters, led by Mary Ann Poplin, will introduce students to the basics and variety of watercolor techniques. The course, designed to build skills and confidence in artists, will focus on learning a variety of techniques that students will incorporate into original compositions. Beginning Jan. 23, this eight-week course will meet on Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. 

The Introduction to LeeU Student Electronics course will teach students how to access their Lee University student accounts through email and Microsoft Office, as well as how to use a computer, tablet, and smartphone. The course will also offer basic instruction on the general navigation of internet browsers and an introduction to the use of Microsoft Office tools, such as Excel, Word, and Outlook. This six-week class is taught by Kelly Moore and will meet on Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 18. 

Exploring More Electronics course, taught by Amber Mong, will teach students how to manage files including pictures on your computer, tablet, phone, and in the cloud, as well as how to navigate a basic web browser’s settings and security. This course will also offer an introduction to Microsoft Office apps including Excel, Word, and Outlook. Beginning on Feb. 29, this six-week course will take place on Thursdays, from 6-7:30 p.m.  

The Oil Painting “Alla Prima” course will pursue the technique of “Alla Prima,” a style defined by painting in one sitting. “Alla Prima” is a technique that course instructor Gary McDonald believes both beginning painters and accomplished painters should experience and practice. This five-week course will meet on Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m., beginning Jan. 9. 

Registration will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 3-5 p.m. in the Centenary Room, located in the Higginbotham Administration Building (HAB), and will continue Jan. 10-17 in HAB, Room 211. 

Lee University’s Encore Program is a part of the institution’s commitment of service to the community. 

For more information about Encore, contact Community Relations at (423) 614-8310 or [email protected] or visit Encore.