The Life Enrichment series is planned especially for adults aged 60 and over.
Since 1974, Bethel College has sponsored Life Enrichment, supported by volunteers, registration fees and the generosity of speakers who share their talent and expertise without compensation.
February 4
9:30 a.m.
“Voices of Change: How Ordinary Kansans Build Extraordinary Communities,” Larry Hatteberg, Hatteberg’s People, KAKE TV News, Wichita
10:50 a.m.
“27 Years Abroad: Stories and Facts About Teaching in Overseas American Schools,” Joe Fred Perez, Brownsville, Texas
February 11
9:30 a.m.
“Handpan Dan,” Daniel Baird, performer of therapeutic music that enhances wellbeing via idiophone, Wichita
10:50 a.m.
“Healthy Minds, Healthy Memories: Kansas Learning Center for Health Experience,” John Young, health instructor, Kansas Learning Center for Health, Halstead
February 18
9:30 a.m.
“Kansas Women in the Fight for the 19th Amendment– Did They Win?” Donna Becker, retired nurse educator and administrator, certified first person performer
10:50 a.m.
“Travel with a Wiseguy Exploring Off Beaten Paths,” John Wise, travel YouTuber, Wichita
February 25
9:30 a.m.
“Prisoner of War Stories: WW2 POW Camp in Peabody,” Marcia Sebree, Peabody Historical Society
10:50 a.m.
“Importance of a Free Press in a Democratic Society,” Doug Anstaett, former editor and publisher of The Newton Kansan and former executive director of the Kansas Press Association, Newton
March 4
9:30 a.m.
“Giving Garden Donates Produce to Salvation Army,” Scott Eckert, Harvey County Extension horticulture agent and master gardener, Newton
10:50 a.m.
“‘Voices Not Forgotten’: MMIP (Missing/Murdered Indigenous People) Community Awareness and Action,” Sharon Fischer, Newton, and Laurie Dove, Valley Center, indigenous advocates
March 11
9:30 a.m.
“The Historical Roots of Putin’s Russia,” Matt Cotton, adjunct professor, McPherson College
10:50 a.m.
“How to Protect Earth’s Biodiversity Forever: Lessons from Maitreya Buddha, Pharma Bros, and Yucca Mountain,” Dr. Adam Smith, global change conservation scientist, Missouri Botanical Gardens, St. Louis
March 25
9:30 a.m.
“Hippie, Inc: The Misunderstood Subculture that Changed the Way We Live,” Dr. Michael Klassen, author, professor emeritus of marketing, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls
10:50 a.m.
“Mennonite Disaster Service Cabinet Shop Operation,” Cleo Koop, project director of the MDS Cabinet Shop, Goessel
April 1
9:30 a.m.
“SEARCHING FOR LIGHT: Through the Lens of a Portrait Photographer,” Jim Stucky and Nola Stucky, retired professional photographers, Newton
10:50 a.m.
“RAILEROBOTICS: Inspiration of Today, Technology of Tomorrow,” Newton High School robotics team
April 8
9:30 a.m.
“Wichita Wildlife and Parks” Jim Mason, retired biologist, Wichita Wildlife and Parks
10:50 a.m.
“Cars That Drove Me,” Mark Janzen, author, lifelong car enthusiast and self-taught mechanic, North Newton
April 15
9:30 a.m.
“KIPCOR: C. Henry Smith Peace Oratory Contest,” Bethel College student entries
10:50 a.m.
“It’s a Small World: Photography of Tiny Things,” Weldon Schloneger, North Newton
April 22
9:30 a.m.
“Expedition Cruise to Greenland & Canadian High Arctic NW Passageway,” Carol and Donley Duerksen, Hillsboro
10:50 a.m.
“Be Useful: The Tricky Ethics of a Mennonite Showgirl,” Rachel Kasper Fitzsimons, Broadway performer, Mamaroneck, N.Y.
April 29
9:30 a.m.
“Walking Through Greece on Paul’s Journeys,” Marcia Zuercher, history teacher, Central Christian Academy, Wichita
10:50 a.m.
“A Hint of Jazz,” Dr. Christina Liu, associate professor of music and piano and chair of the Bethel College music department, and Dr. Brett Janssen, instructor of music at Central Christian College, McPherson, and adjunct instructor of piano at McPherson College