Adopted at the age of three and a half, Angie Hoschouer Berghuis reminisces about her earliest childhood memories including time spent at Shawen Acres as one of the last group of children to live at that facility; her foster parents’ home where she recalls a red tractor and a purple room; and her drive to find her biological parents as a teenager and adult. Angie will share with you the harsh realities of her childhood circumstances and how she came to find both of her biological parents.

Moderator Allan Howey presents a comprehensive survey of Gettysburg, the costliest battle of the American Civil War. This two-hour seminar examines the broader campaign leading up to the battle, the key events on each of the three days of fighting, and the immediate aftermath. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of strategic/tactical decisions, personalities, casualties, and the battle's lasting significance.

This class will cover the entire process of producing the Human Race Theatre Company's season, from picking shows to opening night and beyond. Participants will learn about the financial structure of HRTC, artist involvement in the process, and get an onsite tour of the scene and costume shops.

Session 1: Pre-production - fundraising, selecting scripts, casting and staff roles.

Session 2: Show process - rehearsals, set design, lighting, costumes, etc. and shop tours.

Session 3: Running a theatre organization - board, strategic planning, industry.

Moderator Bill Lavin presents an exploration of the life and music of Ray Charles, born Ray Charles Robinson (1930–2004), one of the most influential artists in American music history. A pioneer of soul music, Charles fused rhythm and blues, gospel, jazz, and blues, while also breaking racial barriers in country and pop music through groundbreaking crossover recordings. Celebrated by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest singers of all time and praised by artists such as Frank Sinatra and Billy Joel, Charles preferred to be known simply as “Brother Ray.” This seminar traces his life, legacy, and enduring impact on American music in the latter half of the twentieth century.

Charles Kettering was so near-sighted that he had difficulty reading; as he once remarked, “I thought a lot.” And he thought about big ideas. Hired by Dayton’s NCR in 1904, Kettering electrified the cash register, earning one of the earliest among his 186 patents. His most significant invention was the automotive self-starter, which replaced the hazardous hand-crank starter. A Dayton resident, he served as General Motors’ Vice President for Research from 1920 to 1947. During that time, he helped develop fast-drying automotive paint, high-octane gasoline, air-conditioning, the diesel locomotive, and much more. He became a national spokesman for science and technology and appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 1933. His guiding belief: “Believe and act like it is impossible to fail.”

In this seminar, Dr. Dyer examines several of the most commonly treated—and often successfully managed—conditions seen in clinical practice through the lens of clinical nutrition. Rather than focusing solely on diagnostic labels, the seminar emphasizes a whole-body approach to health, exploring how improving foundational health can positively influence a wide range of conditions. Participants will gain insight into nutrition-based strategies used in real clinical settings and consider how addressing underlying nutritional needs can support healing and long-term wellness. This seminar offers a practical, systems-oriented perspective on health and disease management.

Explore the intersection of Dayton's history and the shadowy world of George Koval, the American-born Soviet spy codenamed "Delmar," who infiltrated the Manhattan Project and altered the course of the nuclear arms race. The two-hour seminar will unravels Koval’s life as a Soviet spy in Dayton, the programs that he accessed, and his escape to Russia. We will discuss his hidden motivations to commit espionage and his profound but largely covert impact on the United States' post-World War II spy hunts.

Brent and Amy Anslinger set out in 2003 to hike around Ohio on the Buckeye Trail to celebrate Ohio’s bicentennial. From the rolling hills of southern Ohio to the urban landscape of larger cities and the quaint small towns in between, the Buckeye Trail connects Ohio in a way that few experiences can. Learn about the history of the Buckeye Trail and its connection to Ohio’s most famous hiker, Emma “Grandma” Gatewood while you become familiar with its route through the Dayton area and hear stories of one of the first thru-hikes of Ohio’s state trail.

This seminar combines an introduction to the history of ships and sailboats with an overview of how they work, along with a beginner-level exploration of how to sail and race a sailboat. The moderator also shares stories from personal sailing adventures, bringing real-world perspective to the discussion. Together, these elements offer participants a well-rounded introduction to the mechanics, skills, and experiences that define the world of sailing.

