Current Classes
Spring 2022
Welcome! Here is how to participate this semester:
1) Read through the catalog to see what interests you. You can also search for classes below using our search tool. All University Express classes are free and either in-person or virtual using Webex. Some classes may be recorded and posted on our website at a later date.
2) Register for the classes that interest you.
Virtual Classes: Visit our Virtual Classes page to register for the classes you want to virtually attend. You’ll receive an email confirming your registration status after registering. You can call our office for assistance if you do not have internet access.
In-Person Classes: Call the location where the in-person class is offered and reserve your spot ahead of time. Visit our Locations page for the list of locations and their schedules.
3) Make sure you have the right technology. You can access the virtual classes from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You may also phone in if you’d just like to listen to the presentation.
4) Participate in the classes you registered for!
Virtual Classes: Once your registration is accepted, you will receive email reminders before the class(es) start that you can join from.
In-Person Classes: Make sure you called the location ahead of time to register. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines at the location you are attending.
Catalog
Take a look at our class catalog to see what we will be offering this spring!
Locations
Check out the list of locations that are hosing our in-person classes and their schedules! You must contact the locations directly to reserve your spot. Be sure to follow all location safety guidelines.
Virtual Classes
Visit our registration page so you can register for our virtual classes!
Date - Time | Topic | Course Description | Instructor | Location | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
11:00 AM |
Get to Know the Architectural Styles of Erie County | Explore 200 years of architectural design, learning the terminology and characteristics of the styles and types that define Erie County's unique built environment. |
Christiana Limniatis | Akron-Newstead Senior Center |
Humanities |
1:00 PM |
Choosing the Right Foods to Manage or Prevent Osteoporosis | Learn how certain foods and eating behaviors can benefit our skeletomuscular health through the aging process. Attendees will leave understanding which nutrients impact bone health, with special attention to female health. |
Jacqueline Anderson | Clarence Senior Center |
Science and Medicine |
1:00 PM |
Early 1900s Society & Culture | We'll cover individuals involved in education, politics, entertainment, sports, religion, social welfare and white-collar companies of the WNY area, including retail, newspapers, hospitality, and other businesses and the philanthropists that benefitted our community. |
Rick Falkowski | City of Tonawanda Public Library |
History |
2:00 PM |
US President James A. Garfield: Victim of Assassin & Medical Arrogance | This presentation explores the surprise election, brutal murder, and unfulfilled potential of our 20th president. |
Ron Smith | Amherst Senior Center |
History |
2:00 PM |
Switched at Birth | A true story about two babies born within days of each other and were given to different parents. How did the families find out about the switch 10 years later? What did the future hold for both girls? |
Theresa Wiater | Akron-Newstead Senior Center |
Humanities |
10:00 AM |
Amphibians: The Good, the Bad, & the Slimy | This program will explore the diversity of amphibians on Earth today, as well as their Devonian period origins. Their unique adaptations will be discussed along with some incredible exceptions to the typical rules of amphibian growth and development. Other key topics will include their roles as indicator species, reasons for their dramatic decline over the last 50-100 years, and ways we can aid their survival. |
Robin Sanecki | Lancaster Senior Center |
Natural Sciences |
1:00 PM |
Rock 'n' Roll Buffalo | A review of the musicians, bands, DJ's, clubs, concert halls and personalities that brought rock music to the Buffalo area. Starting with the beginning of Rock N Roll in the 50's, the presentation will focus on rock music, but will include all styles of music performed in WNY through the mid 80's, along with photos of the bands and venues. |
Rick Falkowski | Akron-Newstead Senior Center |
History |
2:00 PM |
Looking Ahead | With no kids or out of town family, are you wondering who will be able to provide support and care for you in the future? Join us for a talk about the services and supports that can be put into place. |
Amherst Senior Center |
Wellness and Personal Enrichment | |
10:30 AM |
Understanding Lipid Profile & Cholesterol Numbers - VIRTUAL | This is for anyone interested in learning more about cholesterol and lipid profiles and how they affect our health. We'll learn about HDL, LDL and triglycerides, how they work in the body, and management options. |
Virtual Register |
Science and Medicine | |
11:00 AM |
