Dive back into the classroom with these exciting courses for lifelong learners.
Alumni Academy
Dickinson’s Alumni Academy welcomes alumni back to the campus classroom. Come back to Carlisle to dive into unique topics with incredible Dickinson faculty and alumni. Enjoy lectures, hands-on learning and local excursions that provide a unique look at exciting topics.
Friday, June 13
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Indigenous Storytelling: Walking in the Footprints of Carlisle Indian School Students
Course led by Amanda Cheromiah, Ph.D. (Laguna Pueblo), Director for the Center for the Futures of Native Peoples
Participants will engage with the living histories and stories of the Carlisle Indian School, located just a mile from Dickinson College. Learn about Indigenous Ways of Knowing and reflect on the impact of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. Through discussions and a visit to the Carlisle Barracks, this experience fosters a deeper understanding of storytelling as a tool for identity, community, and endurance.
Preregistration is required. Space is limited (20 people). $100 per person. Lunch on Friday, June 13 and transportation for the course is included.
U.S. Army Carlisle Barracks entrance, 870 Jim Thorpe Road, Carlisle
Alumni College Series
There’s something for everyone during these one-time sessions and activities during Alumni Weekend.
Saturday, June 14
9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Alumni College Activity:
King’s Gap Scenic Bike Ride
Bike ride led by Rich Hayes ’85
Come out and ride with your Dickinson friends and classmates while taking in the Cumberland Valley scenery from Kings Gap State Park. This 30-mile, 2.5- to 3-hour out-and-back ride starts at the College and follows scenic roads south of Carlisle to Kings Gap State Park. The ride features rolling terrain with a summit climb to the Mansion Overlook, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding area.
Participants should be experienced riders with group riding skills and be mindful of local traffic and road conditions. Riders must have the ability to support themselves and their equipment in the event of a mechanical issue. Participants are responsible for providing their own bicycles and transportation to the starting location at the College. Helmets, bike lights, and high-visibility clothing are strongly recommended. Click here for full route details.
Meet behind the Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium (ATS)–map No. 19
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Alumni College Sessions
- Bringing Light to Darkness: My Life with World Blindness Outreach
Session led by Dr. Al Alley ’60
Join us for an inspiring presentation by an ophthalmic expert who has dedicated over 30 years to leading surgical teams in global humanitarian efforts. Over the course of his career, he and his teams have brought life-changing eye care to communities in need, performing more than 10,000 surgeries—including cataract, corneal transplant, and strabismus procedures—across 26 countries worldwide. Learn firsthand about the critical role ophthalmic care plays in combating blindness, especially cataracts, the leading cause of vision loss globally. Hear stories from the field, explore the challenges and rewards of these medical missions, and discover how such efforts are making a profound impact on global health.
- Collecting for the College: Prints of New York, Paris, and Italy
Session and tour led by Eric Denker ’75
This gallery talk will delve into the works of significant yet often underappreciated artists who have explored the essence of historic cities through the populist art of etching. By curating an extensive collection of exceptional pieces by lesser-known artists, we aim to provide a valuable resource for both students and faculty, offering a rich avenue for discovering the diverse potential of artistic expression. While works by renowned artists such as Winslow Homer, James Whistler, and Honoré Daumier are important to include, it is the substantial collections of artists like August Lepère, Fabio Mauroner, Grace Albee, John Taylor Arms, Ellen Day Hale, and Lida Moser that offer students the opportunity to engage with original works not yet thoroughly explored or documented in the established history of art. This talk will underscore the significance of these lesser-known artists and their contributions to the field of etching, allowing for a deeper appreciation of their role in depicting the essence of historic urban landscapes.
Preregistration is required. Space is limited (30 people).
- How the Associated Press Calls Elections
Session led by Chris Rugaber ’90
Join AP Economics Writer Christopher Rugaber as he explains how The Associated Press determines election winners, from state legislatures to the presidency. With firsthand experience as an elections analyst, Rugaber participates in this process every two years and will offer insights into how the AP ensures accuracy and integrity in its election calls.
