Oakland University and the Older Persons' Commission (OPC)
Oakland University and the Older Persons' Commission will present a series of lectures each semester on a wide range of topics; lectures are taught by Oakland faculty and include areas of interest ranging from the latest research findings to the arts and popular culture.

The Older Persons' Commission is recognized nationally as an innovative and award-winning leader in senior programs. As a community partner, OPC continually works to offer progressive programs to the seniors of the greater Rochester area. A fun-filled destination for our aging population, OPC is"A Great Place to Be!" The OPC offers:

• Nationally known speakers
• Theatre productions
• Cabaret style entertainment
• Intergenerational experiences
• Cutting-edge programs
• Cultural events
• International courses
• Services for the frail
• Health and wellness opportunities, and team sports.

A cornerstone in the community, more than 700 people pass through the OPC's doors daily; and is annually visited by many leaders of senior programs from across the nation. Our OU/OPC Partnership Programs are “Open to the Public.” OPC programs are open to members from Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township and non-resident members.

Calendar of Events

	“What is alternative energy and what is its future?” January 31, 2012
	Kryzstof Kobus, Ph.D. OU Associate Professor of Engineering
Perhaps nothing else quantifies our standard of living than our per capita energy consumption. Abundant, cheap energy heralded us into previously unimaginable technological progress in the last century, most of it derived from fossil fuels. The history of fossil fuel utilization will be discussed, and its use in Michigan, the United States, and worldwide. Where are the resources and are we reaching a tipping point where there will not be enough to power us into the future? What is alternative energy and is it the solution? Several alternative technologies, past, present and future, will be presented. Environmental, economic and socio-political implications of these and other technologies will be discussed.

	"Exploring the connection between physics and the arts" February 8, 2012
	Alberto Rojo, Ph.D. OU Associate Professor of Physics
An exposition of the convergences between the Arts and Physics, aiming at refuting the idea that the arts and the sciences are antagonistic options in the search for truth. I will discuss an assortment of examples from literature, music and painting, from Dante´s anticipation of curved space, to Jorge Luis Borges´s priority on the idea of multiple universes of quantum mechanics, with intermediate stops in the numerical grammar of music and the role of symmetry in painting and in modern physics.

	"Blue Gold: World Water Wars" March 15, 2012
	Lily Mendoza, Ph.D. OU Associate Professor of Communication James Perkinson, Ph.D. OU Communication & Journalism Lecturer
A gripping film on the world’s rapidly approaching water crisis and the future wars that will be fought over water, as they are today over oil; as the source of all life enters the global marketplace and political arena.  Screening to be followed by a discussion by Lily Mendoza & Jim Perkinson.

	"Complimentary and alternative health care" March 20, 2012
	Robert Jarski, Ph.D., P.A. OU Professor of Exercise Science
Once considered rarely used, most Americans now include some form of complementary or integrative medicine along with their traditional health care. Together we will discuss some of the most frequently used modalities, and look at the science that examines how moods, beliefs and attitudes affect states of health and disease.

Speakers
Click here for a list of past and upcoming event speakers.

Contact Information
Older Persons' Commission
650 Letica Drive,
Rochester, MI 48309
Call us with any questions about partnership programs: 248-608-0269