Retired MCC History Professor to Address MCC MILES Fall Opener

In current times, it is more important than ever for people to participate in personal enrichment and community engagement events. Middlesex Community College’s Community Education and Training (CET) keeps adults 55+ engaged with MCC’s Middlesex Institute for Lifelong Learning for Seniors (MILES). The program has transitioned all classes to online platforms for the Fall semester, starting with the Opening Session featuring keynote speaker and recently retired MCC history professor Dr. David M. Kalivas.

Lauren Ellis, MCC’s Program Manager of CET, believes MILES’ transition to Zoom for the Fall offers students the opportunity to connect with others while pursuing life-long learning goals.

“We know that online doesn't replace all the big smiles and warm conversations, but it does give the members a chance to stay social and share some face time,” she said. “We have a wonderful set of online classes that will keep members engaged and eager to participate. With our online format we are hoping to reach a wider audience to ensure that all adults ages 55+ can enjoy an online social, and intellectually stimulating environment.”

Dr. Kalivas – who worked at MCC for 39 years – will present “Civil Rights in the United States: An Historical Perspective.”

“The United States has reached a critical time in its history as civil unrest and mass protests become more frequent across the country,” Kalivas said. “The pursuit for civil rights and equity has erupted on our streets shattering or weakening the bonds of our communities and fostering increased discontent and polarization with no resolution in sight.

“With calls for law and order and justice for African Americans, there is clearly much that needs to be done. With all this turmoil, there is no better time to reflect on our history to help us better understand how we arrived at this point. With that in mind, my remarks will offer a reflection on the history of civil rights in the United States.”

The free MILES Opening Session will take place at 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21.

MCC’s MILES program offers stimulating, interactive daytime seminars and workshops – with no term papers, tests or grades – for active, older adults ages 55+. This Opening Session provides community members an opportunity to learn more about MILES and the courses being offered – and is a good time to meet instructors and peers, even online.

MILES Fall 2020 Session runs Mondays through Thursdays, October 26 through November 23. Classes meet online on Zoom between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. – unless otherwise specified – and are facilitated by individuals with expertise in their field. Workshops and seminars focus on topics such as art, the environment, health, history, literature, movies and technology.

Each MILES course is $16 – with a maximum of $100 for the semester if you register for seven or more courses.

For the complete schedule of MILES courses, contact Lauren Ellis at 781-280-369 or email ellisl@middlesex.mass.edu.

To register for courses, call 1-800-818-3434. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/MILES for more information.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, we educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners. MCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – on our campuses in Bedford and Lowell, and online. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!