University Express program offers free classes for lifelong learners ages 55+ with topics across a wide array of interests
Erie County Executive Poloncarz leads off History series with discussion on FDR’s “The Four Freedoms” speech Tuesday April 30 at 6:00 PM
ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Erie County Department of Senior Services has announced the schedule for the Spring Semester of the popular University Express program, which offers free classes for lifelong learners ages 55 and older. University Express offers 172 unique class topics over a total of approximately 374 sessions for the Spring 2024 Semester. Classes are designed to stimulate the mind and provide opportunities to build social networks, reducing social isolation and bringing people together around subjects that interest them. There are both in-person and online course selections taking place in a variety of locations countywide. Attendees are required to register with the site at which the class they wish to attend is being held. Class times, dates and locations, information and registration can be found at the University Express website.
On Tuesday, April 30 the University Express spring program will kick off at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historical Site in Buffalo as the first speaker of the semester, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz, will discuss the “Four Freedoms” speech presented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of his 1941 State of the Union address. Poloncarz will cover what resulted from the speech, its impact on American life, and how its principles still apply in today’s world.
In addition to History, other class categories include Current Events, Wellness & Personal Enrichment, Law & Finance, Natural Science, and more. Classes are instructed by local peers, professionals, and organizations whose knowledge and skillsets are relevant to each topic. Each semester, the number of classes offered virtually continues to grow thanks to efforts made by the Department of Senior Services to incorporate more technology into local Senior Center programming. More virtual classes mean more opportunities for older adults who are homebound or have limited means of transportation to participate, helping them to remain socially active in their communities.
Class catalogs can be found at participating University Express locations, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Branches, and all Erie County Stay Fit Dining sites. Residents can also call the Erie County Department of Senior Services NY Connects line at 716-858-8526 for additional information.
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