Head Lamps & High Times: The Early History of Buffalo Automobiles | Head Lamps and High Times is a journey through the automobile culture that developed in Western New York in the early 1900s. |
Doug Kohler | Schiller Park Senior Center |
History |
2:00 PM |
Training for a Race | Are you think about competing in a running, biking, or swimming competition? Here you'll learn the ins and outs of training for the sections. |
Julie Ruszala | Amherst Senior Center |
Wellness and Personal Enrichment |
10:30 AM |
Backyard Wildlife | We'll talk about how to encourage wildlife into your backyard! Learn about the best backyard wildlife to have and how they are so important to have around. |
Nicole Klimowicz | Akron-Newstead Senior Center |
Natural Sciences |
10:30 AM |
Discovering Buffalo, One Street at a Time | We'll continue our study of how the streets in Buffalo got their names. Learn about the man who brought vocational schools to Buffalo, how the electric chair is connected to Buffalo and more! |
Angela Keppel | West Side Community Services |
History |
10:30 AM |
To Build a Fire by Jack London | A man, a dog, and the Artic combine to illustrate the conflict that Nature presents when man becomes over confident when dealing with the natural world. |
Orchard Park Senior Center |
Humanities | |
1:00 PM |
Buffalo Stories: The Murder of the White Witch | Journey through one of the "Crimes of the Century" in Buffalo which you may have never heard of. Uncover a love triangle, hear messages from the other side, and see landmarks from right here in our backyard. |
Ryan Gadzo | Town of Tonawanda Senior Center |
History |
2:00 PM |
What's a Filibuster? | Is it time to end the filibuster? Is it outdated? Is it blocking progress? Join us for an informational discussion on the matter. |
Len Lenihan | Amherst Senior Center |
Current Events |
10:00 AM |
Safe Dating Practices | Dating has changed a lot over the years. We'll discuss topics including safe sex, scams, and other scenarios you may encounter while dating. |
Wellness and Personal Enrichment | ||
10:30 AM |
Diabetes & Added Sugars: Making All Foods Fit | Achieving balanced blood sugar should not be restrictive! In this class sources of added sugar, how much to consume and strategies for including these types of food will be reviewed. Attendees will be encouraged to participate in brainstorming combinations of foods that promote healthy blood sugar levels. |
Orchard Park Senior Center |
Science and Medicine | |
1:30 PM |
Persuasion | We'll examine the basic social psychology behind persuasion. By learning the communication techniques and notions of influence and attitude, along with interpersonal and media related examples, we can better understand persuasion as a communicator and receiver. |
John Harrigan | Orchard Park Senior Center |
Humanities |
2:00 PM |
The Joy of Flying Kites | Learn about the history of kite flying, the types of kites, and how to make the most of all wind conditions. |
Bill Daniels | Amherst Senior Center |
Wellness and Personal Enrichment |
2:30 PM |
WAVES in World War II | This program, while not the first in America's military history, ushered the discussion of bringing women into service full time. Come learn more about this important program during World War II. |
Shane Stephenson | Lancaster Senior Center |
History |
10:30 AM |
Mary Anning, William Smith, & "The Map that Changed the World" - VIRTUAL | A class about global geology and how we've come to understand it during the past two centuries based on stratigraphy and plate tectonics. We'll be talking about two people whose early field work in England laid the foundation for much of what we now understand. |
Phil Stokes | Virtual Register |
Natural Sciences |
11:00 AM |
Crystal Beach | Return to Crystal Beach Park through a slideshow collection of photographs and postcards from the park's beginning in 1888 to its final year in 1989. Shiver in fright in the Laff in the Dark. Ride a painted pony. Walk the wacky halls of the Magic Carpet. Remember the fun one more time. |
Rose Ann Hirsch | Autumnwood Senior Center |
History |
1:00 PM |
Living with Anxiety | We'll discuss the types of anxiety, how anxiety may impact us, and ways to cope. |
Mark O'Brien | Clarence Senior Center |
Science and Medicine |
5:30 PM |
Styles of Beer | What separates an IPA from a Lager? How is a Sour Ale made? Learn what makes each beer style unique, and the beer culture that made it popular. Join us to find out! |
Akron-Newstead Senior Center |
Science and Medicine | |
10:30 AM |
Putting Your Affairs in Order | Consider your important documents, how to keep track of your accounts, and what to share with trusted family and friends. |
Valerie Stanek | West Side Community Services |
Law and Finance |
10:30 AM |
What Do All These Numbers Mean? - VIRTUAL | Fitness trackers are great, but how do you make sense of all the numbers they give you? Heart rate, sleep tracking, steps, calories...what are you supposed to do with all that information? Join us as we discuss the different data your fitness tracker captures and how to make it work for you. |
Jennifer Johnson | Virtual Register |
Science and Medicine |