"I really love all of it! I love learning about our area, the strong substance of the talks, the chance to meet new people, the question-and-answer session, and the respect given to the time. It is a lot of fun and I have been recommending it to anyone I see."
Engaging. Educational. Community.
LIFE@Lynchburg
Learning and Community
The University of Lynchburg’s LIFE@Lynchburg program offers not-for-credit learning opportunities for community members aged 50 and older.
The University of Lynchburg’s LIFE@Lynchburg program offers not-for-credit learning opportunities for community members age 50 and older. Ultimately, the program is a community of lifelong learners who explore topics together and do what the University of Lynchburg is known for — building friendships and connections that last a lifetime.
The program features weekly presentations on a variety of engaging topics, taught by current and retired faculty and staff members or area educators and presenters. Ten classes are offered each semester (fall and spring), with occasional field trips during the semesters and over the summer. LIFE@Lynchburg is for people who love learning, want to dig deeper in their areas of interest, or discover something new.
With LIFE@Lynchburg, you’ll learn about history, science and technology, arts, culture, politics, and more. The program is open to residents of the surrounding community, as well as alumni and existing Lynchburg friends and family. There are no requirements or prerequisites, only that you’re ready to dive in, learn about and discuss interesting topics, and make some new friends along the way. Also, after the presentations, you can eat lunch, get some coffee, or hang out with one or more of your new friends at Lynchburg’s dining facilities.
The Details
What it costs:
- Annual membership: $175
- Semester membership: $100
- Single session: $15
- Annual virtual membership: $85
- Semester virtual membership: $55
- Premium membership: $1,000
- Lifetime membership: $2,000
Our payment and membership options and benefits provide access to a range of on-campus amenities.
When it starts:
- Fall semester begins Sept. 9, 2026
- Spring semester begins Jan. 27
- Wednesdays 10 a.m. – noon.
What you get:
- Attendance at 10 in-person, two-hour interactive sessions held on the University of Lynchburg campus (typically in Sydnor Performance Hall, located in Schewel Hall).
- Reserved parking on Wednesdays.
- Access to live recordings after the event via an emailed link.
- Borrowing privileges at Knight-Capron Library: Check out books, audiobooks, magazines, and DVDs, and use the library’s public spaces.
- Lunch in Burton Dining Hall on Wednesdays at the student price.
Curriculum
The LIFE@Lynchburg curriculum varies by semester and is shaped by suggestions from our members. Science and science fiction, local history, and civil rights are just a few topics we will cover in 2026-27..
We want to know what interests you and what you’re passionate about. Have an idea for a topic? Let us know.
Fall 2026 Course Lineup
Are We Alone in the Universe? — The Search for Life on Other Worlds — Sept. 9
One of the most profound questions that has been asked throughout human history, “Are we alone in the universe?” is now much closer to being answered.
As astronomical technology has exploded, we are identifying and characterizing a multitude of other worlds orbiting nearby stars. We are also gaining a deeper understanding of biological systems, as well as probing closer to the actual origins of life itself.
What started as passive listening — trying to pick up signals sent from beyond — is now an active search for biosignatures, telltale signs of life.
Speaker Biography:
Taz Daughtrey is a true child of the Space Age, avidly following all the adventures from Sputnik through the earliest astronaut flights, missions to the solar system planets, and now the International Space Station.
He has served as a resource for the National Air and Space Museum, is a certified lunar sample custodian, and was a columnist for the newsletter of the National Space Institute.
Daughtrey was a youth preacher in his home church on the night of the first moon landing, and he was later credentialled by the Lynchburg newspapers to report from the site of the initial space shuttle launch.
He earned physics and science education degrees from the University of Virginia and pursued graduate studies in history and philosophy of science at Princeton. He has taught physics and astronomy in the Lynchburg Public Schools and at James Madison University and the University of Lynchburg.
Daughtrey feels especially blessed to be living in this extraordinary time of exploration and discovery.