The Dayton area is blessed with a 360+ mile system of interconnected, paved, off-road bike paths. This active participation seminar will provide an opportunity to explore various sections of the trail system and experience the great opportunities offered for outdoor activity. Each week participants will meet at different access points of the trail system and enjoy a 12 to 18 mile roundtrip ride through parkland and along rivers on well maintained, paved bike paths. The rides will normally include a stop for lunch at a restaurant.

PLEASE NOTE: This is an “active participation” seminar and requires a level of fitness and equipment appropriate for bicycling for 20 miles, including ability to transport bikes to weekly starting points. If you have not ridden a bike for years you are advised to train adequately for weeks prior to the beginning of the seminar. The bike paths permit class 1 and 2 electric assisted bikes. Class 3 e-bikes bikes are not permitted. There will be one "classroom meeting” for participants on April 29 at 4:30 PM to review information regarding equipment/gear, weekly riding options, trail maps, safety issues and to sign university required release forms. A room assignment will be sent to participants prior to the class meeting. 

We will do an in-depth review of the musical Hamilton. There are many backstories and hidden meanings in the lyrics, costumes, staging, etc. This class will watch the Act 1 the first week followed by Act 2 the second week. But rather than just watch this, we will be looking closely at the lyrics and hearing about how Lin-Manuel Miranda created this Tony award winning musical.

The Dayton Foundation, the region's largest community foundation, has been helping you help others locally and around the world since 1921. We will discuss how we provide unmatched services, resources, support and counsel to help individuals achieve their charitable giving goals. We'll touch on how we assist non-profits by funding important initiatives and offer our expertise to help them operate more effectively and how we're helping to build a better community by identifying important issues and bringing together people and organizations who can solve them.

Nearly every poll of presidential scholars ranks Franklin D. Roosevelt among the top five American presidents—most often in the top three. This two-hour Zoom seminar examines why FDR commands such enduring respect. The discussion begins with the idea that presidential greatness is forged through extraordinary challenges, placing Roosevelt alongside George Washington and Abraham Lincoln at pivotal moments in U.S. history. The first hour explores FDR’s background and the personal and political trials that prepared him to lead the nation through the Great Depression. The second hour focuses on his final two terms, as he guided the United States and its allies through World War II. The seminar concludes with a balanced assessment of Roosevelt’s achievements, limitations, and lasting legacy.

Are you curious about electric cars or already driving one? Join us for this informative and interesting two-hour seminar that explores what it’s really like to own an electric vehicle. We’ll discuss costs, available options, benefits, and common challenges that EV owners face. Whether you’re just exploring or looking to better understand your current EV, this session will help you feel more informed and confident.

Tossing balls toward a target is the oldest game known to man. Eventually this game came to be known as Bocce. No portrayal of Italy is complete without an image of people playing bocce in a town square. Come learn to play Bocce at the courts of The John Pirelli Lodge (The Italian Club) located at 2625 County Line Rd, Beavercreek, Ohio. 45430, where people of all ages, nationalities, and athletic ability are welcome.

ADDITIONAL FEE:There is a one time fee of $10.00.

Participants will tour the Michael and Debbie Carter Center for American History at Sinclair Community College and explore Our American Journey, an immersive exhibit dedicated to telling underrepresented stories of Black history in the United States. Through artifacts, multimedia displays, and curated narratives, the Center highlights the experiences, contributions, and resilience of African Americans from the era of enslavement through the civil rights movement and beyond. This guided experience invites participants to engage with historical stories that may be unfamiliar, offering new perspectives on the nation’s past and its ongoing journey toward equity and justice.

This seminar explores how pharmaceutical companies use direct-to-consumer (DTC) television advertising to promote prescription medications. We will examine the structure and strategies of these ads, using YouTube examples to highlight key techniques. Participants will also review the FDA’s 2024 guidelines for DTC television advertising and learn how to critically analyze ads for their impact on public perception, awareness of side effects, health behaviors, and overall health literacy. Through discussion and case studies, we will consider how these ads shape both consumer choices and broader conversations about healthcare.

This seminar is for members interested in becoming Red Lanyards. You will become familiar with all the AV equipment they will needed for presentations. Red Lanyards help Moderators setup PowerPoint or other media and make sure it works perfectly in presentation mode. The class meets one time for 2 hours.

