Spring Welcome Back Luncheon

Register Now for Spring Welcome Back Luncheon

Price: $14
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Eykamp 252, Ridgway University Center

Reading Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Register Now for Reading Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Price: $60
Time: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Room 203, University Library
Instructor: Dr. Mark Cirino

Ernest Hemingway said that “all modern American literature” comes from one book: Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884). His fellow Nobel laureate Toni Morrison referred to Adventures of Huckleberry Finn as an “amazing, troubling book.” In our five sessions, we will explore what makes the novel so enduring; what makes it amazing, while not shying away from what makes it troubling. By reading Adventures of Huckleberry Finn itself as well as contemporary reactions to it, we will approach the text as 21^st-century readers, while also appreciating Twain’s staggering 19^th century accomplishment.

This course will accept Twain’s challenges to tackle issues of race, class, religion, geography, American history, justice, and morality. As we wrestle with these controversial ideas, we will also enjoy the novel’s humor, its humanity, the way it depicts friendship and innocence and the coming-of-age experience.

This course will be a discussion-based engagement with the novel, welcoming to anyone with curiosity about the topic. Previous experience reading Mark Twain is completely unnecessary. We hope everyone will enjoy this course, from people who have only heard of this novel to those who have read it and are familiar with it.

Required Text (and preferred edition): 

Twain, Mark. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Norton Critical Edition. 3^rd Ed. [978-0-393-96640]

Suggested Background Material:

• Mark Twain. Ken Burns (2001 documentary of the writer for PBS, 3 ½ hrs.)
• Jim, Percival Everett (2025 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, re-telling of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from a different perspective)

Dr. Mark Cirino is Professor of English and Creative Writing at the University of Evansville, where he has taught since 2007. He hosts the Ernest Hemingway Society-sponsored program One True Podcast. He has recently edited an edition of Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms for the Norton Library.

Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables: The Novel and the History

Register Now for Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables: The Novel and the History

Price: $60
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Room 203, University Library
Instructor: Dr. Casey Harison

Our class will delve into the historical background of Victor Hugo’s classic nineteenth century novel. In our five weeks of class, we will go over the Historical Setting, Characters, Film Representations, Story and Meaning. I will make Power Point presentations that illustrate Hugo’s life and the history behind the story. Les Misérables is a very long book, and no one is expected to read all of it, but I’ll set aside time each week for us to discuss sections.

Optional materials:  Victor Hugo, Les Misérables, tr. Christine Donougher (Penguin, 2013)

Dr. Casey Harison has a PhD in history from the University of Iowa (1993) and taught at the history department at the University of Southern Indiana from 1992 to 2021, before retiring as a full professor. He has published books and articles in French and Atlantic history and taught a variety of courses in modern (seventeenth century and later) European and World History. He has taught in the CLUE program since 2024. His scholarship, along with a link to full CV, can be found here: Academia.edu.

Move Smarter. Feel Younger. Live Freer. - An Introduction to The Feldenkrais Method

Register Now for Move Smarter. Feel Younger. Live Freer. - An Introduction to The Feldenkrais Method

Price: $60
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Room 203, University Library
Instructor: Cody Remaklus

Discover how gentle, mindful movement can transform how you feel and function. Learn to move smarter — with less effort and more awareness. Notice how you feel younger as tension eases and agility returns. And ultimately, live freer — with comfort, confidence, and ease in everything you do.   No experience needed. Just curiosity — and a body ready to learn something new.

Materials needed for each class meeting:

• A blanket or mat
• A journaling tool
• Water
• Comfortable clothing

Instructor’s Note:  Prior to our first class (if interested, though not required) some informational reading can include:

• Awareness Through Movement by Moshe Feldenkrais
• Feldenkrais Illustrated by Tiffany Sankary
• You can also check out Feldenkrais.com

Please feel free to contact Cody directly with any questions via email: cody@mother-rhythm.com.