- Public Speaking: Secrets of Persuasion from the Classical Tradition
Sponsored by the Burgess Institute for the Global Economy
Session led by Christopher Francese, Asbury J. Clarke Professor of Classical Studies
Explore ancient and modern principles for tailoring an argument to an audience, crafting a message at both the word and sentence level, and delivering an effective speech. This session is based on the course of the same name.
10–11 a.m.
Alumni College Activity:
Yoga Class
Class led by Isoke Senghor ’20
You're invited to join former classmates and friends in a yoga class led by Isoke Senghor ’20. Please bring your own mat.
10–11 a.m.
Alumni College Session:
A Clown's Guide to Conflict
Session led by Dwight Dunston ’10
Though it is desired for things to be different, people raised in American culture are generally unskilled in navigating conflict. They lie, manipulate, shrink, overreact, underreact, and often struggle to rebuild connections. As a result, the lack of conflict resolution skills has created an environment where disagreement is often feared, even with those committed to collaborating on an organization’s vision and goals. However, there is hope. Dwight Dunston ’10 believes clowning is key. This one-hour workshop will explore how clowning principles can help individuals navigate moments of conflict and tension with greater ease, skill, and purpose.
Biography:
Dwight Dunston ’10 is a Philadelphia-based facilitator, artist, and educator who has shared his creativity, care, and compassion at schools, community centers, retirement homes, festivals, and stadiums across the U.S. and internationally. He is a Level II certified Kingian Nonviolence trainer, a trained mediator through SEEDS, and has studied extensively with psychologist Dr. Howard Stevenson at the University of Pennsylvania to help individuals heal through storytelling. Dwight has completed over 130 hours of training in Pochinko clowning and currently leads conflict resolution and clown workshops for individuals across the country.
10 a.m.–noon
Alumni College Activity:
Candle Pouring Workshop
Let your nose be your guide as you explore more than 30 premium fragrances. Choose one or blend two to create your own signature scent! You’ll receive easy, detailed instructions throughout your candle-pouring journey. While your candle cures, ignite your creativity and craft a personalized label. You’ll leave with a 9 oz. custom candle and the anticipation of knowing the best part is yet to come—lighting it and enjoying 40+ hours of scented bliss!
Note: Guests must be 14 years of age or older and accompanied by an adult to attend.
$30
Preregistration is required. Space is limited (12 people).
11 a.m.–noon
Alumni College Activities
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A Vessel Born to Float: Poetry Reading with Yazmin Monét Watkins ’09
Sponsored by the Posse Alumni Network
Poet Yazmin Monét Watkins ’09 will read selections from her new book, A Vessel Born to Float. In this collection, Watkins guides readers on an introspective journey through the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, family, self-love, and Black Girl Magic. Watkins is a member of the inaugural Posse LA class. All are welcome. - Dickinson Cookie Decorating Class
Class led by Kathy Ballew, Executive Director of Advancement Operations
Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this hands-on workshop is perfect for anyone looking to learn the art of decorating delicious cookies. Our expert instructor will guide you through a fun, creative session where you’ll learn various techniques for decorating cookies.
$15
Preregistration is required. Space is limited (25 people).
- Pole Steeple in Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Hike led by Marcus Key, Professor in the Department of Geoscience and Joseph Priestley Professor of Natural Philosophy
Join Dickinsonians in Central PA to experience the beauty and natural history of our home state. This 1.5 mile up-and-back trail begins at a peaceful lake and ends with a spectacular overlook of the state forest. There is no fee for this event, but space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Please indicate if you will be driving on your own or if you would like college-provided transportation.
Please meet at the Kline Fitness Center parking lot on Cherry St. (map No. 77) if you plan on taking Dickinson transportation.
- Q&A with Author Kelly King ’80
Join author Kelly King ’80 for a book signing and Q&A session about his experience writing his first novel, Lifesaver. Kelly will have books available, or you can bring your own copy to be signed. Lifesaver is available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.