Spring Programming 2025
OCTOBER
October 8, 2024
3:30 - 5:30 pm
Shift Happens: truisms beyond the classroom celebrates the transformative power of a notice and wonder mindset. Through this lens of notice and wonder, we can explore truisms beyond the classroom as an ontological expedition. The word ontological simply describes the nature of being human. Starting here, we begin our journey of becoming practitioners of truisms beyond the classroom. We have all been enrolled in this school of life since birth. Our family, friends and communities already provide the classrooms, playgrounds and practice fields for everyday teaching, learning, and leading experiences to unfold and play out in ways that fulfill and inspire. Shift happens! Together, we learn.
Cost: $25
Instructor/Facilitator: Kathy Schatz
Before earning her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education, Katherine considered herself to be someone engaged in an ontological expedition - exploring what it means to be human; to explore pathways to learning in ways that created space for self-expression, learning, and contribution beyond our classrooms. As a K-1 classroom teacher for nearly two decades, Katherine added the exploration of what does a thriving community of teachers, learners, and leaders in practice look/sound/feel like. She started identifying classroom truisms that held true beyond the classroom. Fast forward a master's degree in Organizational Learning and Performance and working as an education consultant for universities to today, those same truisms continue to fold true. In fact, you will notice lots of ways that they hold true for you - regardless of your history or field of practice. Let's shift together. Together we learn!
OCTOBER 10, 2024
4:30 - 6:30 pm
Kicking off our monthly Together We Learn Happy Hour program at the UND library with a scavenger hunt to explore the many spaces and resources of the library and learn about regional historical heroes. Share this adventure with like-minded lifelong learners.
You MUST be 21 years or older to attend this event.
Light hors d'oeuvres and one drink ticket (wine, beer, soda, or water) is included as part of the event price.
Cash bar for any additional beverages.
Cost: $25
October 15, 2024
4:30 - 6:30 pm
Opened in 2001, The Ralph, as many know it has been a staple of the Grand Forks community and a centerpiece for the entire region to be proud of. Come see for yourself what the vision and dream of one man has become, let our guide show you our marble floors, leather seats, and state of the art athletic training areas. This tour of the Ralph Engelstad Arena (REA) will be with the arena's own General Manager, Jody Hodgson. He will take us on a guided tour of the REA with an added fun trivia game that will be played along way so that you can learn more, behind the scene information from the tour.
Cost: $25
Instructor/Facilitator: Jody Hodgson
Jody Hodgson is the General Manager at the Ralph Engelstad Arena.
October 16, 2024
9:00 - 11:00 am
Discover a method to solve any problem you face, whether professionally or in everyday life. Brainstorming with a blank page can be challenging, but this course will inspire you to think outside the box and generate a greater diversity of ideas. You'll learn how to refine and select the best ideas to move forward with, and how to develop and strengthen them further. Whether you're addressing workplace challenges or everyday issues, this course will equip you with the tools to solve problems creatively and effectively.
Cost: $25
Instructor/Facilitator: Tamara Bertram
Tamara Bertram is an Innovation Training Specialist at the Center for Innovation, University of North Dakota. Tamara collaborates with nonprofits, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and tech and manufacturing companies, utilizing the design thinking process to discover innovative solutions. She also leads the UND 'Innovation Fellows' program, guiding students to become creative divergent thinkers capable of tackling real-world business challenges using innovation. With a diverse background in music education and a graduate of the Milan Conservatory of Music, Italy, she brings a unique perspective to her work in fostering business innovation.
October 17, 2024
4:30 - 6:30 pm
Come join Jared Johnson, the UND Campus Arborist, for an interactive tree walk through part of the UND Campus. Location will be in the area of the Chester Fritz Auditorium and Hughes Fine Arts. This area will offer a diverse selection of tree species and all different ages on trees from 100+ years old to trees planted last month. We will be talking about anything from soil conditions to environmental conditions that affect tree health and all the different characteristics of individual tree species that can help you understand tree growth habits and tree identification.