Cody Remaklus is a Feldenkrais practitioner, musician, and educator. Whether he is exploring life as an artist through composing and performing or guiding students to deepen their understanding of their own processes, Cody is always looking for opportunities to foster connection. An enthusiastic mover—whether cycling or running—he is also a dedicated father and husband. Cody believes in the strength of community and is delighted to become an integral part of this tri-state region.

The Origins of the Modern World

Register Now for The Origins of the Modern World

Price: $60
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Room 203, University Library
Instructor: Dr. James MacLeod

This course is an attempt to examine, explain and understand the Modern World. We will be using a text with multiple short sources that put the modern world into an appropriate and convincing context, and which forces us to think about the world from many different perspectives. While the overall structure is historical, the course is thematic, dealing with issues that include war, nationalism, capitalism, race, the environment, globalization, gender, religion, art and science. 

Materials/readings suggested for the course: Kevin Reilly, ed, Worlds of History, A Comparative Reader. Volume Two, Since 1400 [7^th Edition, 2020]

Dr. James MacLeod chairs the Department of History, Politics, and Social Change at UE, and has taught courses in WW2 since 1995. He is the author of Evansville in World War Two, which was published in 2015, and The Cartoons of Evansville’s Karl Kae Knecht, published in February 2017. In 2016 he wrote and co-produced a 2-part documentary on Evansville in World War II for WNIN PBS titled Evansville at War. In 2000, he published a book on 19^th-century British religion, The Second Disruption, and has also written over 30 other scholarly publications. He has delivered hundreds of public lectures, has won many awards for his teaching and scholarship, and was UE’s Outstanding Teacher in 2009. In 2021 he received the Indiana Historical Society’s Hubert Hawkins History Award in recognition of his distinguished service and career in local history. His latest book is a history of the city for the History Press entitled Lost Evansville, published Fall 2023.

Painting with the Masters: Camille Pissarro

Register Now for Painting with the Masters: Camille Pissarro

Price: $60
Date: February 18 to March 11 (only four classes)
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Room 122, Koch Center for Engineering and Science
Instructor: Michelle Peterlin

We will be studying the history and background of Camille Pissarro, one of the founders of the French Impressionist movement.  We will have an overview of his background, training and technique, then learn how to create a work in his style, using a brush and paint.

This class is open to beginners and advanced painting students, and is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself into the world of Impressionistic art.

Materials required: A list of supplies will be given prior to class. The approximate cost of supplies is $35.

Michelle Vezina Peterlin has been a professional artist for over 30 years.  She exhibits her work in juried shows nationally and is an elected member of the Rhode Art League.  She is a member of the National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society, National Society of Painters in Casein & Acrylic, Arts Council of Southwest Indiana and the New Harmony Artists' Guild.  Michelle is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a bachelor's in Studio Painting.

Henry’s Children

Register Now for Henry’s Children

Price: $60
Time: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Room 203, University Library
Instructor: Danielle Williams

Henry VIII’s reign was a pivotal moment in English history. Henry VIII had four children, three of whom served as king and queens of England. His influence of government extends to today. But it was his children that truly changed the course of English and world history. We will take a look at their youth, their relationships with Henry and his wives, and how their early lives impacted their reigns.

Materials/readings suggested for the course: To be announced

Danielle Williams is a librarian at the University of Evansville. She is currently in charge of Technical Services, purchasing physical resources, electronic resources, and overseeing the cataloging of all physical items in the library.

The Romantic Movement, Poetry, and Gender with Mary and Percy Bysshe Shelley

Register Now for The Romantic Movement, Poetry, and Gender with Mary and Percy Bysshe Shelley

Price: $60
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Room 203, University Library
Instructor: Dr. Sara Petrosillo

The Shelleys were a literary-power couple of the 19^th century with a passionate love story that ended in tragedy. This class will take a literary journey with them from their first tryst in 1814 on the grave of Mary’s famous feminist mother, Mary Wallstonecraft, to the shores of the Italian coast where Percy’s body washes up in 1822. In 1818, Mary Shelley would write Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus, often regarded today as science fiction. In fact, this masterpiece fits into the Romantic Movement and interacts with Percy’s ideas about the purpose of poetry. “Poetry is indeed something divine. It is at once the centre and circumference of knowledge; it is that which comprehends all science, and that to which all science must be referred” Percy writes in 1821, just months before his accidental death at sea. These words appear in his manifesto “A Defence of Poetry,” published posthumously by Mary in 1840 with a preface authored by her. Reading Percy’s poetry and poetics manifesto, Mary’s Frankenstein, and even some of her mother’s writings, this class will explore how the Shelleys’ ideas, poetry, prose, and pasts are entangled and how they have endured through such modern adaptations as Guillermo del Toro’s 2024 film Frankenstein.

