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 it is visited annually by 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.
Upcoming lectures are listed below, with more details coming soon!
| |
| |
"Election 2012: Converting Followers into Voters"
October 23, 2012
|
|
Terri Towner, Ph.D.
OU Assistant Professor of Political Science
|
| |
It is well known that the power of the mass media can shift public opinion toward political candidates and parties. Recently, the media have expanded beyond television and newspapers to the Internet, particularly blogs, wikis, social networks, and video-sharing websites. Not surprisingly, presidential candidates Barack Obama and Mitt Romney both have a substantial online social presence. In fact, more than half of voters expect political candidates to have a presence online. This talk will focus on how citizens are using the Internet and social media for presidential campaign information and, most important, how usage is influencing citizens’ political attitudes and behaviors.
|
| |
| |
"Shopping for Salvation: A Sociological Look at Consumerism and Christianity"
November 29, 2012
|
|
George Sanders, Ph.D.
OU Assistant Professor of Sociology
|
| |
|
Dr. Sanders will be discussing the ways consumerism has helped shape contemporary American Christian churches.
|
| |
| |
"Generation of Blue Jeans"
December 10, 2012
|
|
Mary Beth Snyder, Ph.D.
OU Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
|
|
|
Every fall for the last 50 years, each new class of college freshmen has shown up on campuses across this country wearing jeans. But little else has been predictable. Mary Beth Snyder will provide an historical (at times humorous) look at how college life has changed since the 1960s, when she first went off to school. Based on her 40+ years as a student affairs professional at a number of universities she will talk about historical changes in undergraduates that have shaped the higher education culture. Their learning styles, behavior, expectations, relationships, career aspirations and social beliefs are very different today compared to previous generations. She will explore the reasons behind what we see today and discuss student trends that will likely affect higher education in the coming years.
|
| |
| |
"Happy and Healthy Relationships in the 21st Century"
February 4, 2013
|
|
Terri Orbuch, Ph.D.
OU Professor of Sociology
|
|
Studies
show that healthy relationships lead to better physical and psychological health. Happy relationships can make you feel better about yourself, reduce stress, improve your immune system, motivate you to exercise, strengthen your heart and respiratory system, and lower your blood pressure. With all these benefits,
that’s all the more reason for your relationships to be happy and healthy!
In this fun and informative discussion, participants will learn lots of research-based tips and strategies to create healthy and happy relationships in their lives.
|
From January through April 2013, other speakers will include:
- Dr. George Milne, to talk about the history of Atlantic piracy.
- Dr. Fay Hansen, lecturing on organic farming and the healthiness of the US food supply.
- Dr. Andrea Eis, freshly returned from an exposition of her work in Paris, talking about what it means to make art.
Speakers
Click here for a
list of past event speakers.
Contact Information
Older Persons' Commission
650 Letica Drive,
Rochester, MI 48309
Call us with any questions about partnership programs: 248-608-0269