The Arizona Senior Academy (ASA) Lifelong Learning Lecture series brings the best of Arizona’s academic and professional worlds directly to Academy Village. Twice weekly, we host presentations from University of Arizona faculty, regional experts, and our own distinguished **Resident Member**.
From climate change and healthcare to local art and global issues, these sessions deliver cutting-edge research and diverse perspectives to our community. Every lecture concludes with an interactive Q&A, allowing for direct, personal engagement with the presenters
Select the dates below for more information!
Monday, August 31 **This event has been cancelled**
3:00 – 4:00 pm ASA Koffler Great Room & Zoom
Belonging Matters: Social Inclusion & Outcomes for Older LGBTQ+ Adults
Mary O’Donoghue: Executive Director, Southern Arizona Senior Pride. Ames Meeks: Program Manager, Southern Arizona Senior Pride
Southern Arizona Senior Pride leaders, Mary O’Donoghue and Ames Meeks, discuss challenges facing older LGBTQ+ adults. Cultivating meaningful community connections improves well-being, reduces loneliness and stress, and fosters resilience, belonging, and dignity. SASP offers supportive programs and practical solutions for healthier aging for LGBTQ+ elders. Read More…
Thursday, September 3
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ASA Koffler Great Room & Zoom
Quantum Headlines: What’s Real, What’s Hype, What’s at Stake
Dr. Daniel Soh: Associate Professor of Optical Sciences, Wyant College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona
The quantum world defies everyday logic yet underlies reality. In this accessible talk by Dr. Daniel Soh, we meet Planck, Einstein, and Bell, separating real science from hype. Quantum computers promise new medicines and broken codes and “quantum healing” is a counterfeit. You will learn how to judge what’s genuine. Read More…
Wednesday, September 9
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ASA Koffler Great Room & Zoom
Filming in the American Southwest
Lisa Molomot: Peabody-Award Winning documentarian and part-time Law Professor, University of Arizona
In this one-hour lecture, local filmmaker Lisa Molomot discusses documentary filmmaking in Tucson and the American Southwest. She highlights her recent films, Missing in Brooks County and The First Birdman, which follow elderly individuals pursuing final goals, and shares inspiring stories along with behind-the-scenes insights. Read More…
Monday, September 14
3:00 – 4:00 pm ASA Koffler Great Room & Zoom
But Is It Art? Dada and the Rebellion Born from War (Part 1 of 6)
**Resident Member** Deborah Robin: Ed.D., Nova Southeastern University; Regional Director of Operations, Keller Graduate School of Management.; Art History Instructor, Art Institute of Phoenix and Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Part 1 of a six-part series on reinventing art explores how World War I shattered faith in European culture. In response, Dada artists rebelled against art itself—displaying a urinal, performing nonsense poetry, and creating absurd collages—leaving one enduring question: what even is art and what is it for? Read More…
Wednesday, September 16
3:00 – 4:00 pm ASA Koffler Great Room & Zoom
The Logic of Dreams: Surrealism and the World Beneath the Surface (Part 2 of 6)
**Resident Member** Deborah Robin: Ed.D., Nova Southeastern University; Regional Director of Operations, Keller Graduate School of Management.; Art History Instructor, Art Institute of Phoenix and Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
In part 2, we’ll explore how Surrealists were inspired by Freud’s ideas about the unconscious; they sought truth in dreams, accidents, and the irrational. From Dalí’s melting clocks to Magritte’s riddles, they created a world beyond reality by surrendering control to the dreaming mind. Read More…
Monday, September 21
3:00 – 4:00 pm ASA Koffler Great Room & Zoom
How Humans Became Uniquely Creative Thinkers
Professor Lynne Schepartz: Collections Designated Campus Colleague; Paleontology Collections Manager (Retired); University of Arizona Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill
How did humans develop language and symbolic thinking? Dr. Lynne Schepartz explores archaeological evidence revealing the origins of language, symbols, problem-solving, creativity, and social identity—and how these prehistoric behaviors shaped the human world we know today. Read More…
Monday, September 28
3:00 – 4:00 pm ASA Koffler Great Room & Zoom
Myths & Realities of Mexico & BCA’s work in the Borderlands
Celia Bavier, Executive Director of the Border Community Alliance, explores myths and realities surrounding the U.S.-Mexico border. She examines Mexico’s cultural diversity, safety, economic importance, and cross-border connections while highlighting BCA’s efforts to dispel stereotypes and strengthen community, cultural exchanges, and social investment. Read More…
Wednesday, September 30
3:00 – 4:00 pm ASA Koffler Great Room & Zoom
How Archaeologists Identify Stone Artifacts and Cultural Features
Mr. Al Dart, RPA: Executive Director, Old Pueblo Archaeology Center, Tucson
Can you distinguish a prehistoric stone tool from a natural rock or identify an archaeological site? Al Dart of Old Pueblo Archaeology Center explains how archaeologists make these determinations through photographs, illustrations, and hands-on examples of ancient flaked and ground stone artifacts to aid understanding and identification. Read More…