Cost: $25
Instructor/Facilitator: Jared Johnson
Jared was born and raised in the Great State of Kansas. He has an Associate's Degree in Horticulture from Salina Area Technical School and a Bachelors in Horticulture / Greenhouse Management from Kansas State University. After graduating from college, Jared moved to Raleigh, NC where he worked at a small nursery doing plant grafting on mostly Japanese Maples and Rare Magnolia species. After that, he worked at Taylor's Nursery, the largest nursery on the East Coast at the time, for 2 years. After nursery life, Jared pursued a job in Landscaping to try and learn as many aspects of the green industry as possible. Carolina Landscape and Irrigation took him on and he worked on mostly large commercial landscape install projects where he was the main foreman. Doing jobs from hospitals to commercial buildings, the biggest being the EPIC Games expansion in Cary, NC. He would oversee tasks from tree and shrub planting to grading and drainage. In 2010Jared was laid off and then decided to move back to his wife's hometown of Grand Forks, ND where he got a job at the Grand Forks Park District as an Arborist 1. Jared worked there until 2019 while obtaining his ISA Certification and leaving as an Arborist 3. In the fall of 2019 Jared was hired as the first official Campus Arborist at UND and has worked hard to diversify the tree species on campus along with removing hazardous trees to keep campus as safe as possible.
October 22, 2024
3:30 - 5:30 pm
In our fast-paced world, the pursuit of knowledge doesn't end with formal education—it’s a lifelong journey. "Keeping the Flame Alive: How to Really Practice Being a Lifelong Learner" is a dynamic, one-hour seminar designed to ignite and sustain your passion for continuous learning.
During this seminar, participants will explore practical strategies for integrating learning into daily life, embracing curiosity, and setting achievable goals for personal and professional growth. Through engaging discussions, actionable tips, and interactive exercises, you'll uncover how to cultivate a mindset that embraces new challenges and opportunities.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, pursue new interests, or simply keep your intellectual curiosity alive, this seminar will provide you with the tools and motivation to keep your learning journey vibrant and fulfilling. Join us to rejuvenate your commitment to personal growth and keep the flame of lifelong learning burning bright.
Cost: $25
Instructor/Facilitator: Lee Ann Williams
Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, PhD, CRC, CFLE is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Education, Health and Behavior Studies Department at the University of North Dakota. She serves as Program Director of Undergraduate Inclusive Rehabilitation Sciences Program (formerly Rehabilitation and Human Services Program). Dr. Williams has extensive academic experience working with programs focusing on disability and rehabilitation at various universities. In addition, her professional experiences include work in the field of rehabilitation in the areas of blindness and low vision, general rehabilitation counseling, and human resource training/development.
Dr. Williams has held a variety of leadership positions at the local, state, regional, national, and international levels for professional rehabilitation associations. She has published research in peer-reviewed journals and co-authored two books focusing on case and caseload management. When not working her academic position, Dr. Williams enjoys a variety of sporting events, traveling, and spending time with her husband, daughter and rescue dog, Foxy Roxy.
October 24, 2024
4:30 - 6:30 pm
The ways that people absorb weather and climate information are growing quickly. It’s up to us in the Atmospheric Sciences to keep that connection going with the public! This course will provide participants an immersive, hands-on overview of weather broadcasting from the UND Aerospace Network Studio in Ryan Hall. This includes, but is not limited to: An introduction to weather graphics software and data collection, television production, “Digital Meteorology” and the challenges of social media, and the growing relationship between meteorology and social science. Interested participants can wrap up by recording their own weather broadcast!
Cost: $25
Instructor/Facilitator: Jake Carstens
Jake Carstens is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of North Dakota. Before arriving at UND in August 2024, he earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Meteorology from Florida State University, then spent 2 years as a Postdoctoral Scholar at Penn State University. Dr. Carstens’ primary research background is in tropical weather and climate, including convective organization, tropical cyclone formation, and tropical cyclones in the future climate. Growing interests which he plans to become more involved in include atmospheric science education research and the intersection of meteorology and social science.
