News
Unlimited Learning: A Virtual Series for Lifelong Learners
The new series of webinars brings together faculty and alumni experts to share insights about topics that have dominated the news and kitchen table conversations in recent months.
University events are a critical connection point between alumni and their alma mater. When the pandemic hit the nation in early spring, Saint Joseph’s – like institutions everywhere – had no choice but to cancel or postpone in-person events, including the former SJU Live series, donor recognition gatherings and even Commencement. With technological agility and a mission-driven commitment to lifelong learning, the Unlimited Learning webinar series was born.
Since April, the University has held more than seven events focused on timely topics featuring faculty and alumni experts with young alumni serving as moderators. From “Leading Through Uncertain Times: A Case for Servant Leadership” with Thomas E. Beeman ’75, ’77 (M.A.), Ph.D., FACHE, executive in residence for the Haub School of Business, and Ronald Dufresne, Ph.D., associate professor of management, to “The Economic Impact of Coronavirus” featuring Joseph Davis ’94, Ph.D., global chief economist and head of the investment strategy group at Vanguard, and Nancy Fox, Ph.D., associate professor of economics, our experts have shared their insights into many topics that have been in the national news and the subject of kitchen table conversations in recent months.
“We are thrilled to offer our alumni and other constituents opportunities to join Hawk Hill virtually, stay engaged and continue their learning long after graduation,” says Joseph P. Kender, MBA, vice president of university relations. “Intrinsic in a Saint Joseph’s education is an appreciation for lifelong learning. The fact that Hawks are choosing to tune into our Unlimited Learning programming at a time when online content abounds is a testament to the quality of our experts and the depth of our alumni’s connection with St. Joe’s.”
While the concept for the series originated with alumni in mind, its marketing has expanded to include employees and current and prospective students. Hundreds of alumni from 21 states, and even from across the globe, and other community members have attended these hour-long live sessions, and many have viewed the recordings after the fact.
To date, one of the most-watched sessions was “Structural Inequality in Philadelphia: What Citizens Can Do to Help,” featuring Susan Clampet-Lundquist, Ph.D., professor of sociology and author of Coming of Age in the Other America; Keith Leaphart ’01 (MBA), D.O., chair of the Lenfest Foundation and president and CEO of Replica Creative; and Nicole Stokes, Ph.D., associate provost for diversity, equity and inclusion, with moderator Imani Briscoe ’17, program specialist for inclusion and diversity experiential programming.
Other topics have included food shopping trends, telemedicine, cybersecurity, supply chain, sports and diversity.
The Unlimited Learning series continues throughout the 2020-2021 academic year.
Mary Kate Celini is a marketing coordinator.