BSU/NTC President Hanson to deliver Adventures in Lifelong Learning lecture

BEMIDJI, Minn. (March 21, 2011) — Dr. Richard Hanson, president of Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College, will discuss intergenerational learning as part of Bemidji State University’s Adventures in Lifelong Learning lecture series.

The lecture will be held Tuesday, March 22, from 10-11:30 a.m. at Optivation’s off-campus facility at 3801 Bemidji Ave. N. in Bemidji.

Hanson will discuss the role of Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College in promoting intergenerational learning and the concept of lifelong learning.

Hanson was named president of Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College in July, 2010. Previously, he served as president of Waldorf College; professor of sociology, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, all at Augustana College; associate vice president for academic affairs, associate director of human development in the Extension Service and director of the Family Studies Institute, all at North Dakota State University; and chair of the Department of Home Economics at California State University, Chico.

Adventures in Lifelong Learning was formerly known as the Academy of Lifelong Learning. The organization’s board of directors voted unanimously over the summer to transition the branding of the organization away from a formal classroom experience to reflect a less intimidating adult learning style.

Adventures in Lifelong Learning is organized exclusively to provide opportunities for continuing education in the Bemidji area. The program intends to help participants improve critical thinking skills and to appreciate the diversity of human experience through varied and lively discussions.

Spring 2011 Adventures in Lifelong Learning schedule:
March 22: “Intergenerational and Lifelong Learning, and What BSU/NTC is Doing to Promote It,” Dr. Richard Hanson, president, Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College.
March 29: “Poor Farm,” Cecilia McKeig, Beltrami County Historical Society.
April 5: “Honey Bees: ‘Honey! Bees in the Garden’,” John Arneson and Les Hiltz, beekeepers.
April 12: “BiCAP Programming,” a panel presentation led by Deb Allison, BiCAP executive director.
April 19, “Camp Rabideau – Future and Present,” Dan Evans, director, U.S. Forest Service.

For more information, contact Optivation at (218) 755-4900 or optivation@bemidjistate.edu.

About Optivation
Optivation is an off-campus venture operated jointly by Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College designed to increase collaboration between the University, the college, and the business and technology sectors of the northwest Minnesota region. Staffed by veteran business and entrepreneurial professionals, Optivation delivers targeted training and education systems to help organizations succeed in a changing world. Through its affiliations with the University and the technical college, Optivation is able to tap into an unparalleled network of people and technology across the state of Minnesota.
For more information, visit Optivation at http://www.optivation.org.