October 28, 2024
9:00 - 10:30 am
In today’s digital age, cyber security is no longer just a concern for IT professionals—it’s a critical issue that affects everyone. This presentation aims to demystify the world of cyber security and provide practical tips and strategies that anyone can use to protect themselves online. Whether you’re a tech-savvy individual or someone who is just starting to navigate the digital landscape, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to stay safe. Topics will include understanding common cyber threats, best practices for creating strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and safeguarding personal information. Join us to learn how to make cyber security a part of your everyday life and ensure that you and your loved ones are protected in the digital world.
Cost: $25
Instructor/Facilitator: Prakash Ranganathan
Dr. Prakash Ranganathan is an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and the Director of the Data Energy Cyber and Systems (DECS) Laboratory at the University of North Dakota. He is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Driven by his passion for cutting-edge research, Dr. Ranganathan focuses his efforts on addressing complex challenges in areas such as smart grids, cyber security, data science, and uncertainty quantification in renewable energy.
OCTOBER 29, 2024
3:30 - 5:30 pm
Pioneer monuments stand before the North Dakota statehouse and throughout the American West. Tracing changing public responses to these statues reveals both growing contestation and their enduring power in American memory. Learn more about these monuments and how you can help document them and other historic sites.
Cost: $25
Instructor/Facilitator: Cynthia Prescott
Cynthia Prescott is a Professor of History, American Indian Studies, and Anthropology at the University of North Dakota. She also currently serves as the Chair of the History and American Indian Studies Department at UND. Her emphasis areas include North American West, Gender, Material Culture, and Memory Studies.
NOVEMBER
November 5, 2024
3:30 - 5:50 pm
Have you ever wondered if spanking is the best way to change your child’s behavior? During this lifelong learning event, we will review the history and social constructions of hitting children, learn about more than 50 years of research, and analyze the legal language of countries that have banned spanking. This class explores the implications of spanking on modern day parenting.
Cost: $25
Instructor/Facilitator: Christina Erickson
Dr. Christina Erickson is the Associate Dean and a professor in the UND College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines.
November 7, 2024
4:30 - 6:30 pm
A behind the scenes visit to the Myra Museum and associated buildings of the Grand Forks County Historical Society in an “after hours” type approach. Participants will be guided through the various buildings adjacent to the Myra Museum after having a Q & A with the museum director. This facility, located at Twenty-fourth Avenue South at Belmont Road, is the county’s largest museum and been in existence since the early 1970s. It provides coverage of the historical geography of this part of the Red River Valley of the North that highlights the aboriginal period, the Euro-American settler period, the time of the steamboats and flatboat, the Bonanza Farm Era, the development of the county’s railroad settlements and mechanization of agriculture between the 1890s and WWI, and the WWI to Korean War Era. The museum’s current featured exhibits will be the backdrop for the Q&A complete with a reception for attendees.
Cost: $25
Instructor/Facilitator: Douglas Munski
Dr. Douglas Munski has been at the University of North Dakota since 1978. He is currently a professor in the Department of Geography.
November 9, 2024
9:00 am - 12:00 Noon
Explore the prehistory of North Dakota with two dinosaur paleontologists! In this new event cohosted by UND's Lifelong Learning program and the Harold Hamm School of Geology and Geological Engineering, you'll explore diverse fossils from across the state ranging from Cretaceous dinosaurs to Ice Age mammoths, gain firsthand experience at cleaning and preparing portions of a dinosaur skeleton for scientific research, and meet and get to know the scientists who are building a new vertebrate paleontology program at UND. If you've had a lifelong passion for dinosaurs, fossils, or are simply curious about your state's ancient past, we look forward to seeing you at this event.
Cost: $40
Instructor/Facilitator: Paul Ullmann
Dr. Ullmann is a vertebrate paleontologist and Assistant Professor of Geology at the University of North Dakota. He specializes in dinosaurs and the study of fossilization processes. In his research, Dr. Ullmann examines the chemistry of fossilization and soft tissue preservation, including geologic and geochemical controls on the preservation of original cells and proteins in fossil bones. He enjoys sharing his passion for paleontology both in the field and lab, and is currently working with student and community volunteers to prepare a duck-billed dinosaur skeleton for research.