This class provides training on UD’s classroom technology for the Red Lanyard Team. The Red Lanyard Team provides technical support to moderators and guest lecturers in the use of UD’s classroom technology. In this role, the team provides first-touch response and support. We provide training, perform diagnosis, troubleshooting, and trouble ticket reporting support. The UDOLLI Red Lanyard Team provides assistance with equipment in classrooms, including troubleshooting, equipment check-out and training. We escalate network, server, and application issues to UDIT when necessary.

Retirement doesn't look like it did in our parents' time. Medical advances, coupled with more attention to diet and exercise have set the stage for more vibrant modern elders who are too young to be done. In turn, the concept of retirement may be in need of a reboot. In this series, we'll explore research, case studies, and longevity tips to ultimately chart out what's working, what's not, and what future tweaks are needed to create aging pathways built to last.

Session 1: Work & Retirement;

Session 2: Money Matters;

Session 3: Communication & Social Engagement

Participants will read and discuss Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday, a thought-provoking exploration of justice as the foundation of a virtuous life. Drawing on Stoic philosophy, Holiday argues that courage, wisdom, and self-discipline begin with a commitment to doing what is right—especially when it is difficult. Through compelling stories of historical figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Florence Nightingale, Gandhi, Jimmy Carter, and Frederick Douglass, the book examines the power of integrity, honesty, and moral conviction. Each session will focus on several chapters, encouraging reflection and discussion on how these timeless principles can be applied to personal life and the challenges of the modern world.

Thomas Jefferson referred to the First Amendment as creating a “wall of separation” between church and state as the third president of the U.S. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black famously stated in Everson v. Board of Education that “[t]he First Amendment has erected a wall between church and state,” and “[t]hat wall must be kept high and impregnable.” This two-hour seminar will look at the origins of “the wall of separation” as well as its supporters and critics.

Do you ever feel unsure of what to say when someone close to you is struggling with their mental health? Or find yourself emotionally drained trying to help? In today’s fast-paced world, supporting others starts with caring for our own wellbeing. This interactive workshop offers practical, evidence-based strategies to help you support loved ones facing mental health challenges—while also building your own resilience. Together, we'll explore how to foster empathy, strengthen emotional wellness, and create a culture of compassion that uplifts us all.

The five vital signs that measure a person’s health are blood pressure, body temperature, breathing rate, heart rate, and pain. However another vital sign that is becoming clinically recognized as a critical indicator of health is walking speed. In a recent meta-analysis review, walking speed was a highly accurate predictor of life expectancy than just age or gender. In fact, walking speed predicted other health indicators such as cognitive function, mental, and physical well-being. Within this series we will explore a set of studies scientists used to make these claims and what we can do to live longer, healthier lives.

This seminar explores the remarkable story of Gennett Records, a pioneering record company based in nearby Richmond, Indiana. As a division of the Starr Piano Company, Gennett filled a critical gap in the 1920s by recording American popular music artists overlooked by major labels such as Victor and Columbia. The company made the first recordings of jazz legends King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, and Jelly Roll Morton, as well as early recordings by Bix Beiderbecke and Hoagy Carmichael, including Stardust. Gennett also recorded blues, folk, gospel, and western musicians, and even captured William Jennings Bryan’s famed “Cross of Gold” speech. Located just 45 minutes from Dayton, Gennett Records played a pivotal role in shaping American popular music a century ago.

It took over 70 years of political activism for women in the United States to obtain the legal right to vote. As one historian has noted, this was one of the longest, most successful and most radical challenges ever posed to the American system of electoral politics. How did the suffragists achieve this victory, what obstacles did they face, what have been the impacts of the female vote, and what is the current status of the women's vote? These are some of the topics to be covered in this seminar.

Unlock timeless wisdom with Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations! In this three-day seminar, you'll explore powerful lessons on resilience, focus, and purpose that still inspire leaders today. Walk away with practical tools to strengthen your mindset, manage stress, and live with clarity and confidence. The book is studied not just as ancient philosophy, but as a manual for modern life and leadership.

Watch spring unfold with trips to three different MetroParks as we discover the variety and beauty of ephemeral wildflowers and spring trees and shrubs. Each week a different park, each week a wonderful experience!