Lifelong University

Older woman in classroom settingDo you strive to continue to learn about new subjects on a regular basis? Then UNI's Lifelong University is the program for you. Courses and class formats include a variety of four-week, three-week and one-time workshops.

 UNI’s Lifelong University is one example of our commitment to serving Iowans of all ages. The program, geared toward the lifelong learner, will offer non-credit courses taught by retired and current UNI faculty and staff. The courses will be taught on campus or in the community on weekdays. 

UNI offers a world-class university education, providing personalized experiences and creating a lifetime of opportunities. So come join us for the adventure, and take a class just for the fun of it!

Western Home Communities       New Aldaya Lifescapes

Western Home Communities and New Aldaya Lifescapes are now proud partners of Lifelong University at the University of Northern Iowa, providing space and funding for the services offered through the program.

Abraham Lincoln’s Legal Career

Come and enjoy hearing stories about Abraham Lincoln’s career as a lawyer before being elected President.

Instructor: Grant Veeder

Dates: Tuesday, February 4, 11, 18, 25

Time: 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Location: Western Home Communities - Windridge Dining Room

Cost: $50.00

The Films of Mira Nair

Mira Nair is an Indian American filmmaker based in New York City. Her production company, Mirabai Films, specializes in films for international audiences on Indian society, whether in the economic, social or cultural spheres.

Week One: The Namesake
Week Two: Salaam Bombay
Week Three: Monsoon Wedding
Week Four: Queen of Katwe

Instructor: David O'Shields

Dates: Tuesday, March 4, 11, 18, 25

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Location: Western Home Communities - Windridge Fish Room

Cost: $50.00

A History of the Renaissance in Four Paintings (well, maybe five)

We will explore the Renaissance through a close examination and discussion of works of art that will show us something of the minds and technical skills of those who created them.

Week One: The setting of the early Renaissance, featuring the Allegory of Good Governance by Ambrogio Lorenzetti.
Week Two: The development of Renaissance Neo-Platonism, featuring Sandro Botticelli’s Mystical Nativity.
Week Three: The heroic Renaissance, featuring Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo.
Week Four: The technical Renaissance, featuring Jan van Eyck’s Arnolfini Wedding and an Albrecht Durer engraving (yet to be chosen) and the declining Renaissance, featuring Caravaggio’s Conversion of St. Paul.

Instructor: Charlotte C. Wells, PhD

Dates: Thursday, March 6, 13, 20, 27

Time: 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Location: Western Home Communities, Windridge Dining Room

Cost: $50.00

The Life of Muhammad: A Literary and Historical Introduction

In this course we will study the life and message of Muhammad, regarded by Muslims as the greatest of God’s prophets. We will read selections from the Quran and Hadith literature, and explore how a tiny, persecuted reform movement in early 7th century Arabia became, in just a few decades, a religion that would reshape the world.

Instructor: John Burnight

Dates: Tuesday, April 8, 15, 22, 29

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m

Location: Western Home Community, Windridge Dining Room

Cost: $50.00

Additional Information

Location Addresses

‌Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center
8201 Dakota Street 
Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Center for Energy & Environmental Education
8106 Jennings Drive 
Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Western Home Community 
5311 Hyacinth Drive 
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.