Facilitator: Carl Hays

Medea Banjamin protests often and is arrested often. When protesting an Obama speech, Barack stopped, saying: "The voice of this woman is worth listening to— obviously I do not agree with much of what she said—these are tough issues." She heckled Donald Trump's acceptance speech with a sign saying "Build Bridges Not Walls." In addition to Madea Benjamin, the course content will focus on Enis Kanter Freedom.  He came from Turkey to play in the NBA and is known for his stance on human rights.  He wore his cause on his basketball shoes painted with protest messages.

Co-Organizer: Susan Foody

This same class is a repeat of the class on 4/8/26.

Step into the world of crime scene investigation and discover the hidden science that helps solve real-life mysteries! In this hands-on workshop, you'll explore how forensic scientists use glowing materials like UV light, glow powders, and chemiluminescence to detect fingerprints, analyze evidence, and uncover clues invisible to the naked eye. Try your hand at dusting and lifting glowing fingerprints, experiment with glow sticks, and uncover secret features with blacklight tools. It's science, it's mystery, and it's just plain fun-no lab coat required!

Outing - Class will be held at SciTech, 336 McKee St., Batavia

Registration Deadline: 4/6/2026

Activity Level:easy going

This is a repeat of a previous tour.

Waubonsee Community college is proud to celebrate the grand opening of its state-of-the-art 100,000-square-foot Technical Education Center (TEC) at the Sugar Grove Campus. 

As the largest building on campus, the TEC is home to premier programs in Automotive Collision and Refinishing Technology, Automotive Service Technology, and Welding Technology. These programs are designed to meet the growing regional demand for skilled professionals in diesel technology, electric vehicles, welding fabrication, and robotic welding. 

We are pleased to invite Lifelong Learning Institute members to an exclusive guided tour of this impressive new facility. The tour will be led by Dr. Jeanine McMillen, Assistant Dean for Industry/Technlogy. Join us to explore the innovative spaces, advanced equipment, and hands-on learning environments that are preparing students for today's evolving workforce. 

Please meet in the TEC Lobby.

Co-Facilitator: Priscilla Gruber

In school, what did you learn about the Pilgrims? Was it true? Discerning what is true or not is essential to understanding history. James Leowen wrote Lies My Teacher Told Me to examine how misinformation about history is used as a weapon against us. We will explore how and why this happens and consider the climate around teaching history in the past and today. Our author says simplified history prevents us from learning critical thinking skills and exploring complex human behavior. For example, on Facebook, a picture of our history reflecting a great nation always and only getting better is to deny the rich tapestry or our American experience with all its complexity and humanity. We progress through honest evaluation not by denying reality. As a side note: The U.S. Naval Academy recently banned this book.

REQUIRED BOOK: Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Leowen 

Co-Organizer: Ann Hastert

Have you ever wondered about the uniquely built fascinating Coal House aka Pumpkin House aka Round House at 404 S Edgelawn Drive, Aurora? This is your chance for the long awaited fantasy inside tour thanks to the generosity of Sid Robinson, current owner. The Albert “Sam” and Ruth Van Sickle Ford home was beautifully designed using local and organic materials in 1949 by imaginative architect Bruce Goff. The house is always the focus of much local attention and wonder, and was recently designated as a National Historic Landmark. The tour by Mr Robinson will be about 1 1/2 hrs. LIMITED attendance allowed.

This same tour wil be repeated in the afternoon.

Registration deadline: April 14, 2026 Activity Level: On Your Feet

Co-Organizer: Ann Hastert

Have you ever wondered about the uniquely built fascinating Coal House aka Pumpkin House aka Round House at 404 S Edgelawn Drive, Aurora? This is your chance for the long awaited fantasy inside tour thanks to the generosity of Sid Robinson, current owner. The Albert “Sam” and Ruth Van Sickle Ford home was beautifully designed using local and organic materials in 1949 by imaginative architect Bruce Goff. The house is always the focus of much local attention and wonder, and was recently designated as a National Historic Landmark. The tour by Mr Robinson will be about 1 1/2 hrs. LIMITED attendance allowed.

This tour is a REPEAT of the morning tour.

Registration deadline: April 14, 2026 Activity Level: On Your Feet

This is a hands-on, creatively messy, and fun class. Participants will combine nature printing, direct painting, and drawing to create unique works of art that interpret the beauty of nature. Basic art materials will be supplied, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.

This is a REPEAT of a previous class.

Facilitator: Carl Hays

Free speech is a human right. Free thought is the essence of being human. America was founded on free speech. The First Amendment of The Constitution is the greatest commitment to free speech in history, yet many oppose it.

BOOK NOT REQUIRED: The Indispensable Right: Free Speech In An Age of Rage by Jonathon Turley