The University of Lynchburg’s popular LIFE@Lynchburg program returns for the spring semester on Wednesday, Feb. 5. Held weekly, LIFE@Lynchburg features a variety of engaging speakers and topics for adults ages 50 and older.

As in previous semesters, all sessions will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays in Schewel Hall’s Sydnor Performance Hall.

The schedule kicks off with “In the Footsteps of Frankenstein: Uncovering the Origins of Mary Shelley’s Masterpiece,” presented by Dr. Price Blair, associate professor of physical therapy at Lynchburg.

As described on the LIFE@Lynchburg website, Blair’s presentation will “explore the intersection between Mary Shelley’s personal life and travels and her groundbreaking work of science fiction.”

As a follow-up to the lecture, and in collaboration with Global Explorers, a Lynchburg, Virginia-based tour agency, Blair and Global Explorers owner Declan Pratt will lead a Frankenstein-themed tour through Germany and Switzerland from Oct. 16-26.

According to a program brochure, “In the Footsteps of Frankenstein: Uncovering the Origins of Mary Shelley’s Masterpiece” will give travelers from the LIFE@Lynchburg program the “exciting opportunity to step into the pages of ‘Frankenstein,’ seeing the landscapes and cultural sites that inspired Shelley’s masterpiece,” including “the beauty, history, and culture of Alpine Europe” and “plenty of good food.”

As a bonus feature, $150 of the trip fee will go back to the LIFE@Lynchburg program, to be used as scholarships for next year.

For more information about the trip, contact Pratt at [email protected] or 434.665.2622.

Other sessions will include presentations about Elliot and Rosel Schewel, Project Paperclip, BWXT, Rosenwald schools, the Apollo program, and the University’s Daura Museum of Art, and a performance by Curtain Call, the University’s musical theater ensemble.

The semester concludes on April 16 with the annual Student Scholar Showcase.

“The enthusiasm for this program continues to grow, as does our membership,” said Sarah Rhodes, LIFE@Lynchburg program director. “As we head into the spring semester, we have more than 250 members, which is more than we had for the entire 2023-24 season. It’s very exciting to watch our program continue to grow and evolve each semester.

“Not only are our members engaging with the material, but they’re building real relationships with one another. That’s really the goal of this program: to provide the opportunity for members to learn more about the world around them, and about each other.

“There are countless studies showing the effect that isolation can have on seniors with regards to brain health, emotional well-being, and socialization, and if being a part of LIFE@Lynchburg has a positive impact on the lives of our members, then we’ve achieved our goal.”

A complete schedule of events, including speaker bios and topics, can be found on the LIFE@Lynchburg website.

Participants can register online via the LIFE@Lynchburg website. A semester membership is $85 (virtual: $49), and individual classes are $12. Semester memberships include a variety of perks, such as reduced meals in the dining hall and free access to art exhibitions and theater and music performances.

LIFE@Lynchburg is sponsored by the Treadway Family Fund and The Summit, an upscale retirement community in Lynchburg.

For more information about LIFE@Lynchburg, contact Sarah Rhodes, LIFE@Lynchburg program director, at 434.544.8084 or [email protected].