NOVEMBER 12, 2024
3:30 - 5:30 pm
This course teaches participants how to capture stunning photos using their smartphones. It covers essential topics like understanding camera features, mastering composition, and optimizing lighting and exposure. Participants will learn practical techniques for stabilizing their shots and editing photos. The objective is to equip learners of all ages with the skills to take professional-quality photos with their smartphones, enhancing their ability to capture and share memorable moments.
Cost: $25
Instructor/Facilitator: Hayley Kuntz
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Hayley Kuntz is the Social Media Manager with Marketing & Creative Services at the University of North Dakota.
November 14, 2024
4:30 - 6:30 pm
Come learn about Ariann Rousu's NSF-funded Native Dancer project. She will take us into the metaverse, where she has meticulously recreated Native American ceremonial regalia in virtual space. The project preserves dance customs of the Anishinaabe, Dakota, Lakota, Sioux, and other northern plains-associated tribes in a muti-use computer interface for competitive powwow dancing. Ariann will demonstrate the project and explain the motion-capture and other processes she used to populate the virtual environment.
You MUST be 21 years or older to attend this event.
Light hors d'oeuvres and one drink ticket (wine, beer, soda, or water) is included as part of the event price.
Cash bar for any additional beverages.
Cost: $25
Instructor/Facilitator: Ariann Rousu
Ariann is a 3D Tech/Native Heritage Artist of the Computational Research Center in the Chester Fritz Library, University of North Dakota.
November 11, 2024
3:30 - 5:30 pm
Many travelers experience anxiety when flying commercial aircraft. One of the many factors that cause this anxiety is turbulence. This presentation will introduce the causes of turbulence, its hazards and risks, and the methods which airlines employ to avoid and mitigate these risks. Attendees will learn how to anticipate turbulence and tips that can be used to ensure a safe flight.
Cost: $25
Instructor/Facilitator: Fred Remer
Fred is a retired professor of Atmospheric Sciences. He dedicated 35 years to the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota.
November 20, 2024
9:00 - 11:00 am
Discover how incorporating music into your daily routine can energize your mind, inspire fresh ideas, and make even the simplest of tasks more enjoyable. This workshop will show you how music can be used as a tool to enhance focus, relaxation, inspire new ideas, and ignite creativity.
Cost: $25
Instructor/Facilitator: Tamara Bertram
Tamara Bertram is an Innovation Training Specialist at the Center for Innovation, University of North Dakota. Tamara collaborates with nonprofits, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and tech and manufacturing companies, utilizing the design thinking process to discover innovative solutions. She also leads the UND 'Innovation Fellows' program, guiding students to become creative divergent thinkers capable of tackling real-world business challenges using innovation. With a diverse background in music education and a graduate of the Milan Conservatory of Music, Italy, she brings a unique perspective to her work in fostering business innovation.
November 21, 2024
4:30 - 6:30 pm
Join Dr. Abdelhadi for an exclusive deep dive into the latest breakthroughs in wireless communications. Discover cutting-edge technologies set to revolutionize the way we connect, work, and live. Whether you're a professional in the field or simply curious about the future of technology, this course offers a unique opportunity to learn how these advancements will transform industries, reshape communication, and create exciting new opportunities. Don’t miss your chance to be at the forefront of this wireless revolution!
Cost: $25
Instructor/Facilitator: Ahmed Abdelhadi
Dr. Abdelhadi is an Associate Professor in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of North Dakota College of Engineering and Mines.
DECEMBER
December 3, 2024
3:30 - 6:30 pm
Developing community through the arts while engaging in the creative process of discovery and making rich connections with self and community through art.
Cost: $40
Instructor/Facilitator: Kimberly Wilson
Kimberly Forness Wilson is an Award-Winning Artist, musician and product designer. She is a creative innovator and teacher of multimedia including acrylics, watercolor, collage and jewelry design. Her work is exhibited in many private and corporate settings and in private collections around the world.
December 12, 2024
4:30 - 6:30 pm
Tis the season of gifts and spreading joy. Chester Fritz Library staff will share their picks for best holiday gifts followed by a Spread the Joy holiday card making activity.
You MUST be 21 years or older to attend this event. Light hors d'oeuvres and one drink ticket (wine, beer, soda, or water) are included as part of the event price. Cash bar for any additional beverages.
Cost: $25