day-university-adult

The makings of a “One Day University”


Top university professors launch single-day “universities” for adult learners

day-university-adultBonnie Blank is about 40 years older than a traditional college student, but she hasn’t stopped going to class.

One Day University is an adult education program, offered throughout the country, that recruits top university professors to lecture at single-day learning opportunities. Through the program, Blank has been able to quench her thirst for learning without signing up for a full semester.

She plans to attend one such event Sunday at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. The event is sponsored by The Inquirer.

As of Wednesday morning, 80 seats were still available for purchase. Founder and executive director Steven Schragis said those interested need to sign up by the close of business Friday.

The full-day event will last from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a lunch break at 1. Leading the hour-long lecture sessions will be 11 professors from Swarthmore College, Georgetown University, Brown University, American University, the University of Pennsylvania, and other colleges and universities.

Schragis said One Day University has a return rate of nearly 70 percent among students, and events in Philadelphia have been successful: The city “is one of the best groups. It’s an all-star team – no kidding.”

“The fact that these sessions are packed says that Philadelphia is the right place for an event like this,” said Leonard Steinhorn of American University. He will present his lecture “1968: The Extraordinary Events of a Memorable Year.”

(Next page: What the profs will teach; attendee reaction)

Professors will lecture on psychology, art, ethics, political science, history, international relations, and science. Each of five time slots will offer three concurrent events.

Attendees “are always looking for new experiences that will enrich their lives, so we work really hard to develop the curriculum with each event that’s new, engaging,” said Kevin Brennan, managing director of One Day University. “The topics are classic or somewhat timely.”

The professors are “experts in their field,” Brennan said. He and Schragis recruit them based on their popularity and prominence on campuses. A major draw is the convenience of a daylong event, compared with the more extensive commitment of returning to a university program. Another draw, Schragis said, is the speaking skill of the professors.

Blank called that a significant reason she keeps coming back. “The professors are not only very smart, they’re also very funny,” Blank said. “When I walk out, I feel like, ‘Wow, that was a great day.’ It’s very energizing.”

Barry Schwartz, a psychology professor at Swarthmore, lives in Philadelphia and will present his lecture “The Paradox of Choice: When More is Less,” which explores choices in contemporary consumer life. He’s taken part in six One Day University events, but Sunday will mark his first in Philadelphia.

“I love the idea of talking to people who have had a lifetime of experience,” Schwartz said.

Another lecturer, Anne Nelson of Columbia University, said a perk for her is attending other lectures. She and other participating professors also said they see the program as beneficial to communities.

One Day University will return for another Philadelphia event on March 22, 2015.

One Day University: 11 Professors With The Philadelphia Inquirer will be from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market St. Admission: $209, or $149 with a subscription to The Inquirer. Information: 800-300-3438, www.onedayu.com/events/detail/116.

©2014 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit The Philadelphia Inquirer at www.philly.com. Distributed by MCT Information Services

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