Tiffin University
Lifelong Learning
LIFE@TU is for those who love learning and want to dig deeper into their areas of interest or discover something entirely new.
LIFE@TU offers compelling, academically oriented, non-credit programming designed for adults aged 50 plus. Sessions are taught by current and retired faculty, historians and experts in their fields.
Upcoming Sessions
Our sessions are carefully selected with the valuable input from our members through session surveys and the thoughtful choices of the LIFE@TU curriculum committee. Each session is chosen to address topics relevant to our LIFE@TU community.
Fall 2025 Schedule
| Date | Session | Leader |
|---|---|---|
| September 5, 2025 | A Layperson’s Guide to National Security, Classified Information and Intelligence | Dr. David Selnick (Associate Professor of Intelligence and Security Studies, Tiffin University) |
| September 12, 2025 | Brain Health: Challenges & Strategies for Cognitive & Mental Health as We Age | Expert Panel with Jennifer Miller (Alzheimer’s Association), Shelly Ruehl (Director, Brookdale Senior Living), more TBA |
| September 19, 2025 | The Taste of Culture: A Flavorful Look at the Intersection of Food and Identity | Nicholas Reinhard (Assistant Professor of Sociology) & Jamie Marinas (Assistant Professor of English) Tiffin University |
| September 26, 2025 | From Pleasure to Purpose: The Science of Real Happiness | Dr. Jonathan Appel (Professor of Psychology & Criminal Justice, Tiffin University) & Dr. Dohee Kim-Appel (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Professor of Graduate Counseling, Heidelberg University) |
| October 3, 2025 | Ohio in the Civil War | Mark Holbrook (Historian, Ohio History Connection, retired; Executive Director, Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, retired) |
| October 10, 2025 | Essentials of Estate, Longterm Care and Asset Protection Planning | Jane Dell and Paul Burtis (Dell Burtis Law, specializing in Estate Planning, Elder Law and Business Law) |
| October 17, 2025 | Back to the Wild: Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation | Gabrielle Drown (Director of Education & Wildlife Rehabilitation, Back to the Wild) |
| October 24, 2025 | The Ritz Theatre Legacy: Past, Present & Center Stage | Michael Strong (Executive Director, The Ritz Theatre). Optional post-lunch tour. |
| October 31, 2025 | From Crime Scene to Courtroom: Tracing Truth Through Forensics | Dr. Mark Sabo (Dean, School of Science, Technology & Health; Professor of Forensic Science and Chemistry, Tiffin University) |
| November 7, 2025 | Tenovation & Revitalization: Reimagining Downtown Tiffin | Andrew Kalnow (President & CEO, National Machinery) more TBA |
or contact us at johnstonml@tiffin.edu or 567.268.6095.
Winter/Spring 2026 Schedule
| Date | Session | Leader |
|---|---|---|
| TBD | Navigating Changes to Medicare, Social Security and the Tax Code | Expert Panel with representation from health insurance, legal and government professionals TBA |
| TBD | The JFK Assassination on November 22, 1963: The Shot that Shook America | Dr. Peter Piraino (Associate Professor of Criminal Justice & National Security Studies; Vice Provost for Academics and Campus Programs, Tiffin University) |
| TBD | The Underground Railroad in Ohio | Valerie Boyer (Historian and Educator; School & Community Programs Coordinator, Ohio History Connection; Speaker, Ohio Humanities Bureau) |
| TBD | The Sound of Soul: Motown, STAX, and the Rise of American Rhythm & Blues | Brad Rees (Associate Professor of Commercial Music, Executive Director for the Institute of Creative and Media Arts, Tiffin University) |
| TBD | Alternative Medicine: Holistic & Integrative Approaches to Healing | Expert Panel with local practitioners of chiropractic, holistic medicine, massage therapy and other methodologies TBA |
| TBD | Celebrating Seneca County’s Innovative Artists & Artisans | Sharing the philosophy and work of several area glass artisans and creative artists |
| TBD | Women Spies of World War II | Mike Gilbert (Historian and Educator) |
| TBD | Breaking the Chains: Human Trafficking in Northwest Ohio | Expert Panel with law enforcement, victim support and advocacy professionals, and others TBA |
| TBD | Downsizing and Simplifying for a Richer Life | Expert Panel with professionals in real estate, organization and specialty move managing TBA |
| TBD | Rebels in Corsets: The Embodied Rhetoric of the Women’s Suffrage Movement | Dr. Susan Trollinger (Professor of English and Rhetoric, University of Dayton) |
| TBD | Wild Wonders Under Threat: Exploring the Amazon, Andes & Galapagos | Daniel Weiland (Author and Educator, CCC Speakers Bureau) |
or contact us at johnstonml@tiffin.edu or 567.268.6095.
LIFE@TU has enriched our lives with engaging speakers and stimulating programs. It’s seniors having fun in college without tests and term papers!
It has been amazing to be able to experience LIFE@TU with my mom. We have both enjoyed it so much and learned many new things together. Mom is always asking when the next session begins!
LIFE@TU has renewed my love of learning, built a wonderful sense of community, and opened the door to new friendships. I can’t wait to discover what the 2025-26 season brings!
We are pleased to participate in and support Life @TU. It provides mental stimulation by presenting timely topics in an interesting and engaging format.
LIFE@TU has been a true game-changer for me. I urge Tiffin University alumni and seniors: sign up, show up, reconnect and rediscover TU through lifelong learning. You’ll be so glad you did!
LIFE@TU has been a warm welcome to Tiffin for us — great speakers, fascinating sessions, and new friendships over Friday lunches have made it a truly special part of our lives.
Contact us with any questions!
Mimi Johnston
Advancement
