UMAA Report
9/8/2003Benefit Spotlight: Compleat Scholar Courses
When Mary McDiarmid (B.A. '68) was pursuing her double major in Spanish and sociology at the University, her one regret was being too busy to take classes outside her requirements. But when she found herself between jobs several years ago, she decided to make up for it. She took courses through Compleat Scholar, a noncredit program in the U's College of Continuing Education (CCE). She was hooked.
First McDiarmid took several music history courses, then a Greek mythology class that "enthralled" her. "I saw that these stories are still relevant today. There are stories that carry on through all eras of time," she says. "We get into some really intense discussions. Almost everybody was really motivated. We were there because we wanted to be."
For instructor Johanna Kheim, who taught the mythology course, that makes all the difference. "The students don't get any credit or anything [tangible] out of it," she explains. "Everybody is here because they love the subject matter. It is the most satisfying thing in my entire life, but it is terribly challenging. To face 30 or 40 people who are there for those reasons is a wonderful thing for a teacher."
More recently, McDiarmid took a series of Russian literature classes through Compleat Scholar using a new UMAA benefit, a
10 percent discount on course fees. "I love these courses," she says. "I definitely want to keep taking them."
Compleat Scholar offers more than 200 courses each year in a wide range of subjects and formats, including a large number geared toward preparing for professional tests or required college entrance exams. The classes feature no tests, no grades, and offer no credit. What they do offer, according to Susan Hamerski, director of Compleat Scholar and Elderhostel for CCE, is great teachers and interesting, timely subjects.
"We draw on both faculty and experts from throughout the [Twin Cities] area, so we can respond to current events," Hamerski says. This fall, there are numerous courses on the Middle East, for example. "And not just from a political science perspective, but there are courses about culture, history, and religion."
Classes are offered during the day, in the evening, or in weekend-long intensive seminars. They take place on campus or in nearby locations or, in some cases, at special locations, such as at a lodge in Lutsen on Minnesota's North Shore.
The Compleat Scholar program derives its name from Izaak Walton's book The Compleat Angler, first published in 1653. In the 17th century, the term compleat described those with consummate knowledge, skill, and ability. Compleat Scholar, then, refers to anyone interested in all areas of knowledge.
Kheim, who holds degrees from Washington University, did her coursework for a Ph.D. in comparative literature at the University, and taught humanities and French for several years. But as the humanities department was trimmed and eventually downgraded to a program without a major, she found herself looking for other teaching work. Advised to try continuing education, she developed a literature course that attracted only 10 people. Twelve was the minimum for the course to exist.
Still, she came to the first session, hoping for late registrations. None appeared and, after delivering her first lecture, broke the news to that class that the course would have to fold. But the students so enjoyed her first lecture they took up a collection and registered two new students, Jane and John Doe, that night. She has been teaching continuing education and Compleat Scholar courses ever since.
While Kheim enjoyed teaching University students, she likes Compleat Scholar even better. "Sometimes, at the University, students would ask, 'How many pages do we have to read for next time?'" she recalls. "Compleat Scholar students never ask that. Usually, they have already read all the material by the time of the first class, and some have read biographies and secondary material as well.  | | Strengthening Ties to China: U.S. Senator Mark Dayton met with the alumni association’s Beijing Chapter while on an official visit to China in April. Dayton ate breakfast with a group of five alumni and discussed global trade and economic issues, as well as the many ties between Minnesota and China. Approximately 700 non-immigrant Chinese students are currently enrolled at the University of Minnesota. Photo by Wenjie Fu |
They are so demanding and so wonderful."
CCE's Hamerski says the Compleat Scholar partnership with the UMAA makes perfect sense. "There are so many alums in the area, this is a natural way for them to pursue lifelong learning," she says.
In addition to the Compleat Scholar discount, the UMAA and CCE have teamed up to offer discounts on Split Rock Arts Program courses, Great Conversations tickets, professional development courses, and Career and Lifework Center seminars and individual counseling.
Event Spotlight: Education Alumni College
Nancy Bauer (B.S. '70) says that, until a year ago, she hadn't been back to campus since graduating. Since then, she's been juggling teaching jobs and managing the family's strawberry, blueberry, and sweet corn farm in Champlin, Minnesota. But she jumped at the chance to attend the College of Education and Human Development's first Alumni College last November.
Bauer and her husband, Bill (a full-time teacher who "sometimes gets so busy he can't remember where he put his spoon down"), were among about three dozen alumni and friends to enroll in a morning-long series of seminars followed by lunch and tours. Topics included classes on contemporary children's literature and a research update from an educational psychologist on the genetics revolution. "The one I liked best was about teen obesity and working with them on lifestyles and fitness," Bauer says. "The other I found fascinating was about research on teens and high school start times."
While Raleigh Kaminsky (B.S. '72), the college's alumni relations director, is still confirming topics and speakers for 2003, there will be at least one presentation from each of the college's six departments. Following a kickoff breakfast and the series of presentations, this year's Alumni College attendees will have the option of staying for lunch at the newly refurbished Campus Club on the fourth floor of Coffman Memorial Union. After an update from Dean Steve Yussen, a tour of the restored union will end the day.
Although building a reputation and large attendance for an event takes time, Kaminsky expects it to grow. "There are a lot of social aspects to the day, but there is some meat to it for educators and others," she says. "It's also fun for alumni just to have a reason to come onto campus in the fall."
The second College of Education and Human Development Alumni College is set for Saturday, November 15. For more information or to register, visit the lnk above or call Raleigh Kaminsky at 612-626-1601.
Homecoming for the Hundredth
What would you give to have breakfast with Goldy Gopher and 19 of your friends? What about for the opportunity to drive a Zamboni at a Gopher hockey game?
Those are just two of the unique items up for bidding in live and silent auctions as part of the UMAA's homecoming and 100th-year celebration Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1.
The auctions, whose proceeds will go to scholarships, are planned for Friday evening in the McNamara Alumni Center. The next morning, the annual homecoming breakfast, at the University Sports Pavilion along the parade route, will feature a "Gopher Roadshow" and a UMAA Member Expo. The breakfast is set for 8 to 11 a.m. pending a final decision on football game time.
The free Gopher Roadshow event is similar to the PBS series Antiques Roadshow. Collectors are invited to bring Gopher memorabilia for appraisal and examination. Prizes are offered for the oldest, most unique, and most valuable items. And the alumni association and several of its benefit partners will hold a UMAA Member Expo with information about benefits, special offers, and giveaways for current members. Prices for the buffet-style breakfast are $5 for UMAA members, $7 for nonmembers, and $3 for kids 10 and under.
Homecoming is scheduled for the days leading up to the Saturday, November 1, football game against Indiana. Other sporting and cultural events are scheduled for the same weekend.
 | | | |
|
Print View