Materials/readings suggested for the course:

• Frankenstein: The 1818 Text by Mary Shelley, ISBN: 9780143131847
• Percy Shelly: Selected Poems and Prose, ISBN: 9780241253069

Dr. Sara Petrosillo received her BA in English and Italian Literature from Colby College, and her PhD in English from the University of California, Davis. Her scholarship focuses on medieval literature and feminism and her first book is about the cultural influence of falconry on medieval reading practices, Hawking Women: Falconry, Gender, and Control in Medieval Literary Culture (2023). She is currently working on a book about gender in Marie de France’s Lays and a book about the language of women’s reproductive health. She teaches British Literature, World Classics, Renaissance, the Romantics, and medieval literature. She also directs and teaches classes in the Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies program. She received UE’s Exemplary Teacher Award in 2021.

Biomechanics for Lifelong Wellness

Register Now for Biomechanics for Lifelong Wellness

Price: $60
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Room 209, University Library
Instructor: Dr. Jerad Kosek

Biomechanics is the application of mechanical principles to biological systems, offering valuable insights into how the human body moves with efficiency and purpose. This course is designed for individuals interested in deepening their understanding of the physics behind everyday motion. Through thoughtful exploration and discussion, participants will examine how biomechanical concepts apply to walking, footwear, daily activities, and recreational movement.

Course Objectives:

• To introduce foundational biomechanical principles relevant to human movement.
• To explore the relationship between physics and the body’s ability to move effectively.
• To analyze how factors such as gait, footwear, and environment influence mobility.
• To apply biomechanical understanding to enhance comfort, safety, and physical well-being in daily life.

Materials/Readings Suggested for the Course: N/A

Dr. Jerad Kosek earned both his master’s and PhD in Kinesiology from Auburn University, where he conducted research in the Sports Biomechanics Lab. Dr. Kosek's research spans a diverse range of topics, including biomechanics in able-bodied athletes, wheelchair basketball players, shoe design, and canine walking gait. His work also encompasses gait and movement analysis aimed at enhancing sports performance and alleviating pain. With a strong commitment to advancing the field of biomechanics, Dr. Kosek focuses on helping individuals move more efficiently, effectively, and pain-free. He is also passionate about mentoring students, supporting them as they explore and pursue their own research interests and career goals.

Personality Disorders

Register Now for Personality Disorders

Price: $60
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Room 203, University Library
Instructor: Dr. Terry Cooper

We will examine the various personality disorders identified by the American Psychology Association, including: Paranoid, Avoidant, Schizoid, Antisocial, Narcissistic, Borderline, Histrionic, and Obsessive Compulsive.   This course covers both the basic features of these personality problems and examines views concerning how personality disorders are developed.

Materials/readings suggested for the course: None, but materials will be distributed each week.

Dr. Terry Cooper is a retired college professor who has earned three doctorate degrees: Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN; Theology and Psychotherapy from St. Louis University; and a degree in Psychoanalysis from the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis in Los Angeles, CA.  He has earned several awards, including the Emerson Award. He taught for 25 years at St. Louis Community College and 29 years at Webster University, both in St. Louis, Missouri. He received a Sabbatical at Emerson University in Atlanta, Georgia. He has also taught abroad and published 11 books along with many published articles. Dr. Cooper has spoken at many different conferences.

STEM – It’s not just a part of a plant!

Register Now for STEM – It’s not just a part of a plant!