From Wooly Worms to Real-time Radar – How Far Have We Come? — Sept. 16
An exploration into all aspects of weather and climate, from early folklore to more recent Space Age innovations. Special consideration will be given to weather forecasting here in Central Virginia, as well as to how our climate is being impacted by human activities. Both weather newbies and seasoned observers will benefit from the topics and insights discussed.
Speaker Biography:
Dr. Dave Perault earned a Bachelor of Science in environmental sciences from the University of Virginia. After a few years with both the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, he completed his Master of Science in fisheries and wildlife from Utah State University, and a doctorate in zoology from the University of Oklahoma.
His love for the weather began while avoiding hurricanes with the U.S. Coast Guard and then working as the fire weather observer with the Logan Hotshots, an interagency wildland firefighting crew. It continues as a National Weather Service spotter and outdoors lover.
Perault has been with the University of Lynchburg for nearly 30 years and has taught nearly every environmental science class offered, including Meteorology. His favorite season is winter — the more snow the better!
Time Travel: Real and Imaginary — Sept. 23
Time travel is a classic genre of science fiction literature, movies, and television. From H.G. Wells to “The Twilight Zone” to “Back to the Future,” the idea of traveling between past and future is the classic “What if?” But is time travel real? We’ll look at what science tells us about the nature of time, and then dive into all the twists and turns involved with transtemporal travel, both real and imaginary.
Speaker Biography:
Dr. Neal Sumerlin is a professor emeritus of chemistry at the University of Lynchburg and the founder of the Belk Observatory at Claytor Nature Center. He received his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Ouachita University and his doctorate in nuclear chemistry from the University of Arkansas.
He came to what was then Lynchburg College straight out of graduate school in 1976 and retired in 2012. He and his wife, Jane, have two adult children, son, Daniel, and daughter, Anna, as well as an honorary daughter, Simina.
Sumerlin’s lifelong interest in astronomy was sparked by his great-grandmother, in whose honor the main telescope at Belk Observatory is named.
A Short History of Emergency Medical Services in the Lynchburg Fire Department — Sept. 30
This presentation will cover the beginning of emergency medical services, or EMS, in Lynchburg and the involvement of the Lynchburg Fire Department, as well as the growth of the service and advances in pre-hospital care over the years. Brad Ferguson, LFD’s chief for many years, will also discuss the difference between basic life support and advanced life support, and where he thinks EMS will go in the future.
Speaker Biography:
Brad Ferguson retired from the Lynchburg Fire Department in 2017 after 42 years of service, 12 of which were as fire chief. Ferguson also has extensive experience in EMS as a firefighter/paramedic and rescue tech.
Medal of Honor Recipient Desmond Doss — Oct. 7
Lynchburg native and combat medic Desmond Doss made headlines for his refusal to carry a weapon during World War II due to his religious beliefs. He made history as a Medal of Honor recipient and two-time Bronze Star recipient. Desmond Doss Jr. will join us to discuss his father’s extraordinary life and legacy.
Speaker Biography:
Desmond Doss Jr. is the only child of Desmond T. and Dorothy P. Doss. Throughout his childhood, he traveled across the country with his father, meeting celebrities, congressmen, senators, generals, presidents, and other Medal of Honor recipients.
He says, “Growing up with a national hero might sound exciting, but I remember home as being very ordinary. To me, he was just my dad.” Desmond Jr. listened to his father being interviewed and talking about his remarkable experiences so many times, he remembers them verbatim.
Since Desmond Doss Sr.’s passing, Desmond Jr. has taken on the role of representing his father, speaking at churches, schools, and civic organizations. He hopes people can learn from his father’s extraordinary example of unconditional love, compassion, forgiveness, and acceptance of all people.
These values were deeply rooted in his father’s character, remaining steadfast even when he faced ridicule or contempt. The power of that is incredible. He wants people to remember his father as an agent of healing in mind, body, and spirit.
Righting the Record — Oct. 21
Forgotten stories of Black Americans, indigenous people, and marginalized groups whose contributions shaped U.S. history. Through research, digital storytelling, and community engagement, Zann Nelson will bring hidden stories to light.
