In addition to regular courses, Lipscomb Lifelong Learning often offers convenient one-day learning experiences each semester.
These special gatherings allow you to learn among peers while discovering interesting new facets of our community and the world today. Unless noted otherwise, all Special Gatherings are "lunch and learn" events that meet at Longview Mansion, located at 811 Caldwell Lane in Nashville, Tennessee. Parking on-site is free, and lunch is provided when specified in the class description.
Please click the + sign in the event title bar to see the event details and locate the registration link.
Registration deadline: Sept. 3. REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED.
Presenter: Ming Wang, M.D., Ph.D., World-renowned Laser Eye Surgeon and Philanthropist
Join Dr. Ming Wang as he shares fascinating stories about his life’s journey and his work as a world-class cataract and LASIK eye surgeon, philanthropist and community activist. Wang is the founding director of Wang Vision Institute and a Clinical Professor for Meharry Medical College, both in Nashville, Tennessee. Wang has performed over 55,000 procedures, including on over 4,000 doctors.
The Wang Foundation for Sight Restoration, a 501c(3) non-profit charity founded by Wang, has helped patients from over 40 states in the United States and 55 countries worldwide with all-sight restoration surgeries performed free-of-charge.
Nashville: Its Civic Design, Public Realm and Architecture: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
September 13
Lunch and Learn
Noon-1:30 p.m.
Location: Longview Mansion
In-Person Only
Cost: $45. Includes lunch.
Registration deadline: Sept. 10. REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED.
Presenter: Kem Hinton, Architect, Urban Designer, Author, LEED Accredited Professional, Historian and Visual Artist
Nashville is booming... but is it blooming? Or is it just becoming the next Atlanta? This presentation explores the historic and recent evolution of Music City, with examples of successful planning, urban design, and architecture. Yet... are historic structures to survive, or will “progress” slowly erase the built heritage of Nashville? Is there a valid plan for growth? Who is in charge? A few misfires and blunders are also presented to illustrate how our city is transforming into a wonderful yet perplexing new Athens of the South.
Fundamentals of Alzheimer's Disease: Facts, Fiction & Shady Myths
September 20
Lunch and Learn
Noon-1:30 p.m.
Location: Longview Mansion
In-Person Only
Cost: $45. Includes lunch.
Registration deadline: Sept. 17. REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED.
Presenter: Pam Cowley, Community Engagement Manager, Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, and can it be prevented? Join us for this look at the science behind memory loss, Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. We will discuss risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and prevention. Hear what researchers have discovered that we didn’t know, and what’s on the horizon for early diagnosis, new treatments and ways to protect memory and brain health across the lifespan.
Location: Bus departs from McCadams Athletic Center, 1027 Caldwell Lane, to Stones River
In-Person Only
Cost: $95. Includes lunch.
Capacity: 20
Registration deadline: Sept. 30. REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED.
Tour Leader: Tim Johnson, Ph.D., History, Politics and Philosophy, Lipscomb University
In the last week of December 1862, the Union army under William Rosecrans marched out of Nashville determined to seize Murfreesboro and what followed was a bloody three-day battle along Stones River. Join us as we follow the path of General McCook’s Union Corps through Nolensville then to Murfreesboro where it joined the rest of the Federal army poised to fight Braxton Bragg’s Confederate force.
While touring the battlefield we will see the places the soldiers called “The Slaughter Pen” and “Hell’s Half Acre.” After stops at the Veterans’ Cemetery and Hazen’s Monument, we will have lunch at Mission Barbecue before returning to campus.
Using the Human-Animal Bond to Foster Resilience and Healing from Trauma
October 25: RESCHEDULED FOR SPRING 2025!
Lunch and Learn
Noon-1:30 p.m.
Location: Longview Mansion
In-Person Only
Cost: $45. Includes lunch.
Presenters: Eric Davis, Director of Programs for Young Adults, Crossroads Campus; and Megan Woodall, Animal Care and Adoptions Manager, Crossroads Campus
Crossroads Campus is a Nashville nonprofit that uses the healing power of the human-animal bond to help young people and animals overcome past traumas. Its programs include job-training, affordable housing and intensive support services for young adults and shelter and adoptions for homeless dogs and cats. These programs connect young people who have been impacted by inequity, time in foster care or other traumas with abandoned dogs and cats from our city shelter, resulting in mutually nurturing relationships that bring hope, change behavior and teach skills.
The organization’s approach to working with young people and animals is grounded in the principles of trauma informed care, which calls us to see the world through the eyes of another person, and humane education, which calls us to see the world through the eyes of another animal. The presentation will provide an overview of these two approaches and highlight how they work together to help our staff and young people respond with empathy and an understanding rather than judgment, allowing us to create a place of belonging that fosters resilience and healing for both people and animals.
Registration deadline: Oct. 29. Registration has closed for this event.
Presenter/Appraiser: J.T. Thompson (’79, Lipscomb Academy), Appraiser and Historian
The fun and informative annual Antique Appraisal Fair returns to Longview Mansion! A highly regarded appraiser and historian, J.T. Thompson will be reviewing and appraising items selected and will be present on Nov. 1 to reveal his findings.
Have you often wondered about the origination and/or value of that treasured heirloom that you have? Are you curious about the value of that unique item you purchased at a yard sale for little or nothing? If so, you do not want to miss out on this opportunity!
The event will begin with lunch followed by the stories and appraisals of items that have been submitted. You do not have to submit an item to attend this presentation. However, if you have items that you wish to submit for appraisal, you may do so by emailing photos and a brief history and description to Amy Hamar via amy.hamar [at] lipscomb.edu (subject: re%3A%20Antique%20Appraisal%20Fair) (email).
Facilitator: Janet McMahan (’75), Performing Artist, Writer and Producer
Come gather ‘round the piano with us as we sing our favorite Christmas carols and listen to a Christmas tale or two. Bring your sweet tooth and a healthy dose of Christmas spirit!
Questions about Lifelong Learning?
Lifelong Learning
Amy Hamar
Director Lifelong Learning, Senior Alumni Programs
(615) 966-6216 amy.hamar@lipscomb.edu