Price: $60
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Room 329, Graves Hall
Instructors: Jared Turney and Adison White

This course offers an engaging, hands-on introduction to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) designed for lifelong learners. Whether you have little experience or a strong background in these fields, you’ll discover exciting new tools and technologies shaping today’s world.

Participants will explore cutting-edge innovations in the UE IN-MaC Design and Innovation Training Studio (funded by Toyota’s Driving Possibilities) and across campus, including robotics, 3D printing, and smart devices. Through guided activities, you’ll design, create, and experiment with these tools—building confidence and sparking creativity.

The course emphasizes fun, collaboration, and practical applications, making STEM approachable and relevant for everyday life. A highlight will be a field trip to the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Princeton, IN, offering a behind-the-scenes look at advanced manufacturing and automation.

Materials/Readings: No need to purchase anything.

Mr. Jared Turney, Assistant Professor in the School of Education and Lilly Grant Coordinator for Science of Reading Implementation, earned both his BS in Elementary Education and MEd in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Indiana. He comes to the University of Evansville after more than 15 years in the K-12 school setting. During his time in K-12 education, Mr. Turney worked extensively with Title I elementary schools in both the public and charter school settings. Jared served in many different capacities throughout his tenure in K-12 schools, including Principal at Caze Elementary School, Assistant Principal, Academic Coach, Master Teacher, Mentor Teacher, and teacher.  Jared also taught the wildly popular “AI in Everyday Life” CLUE Course in Fall 2025.

Adison White is the Driving Possibilities Design & Innovation STEM Education Coordinator for the University of Evansville. She is a STEAM educator, with a BS in Pre-Doctoral Mathematics from UE, with Transition to Teaching following. She started her classroom journey as a high school mathematics teacher, teaching all Special Education Inclusion, and is now working on a multi-million dollar grant project for the University of Evansville and Toyota USA Foundation called Driving Possibilities, within the UE School of Education and Center for Innovation and Change. As a mathematician by trade and teacher by passion, Adison works to create opportunities for diverse student populations to nurture skills that can be used as motivational tools in the classroom and propel future career success. She uses STEM education to inspire learners of all ages to unlock their potential and find new passions within the UE IN-MaC D&I STEM Training Studio. Adison believes every day is the perfect day to try something new; it's all about having courage to take that first step!

Mahjong for Beginners: Learn and Play Together

Register Now for Mahjong for Beginners: Learn and Play Together

Price: $60
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: To be determined
Instructors: Paige Baumann, Briana Alvey, and Kacie Seibert

This interactive course introduces participants to the game of Mahjong in a relaxed, beginner-friendly environment. Designed for those with little to no experience, the course will cover the basic rules, tile recognition, game setup, and strategies for casual play. Each session will include guided instruction followed by hands-on practice. The course emphasizes social connection, cognitive engagement, and fun.

The benefits of Mahjong are more than just cute tiles and a fun game night, however. Dei, et al. (2025) conducted a study of analyzing the association between playing cards or mahjong in Chinese adults 65 years and older and found that those who played cards or Mahjong daily or once a week had a significantly lower mortality risk compared to those who never played. There is a need for further research as to why, but it can be concluded that these activities may promote longevity.

Objectives:

• Understand the history and cultural significance of mahjong
• Learn the rules and structure of American-style mahjong
• Practice gameplay in small groups
• Build confidence and community through shared learning

Materials/Readings Suggested for the Course:

All materials will be provided, including mahjong set-ups. No outside readings required. Class limited to a maximum of 12 students.

Paige Baumann, Kacie Seibert, and Briana Alvey are nursing professors at the University of Evansville who bring both professional expertise and playful energy to the classroom. As three founding members of the Haute Bam Mahjong Society, they share a passion for teaching, lifelong learning, and the joy of mahjong. When they’re not mentoring future nurses, you’ll find them shopping for the cutest Mahjong accessories, laughing over tile combinations, and building community through games and good conversation. Their collaborative teaching style and love of fun make them a dynamic trio ready to lead learners into the world of mahjong with warmth and enthusiasm.