Speaker Biography:
Zann Nelson is a historical investigator, writer, and lifelong advocate for accuracy and social justice. She holds a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in peace and conflict studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from Georgetown University, and certification as a trained mediator from the Virginia Supreme Court.
A prolific writer, Nelson has authored more than 700 published works, including investigative columns, feature articles, brochures, book chapters, and bound documentary reports centered on American history. Her investigative journalism has earned multiple awards for excellence in reporting.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Concepts, Misconceptions, and Hypotheses — Oct. 28
This presentation will explore key contemporary considerations, including the questions of: who (are being identified as autistic), what (how autism has been conceptualized and mis-conceptualized), how many (trends in terms of increased identification and hypotheses), why (concepts and misconceptions about causation), and so what (concepts and misconceptions related to intervention).
Speaker Biography:
Dr. Edward A. Polloway served as the Rosel H. Schewel Chair of Education at the University of Lynchburg, where he taught for over 40 years. He was also the vice president for community advancement, dean of graduate studies, and dean of the School of Education.
He received his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Virginia and his baccalaureate degree from Dickinson College. In 2000, Polloway received an honorary alumni award from the University of Lynchburg, and he received an honorary doctorate of education in 2018.
He served twice as president of the Division on Developmental Disabilities of the Council for Exceptional Children and served on the board of directors of the Council for Learning Disabilities.
He is a fellow of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the coauthor of 32 books and more than 100 journal articles in the field of special education and disability studies.
The Life and Legacy of Dr. Robert Walter “Whirlwind” Johnson — Nov. 4
Dr. Robert Walter “Whirlwind” Johnson was the first Black physician to receive privileges at Lynchburg General Hospital and the person credited for integrating professional tennis. His life has particular significance for African American history and culture in Lynchburg and beyond.
Although he was soft spoken, Johnson had unflinching determination. His work led to the first Black players being allowed into the main draw of the U.S. National Championships, precursor to the U.S. Open.
Johnson coached Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe, the first two African Americans to win major tennis titles. These famous athletes were trained on his historic property in Lynchburg. For almost 25 years, from 1947 to 1971, Johnson positively influenced the lives of more than 200 juniors through the sport of tennis.
The Whirlwind Johnson Foundation is historically renovating Johnson’s home and tennis court, which are located at 1422 Pierce St. Over the past 10 years, the WJF has completed historic preservation of the property’s tennis court and shed. It’s now restoring the home’s exterior.
WJF’s mission is to preserve and advance Johnson’s legacy by honoring his contributions to sports, racial justice, education, and health care. Its vision is to build more just and equitable communities inspired by Johnson’s legacy through WJF’s values of excellence, diversity, integrity, collaboration, and courage.
When completed, the property will be used to provide tennis lessons, after-school educational activities, and community social events for the neighborhood and people in and beyond Lynchburg.
The project adds value to Lynchburg’s Pierce Street Historic District, and WJF is actively involved in all of the current efforts of the Pierce Street Gateway.
Speaker Biography:
Jill Walker Roberts is a medical and scientific writer and tennis enthusiast who contributes her grant writing, event planning, and communications talents to the Whirlwind Johnson Foundation.
As someone who learned tennis later in life, she became interested in supporting Johnson’s project when she learned that he wanted everyone he met to learn to play tennis. She has been a member of WJF’s board of directors since 2018.
Robert W. Johnson, III, is the grandson of Dr. Robert W. “Whirlwind” Johnson. He is a graduate of Howard University in Washington, DC, who earned the distinction of Phi Beta Kappa from the prestigious Classics Department led by Dr. Frank Snowden. As a Latin teacher at the Benjamin Banneker Public High School in Washington, DC, and a Latin and Spanish teacher in Montgomery County for Maryland Public Schools, Johnson motivated his students like Dr. J motivated tennis players: To prepare for the Latin Exam in the month of March, students earned gold, silver, and bronze medals/certificates for their hard work. Johnson also followed in his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps by becoming a tennis coach and enthusiast in Washington DC and Maryland, teaching many children and adults to play tennis. He is a former ranked United States Tennis Association and American Tennis Association player in the Middle Atlantic States. An extensive international traveler, Johnson is engaged with the Whirlwind Johnson Foundation as a historian and storyteller.
