Lifelong University
Do you enjoy learning and exploring new subjects? UNI's Lifelong University is the program for you. Choose from a variety of four-week, three-week, and one-time non-credit workshops taught by current and retired UNI faculty and staff.
As part of UNI's commitment to serving Iowans of all ages, classes are offered throughout the community on weekdays. Whether you're discovering a new hobby, exploring a favorite subject or simply learning for the joy of it, Lifelong University offers engaging experiences in a welcoming environment.
Come join us for the adventure and take a class just for the fun of it!
Friendship Village, New Aldaya and Western Home Communities proudly partner with the University of Northern Iowa and Gallagher Bluedorn to support Lifelong University. Together, they provide the funding, resources, and spaces that make the program's educational and enrichment opportunities possible.
From Revolution to Today: America's Guiding Principles
In connection with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this class will examine the ideas behind the American Revolution, how they shaped the Constitution and how they continue to shape our politics today.
Instructor: Scott Peters, Professor and Director, School of Public Affairs and Service
Dates: Thursday, September 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Western Home Communities - Windridge Dining Room
Cost: $50.00
Navigating the AI Landscape: Concepts and Practical Applications
This class will explore is a practical road map for navigating the powerful Artificial Intelligence landscapes by teaching users not only what AI is, but how they can apply it in their lives. Attendees will learn AI literacy, how to prompt AI for an effective interaction, the “Do’s and Don't's” regarding usage as well as how it impacts society.
Instructor: Josee Varboncoeur, Library Director at the La Porte City Public Library
Dates: Wednesday, September 9, 16, 23, 30
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Western Home Communities - Windridge Dining Room
Cost: $50.00
Lincoln's Law Career
Come and enjoy hearing stories about Abraham Lincoln’s career as a lawyer before being elected President.
Instructor: Grant Veeder, former Black Hawk County Auditor
Dates: Tuesday, October 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Friendship Village - Event Center
Cost: $50.00
Aging in a Changing Society
This course examines a wide variety of physical, cognitive and psycho-social changes that occur as one ages, ways these factors influence interactions with social/physical environments and ways the older person is, in turn, affected by these interactions.
Instructor: Dr. Ann Henninger, Professor Emerita of Biology at Wartburg College
Dates: Wednesday, October 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Western Home Communities - Windcove Dining Room
Cost: $50.00
Survey of Films Produced and Directed by Rob Reiner
Screenings and discussions:
- Week One - "Stand By Me"
- Week Two - "When Harry Met Sally"
- Week Three - "Misery"
- Week Four - "A Few Good Men"
Instructor: David O' Shields, award-winning documentary filmmaker, professor and filmmaker-in-residence at UNI
Dates: Tuesday, November 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: New Aldaya Lifescapes - Main Street
Cost: $50.00
The Book of Jobs as Proto-Satire
Burnight argues that the Book of Job can be classified as an early form of satire — perhaps the earliest sustained literary satire in world literature. It targets what is sometimes referred to as the “doctrine of strict retribution” — the idea that God invariably rewards the righteous and punishes sinners — as represented by Job’s three friends.
Instructor: John Burnight, Associate Professor of Religious Studies
Dates: Tuesday, December 1 (one day only)
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Western Home Communities - Windridge Dining Room
Cost: $20.00
After D-Day
During the Second World War, historians often discuss the D-Day landings (June 6, 1944), as depicted in films such as Saving Private Ryan and The Longest Day. However, what happened next? Join Kat Rinkleff for a discussion of the “breakout and pursuit”, as Allied armies subsequently advanced through France and Belgium.
Instructor: Kat Rinkleff, Current UNI Student
Dates: Tuesday, December 8, 15, 22
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Western Home Communities - Windridge Dining Room
Cost: $40.00
Additional Information
Location Addresses
Western Home Communities
Windridge Dining Room
5311 Hyacinth Drive
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Western Home Communities
Windcove Dining Room
5311 Hyacinth Drive
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Friendship Village
Event Center
600 Park Lane
Waterloo, IA 50702
NewAldaya Lifescapes
Main Street
7511 University Ave.
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Registration Policies
Full refunds will be granted prior to the first day of each class. No refunds are allowed once the class has begun.
Minimum class size must be attained to hold class. If a class is cancelled because of low enrollment, a refund will be granted. You will receive a letter indicating which class(es) you are enrolled in. The letter will verify your registration and remind you of the day, time and location of your class.
UNI Severe Weather Announcements
You will receive an email if class is cancelled due to weather.
Try the first class for FREE before deciding if you would like to continue with the rest of the classes. PLEASE still register to attend prior to the first class.