VOLTS

VOLTS Valparaiso Organization for Learning and Teaching Seniors is a group of seniors in the area who are intellectually curious and like to learn, particularly with a group of peers. VOLTS was organized in the Spring of 1995 with the support of the Office of Continuing Education at Valparaiso University. VOLTS is directed by its own members and now works in collaboration with the Valpo Education Department. Programs, including guest speakers and lecturers, are chosen by the interests of those involved. Topics include previews of university drama and musical productions, discussion of current events, and presentations by VU faculty or other professionals. As the name implies, the program is designed for seniors who are interested in learning and teaching. Expertise within the group naturally lends itself to an exchange of information within the group. Thus, VOLTS does not replicate a classroom setting in which members are lectured to by a speaker. Rather, VOLTS allows participants to be actively involved in both learning from and teaching fellow members.

Who can participate?

The VOLTS program is open to all senior citizens who are excited about knowledge. Participants are retired or above the age of 60.

When can I start?

Anytime! A VOLTS schedule is prepared each semester and is included in the current brochure. If you are interested in participating you are welcome to come as a guest or visitor to a session. Virtually all meetings are held on the campus at the University.

What Is the cost?

The cost per year is currently $20 per person or $35 per couple per academic year.

Register

Download and complete the VOLTS Registration Form. You may submit your registration and payment at any VOLTS meeting, or simply bring them to the Education Department in Wesemann Hall, 656 S. Greenwich Street.

Request information

For more information please contact the The Department of Education at Valparaiso University at 219.464.5077, or you may send us an email at emma.kelley@valpo.edu or douglas.wassilak@valpo.edu.

Schedule and Parking

Click here for Directions and Parking

Click here for a Campus Map (Building Locations Starred)

Spring 2024

Monday, January 8, 3:30PM: Wesemann Hall 2nd Floor Children’s Literature Library
Valparaiso University Education Department Update
Speaker: Dr. Benjamin Boche, Associate Professor of Education

Monday, January 22, 3:30PM: Harre Union Brown and Gold Room
Israel and the Gaza Strip
Speaker: Dr. Albert Trost

Monday, February 12, 3:30PM: Harre Union Ballroom A
Australia
Speaker: Wayne Wodrich

Monday, February 26, 3:30PM: Harre Union Ballroom A
A Foot Soldier for Patton; A book sharing the experiences of a rifleman serving under General Patton’s Third US Army.
Speaker: James Bilder, co-author of the book with his now late father Michael C Bilder, a decorated veteran from World War II.

Monday, March 11, 3:30PM: Harre Union Ballroom A
Community Change Center: Offering Second Chances in Northwest Indiana
Speaker: Sam Burgett, MSW, LSW; Police Social Worker, Porter County Sheriff’s Office; Founder, Community Change Center

Monday, March 25, 3:30PM: Harre Union Ballroom A
The History and Direction of the Porter County Regional Airport
Speaker: Kyle J. Kuebler, Airport Director, Porter County Regional Airport

WEDNESDAY, April 10, 3:30PM: Brauer Museum Of Art
Introduction and Tour of Brauer Museum Of Art
Speaker: John and Gloria Ruff with Jonathan Canning, Director of the Brauer Museum Of Art

Monday, April 22, 3:30PM: Harre Union Ballroom A
TBA

Program Planning Committee
  • Dave Eickemeyer and Susan Livarchik – Co-chairs
  • Ann Jones
  • Michael Strayer
  • Dr. Albert Trost 
  • Ruth Bettermann
  • Phyllis Schroeder
  • Education Department Representatives: Douglas Wassilak, Emma Kelley