Lifelong Learning at College of DuPage incorporates the best of what enrichment has to offer at any age. We offer a mix of courses, workshops, seminars and lectures designed especially for adults 50 and older, in a wide variety of topic areas. A reduced senior rate applies for participants 55 and over. Come join us - new courses begin each week.
Summer Course Highlights
In Continuing Education, we believe that learning never stops. Find out all that Lifelong Learning has to offer this spring.
The Life and Death of Vincent van Gogh
Based on the recent biography, “Van Gogh: The Life,” by authors Steven Naifeh and
Gregory White Smith, examine the controversial claim that van Gogh did not commit
suicide but was murdered. Explore van Gogh’s troubled life and his tremendous influence
on the art world. Instructor: Ruth Nelson
Wednesday, June 26
7 to 9 p.m.
CEHUMNT-0001-037, $29, Lifelong Learner $19
Virtual classroom
Trail Favorites in Our Western Parks
Through pictures and words, we will explore some of author David Kroese’s favorite
hiking experiences within the 425 units managed by the U.S. National Park Service.
During his quest to visit all the parks, David focused on day hikes of varying lengths.
He will share some of the treks that revealed the extraordinary and spectacular.
Monday, July 8
1 to 3 p.m.
CEHUMNT-0001-017, $29, Lifelong Learner $19
Virtual classroom
LGBTQ Past and Present
The 21st century has seen progress on issues impacting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender
and non-binary individuals in the United States. However, there is more work to be
done. Explore sexual orientation and gender identity through history, the arts, law,
science, medicine, politics and justice. Classroom discussion topics include the Stonewall
uprising, discrimination, misogyny, AIDS, parenting, community, and the importance
of inclusion and understanding. Join us as we explore LGBTQ topics, past and present,
for our children, parents, co-workers, neighbors and ourselves. Instructor: Frank
Serafino
Thursday, July 11 to Aug. 1
10 a.m. to noon
CEHUMNT-0001-021, $119, Lifelong Learner $79
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Chicago Dance Halls and Music Venues
From the Aragon Ballroom on the north side to the Trianon on the south side, join
us as we look inside some of the great music venues of Chicagoland that once hosted
some of the greatest bands and musicians of all time. We also explore the generations
that frequented these venues, leading to decades of entertainment. Instructor: Tim
Wilsey
Monday, July 22
10 a.m. to noon
CEHUMNT-0001-005, $29, Lifelong Learner $19
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Hidden Memory: An American WWII Story
Listen to the story of one family’s journey from Japan to the United States and through
the incarceration camps of World War II. Storyteller Anne Shimojima illustrates her
talk with photos from her family and the National Archives, showing a family whose
only crime was looking like the enemy.
Tuesday, Aug. 6
1 to 2:30 p.m.
CEHUMNT-0001-031, $29, Lifelong Learner $19
On campus in Glen Ellyn
The Plus 50 Program
Continuing Education has developed a series of streamlined classes designed with experiences and skills of adult learners in mind. Learn more about the 50 Program.
- Career Search for Plus 50 - Tuesday, June 11 to July 9
- Career Readiness: Beyond the Resume - Tuesday, July 16 to Aug. 13
- Self-Discovery for Plus 50 - Wednesday, July 10 to 31
Free Enrichment for Lifelong Learners
Enjoy the topics and the company! Continuing Education presents free lectures and discussions through our Sage Series and Lunch Break Lectures. Join us for an inspired selection of new topics.
Sage Series
Sessions are free. Registration is required.
For full descriptions and locations, view the current Schedule of Classes.
- Film and Discussion: The Celluloid Closet - Friday, June 14
- Inside COD's Culinary and Hospitality Center - Thursday, July 18. Currently full. Please contact us to be added to the wait list
- Inside COD' Culinary and Hospitality Center - Thursday, July 25. Currently full. Please contact us to be added to the wait list
- The Twilight Zone: Six Degrees of Separation - Friday, June 28
Lunch Break Lectures
Sessions are free. Registration is required. All lectures are Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. and are held on our main campus in Glen Ellyn
- June 12 - Edgar Kaufmann: Fallingwater and Desert House
- June 26 - The Prehistoric Elephants of DuPage County
- July 10 - The Plantagenets
- July 24 - The 60's: Breaking the Mold
- Aug. 7 - The History of Willie Nelson
Virtual Ventures
Sessions are free. Registration is required. All lectures are Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. and are held online via Zoom.
- June 13 - French Impressionism: Edgar Degas
- July 11 - The Great Goddess
- Aug. 8 - The Cherokee Trail of Tears
Share Your Passion and Experience
College of DuPage Continuing Education is seeking community members who are interested in facilitating Lifelong Learning courses and seminars! Call (630) 942-2208 for assistance with completing a New Course Proposal Form.
Lifelong Learning Scholarship Fund
Limited scholarship funds are available to assist Lifelong Learners who choose to participate in Continuing Education programs. If you are interested in contributing to this fund, choose "Lifelong Learning Programs" on the College of DuPage Foundation donation page or call (630) 942-2462.
Contact Information
Continuing Education
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1110
(630) 942-2208
Fax: (630) 942-3785
Email: CE@cod.edu
- Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.