The Resurrection Men: Body-snatching and the Making of American Medicine — Nov. 11
For generations, American medical schools depended on human cadavers to teach anatomy — but obtaining them was never easy. Long before modern donor programs, medical students and physicians frequently turned to grave robbing, an illicit trade known as “body snatching” or “resurrectionism.”
In this lecture, we will explore the surprising history of anatomical dissection in the United States, the violent “anatomy riots” it provoked, and the rogue individuals who supplied the dissecting tables.
Moving closer to home, we will turn our attention to Lynchburg and Central Virginia. By examining nearby medical institutions, local cemeteries, and historical records, we will investigate a haunting question: Did body snatching occur in our own community?
Join us for a journey into one of the most controversial chapters in medical history, where science, ethics, crime, and local history intersect.
Speaker Biography:
Dr. Price Blair, associate professor in the University of Lynchburg’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the assistant director of Westover Honors, joined the faculty in 2010. He earned his bachelor’s degree in both chemistry and classics from Washington and Lee University and his doctorate in pharmacology and experimental therapeutics from Boston University School of Medicine before continuing postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School.
Today, Blair teaches courses in a variety of subjects, including a Westover Honors colloquium on Frankenstein and the Science of Synthetic Life. He has led multiple study abroad trips to Italy, England, Scotland, and Germany to study the history of anatomy and medicine, as well as the works of Frankenstein.
Blair’s current research interests include studying the local history of grave robbing and body snatching for the purposes of medical education.
A Good and Pleasant Company: Lives and Legacies of Central Virginia, 1776-2026 — Nov. 18
In July of 1776, Lynch’s Ferry was a small wilderness settlement on the James River. Since 1757, the Lynch brothers had aided most adventurers bound farther west in navigating that unpredictable stream.
The village, which received a town charter in 1786 and changed its name to Lynchburg, was growing, and it and the counties around it were already home to a number of remarkable individuals.
“A Good and Pleasant Company: Lives and Legacies of Central Virginia, 1776-2026” begins in 1776 with their stories and proceeds in five sections, each covering 50 years, to celebrate the men and women who shaped the area we call home.
Some residents lived in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains all their lives. Others born elsewhere sought refuge or a new life in the Old Dominion. Legendary heroes, artists, writers, educators, soldiers, and a host of others who were only names until now are found within the pages of this book.
Created by 70 volunteer writers, the book is LYH250’s contribution to America’s Semiquincentennial.
Speaker Biographies:
A native of Lynchburg, Dr. Clifton Potter was educated in the city schools, graduating from E.C. Glass High School in 1958. He holds a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude in history, from Lynchburg College, now University of Lynchburg; a master’s and doctorate from the University of Virginia; and was a Fulbright Fellow at Oxford University.
He joined Lynchburg’s history department in 1965, serving as chairman from 1990 until 1996. He held the John M. Turner Distinguished Chair in the Humanities from 2002 until 2005. For a number of years he served as the faculty parliamentarian and college marshal. He retired in 2019 with the rank of professor of history, emeritus. He has written two books, co-authored four books about Lynchburg, and is co-author of “A Good and Pleasant Company.”
Born in Waynesboro, in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Dr. Dorothy Bundy Potter graduated from Lynchburg College with a Bachelor of Arts in history. She also has a master’s and doctorate from the University of Virginia and did further graduate work at the University of Oxford.
Her teaching career began in 1983, primarily at Lynchburg College/University of Lynchburg but also at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, now Randolph College, and Central Virginia Community College. She taught on the undergraduate and graduate levels and retired in 2017 as professor of history, emerita.
She has authored two books, co-authored four books on Lynchburg, and is also co-editor of “A Good and Pleasant Company.”
Thank you!
Thank you to the Treadway Family Fund for their support of LIFE@Lynchburg.
Thank you to our community sponsor,
Have a question?
Contact
Sarah Rhodes
434.544.8084
Director of Donor Relations and Endowment Administration
LIFE@Lynchburg Program Director
