RCTC LIFE: Learning Is ForEver

10/08/2026

We’re excited to celebrate LIFE Presenter Richard Bell on an incredible achievement!

Professor Bell has been awarded the 2026 George Washington Prize for his book, The American Revolution and the Fate of the World. The prestigious $50,000 award recognizes the year’s best work on America’s founding era and its ability to broaden public understanding of American history.

Those of us who have had the opportunity to learn from Richard through LIFE know what a knowledgeable and engaging presenter he is. We’re thrilled to see his work receiving this well-deserved national recognition!

Congratulations, Richard! We’re proud to have you as part of the LIFE community!

https://history.umd.edu/news/history-professor-richard-bell-wins-prestigious-george-washington-prize

10/07/2026

Did you catch LIFE Board Member Steve Troutman on Midwest Access yesterday? Steve stopped by to talk about our upcoming LIFE Harvest Dinner and what makes this special evening such a great part of the LIFE community!

Take a few minutes to watch the clip and hear Steve share more about the Harvest Dinner and LIFE.

Then, come join us! We’d love to celebrate with you on Thursday, October 22, at the Empire Event Center for an evening of good food, great company, and keynote speaker Sheila Kiscaden.

Join us for the Harvest Dinner: https://mnscu.rschooltoday.com/public/costoption/class_id/312307/public/1/tokenlink/fb73c

Today on Midwest Access we are heading out to where the lavender grows, finding out why The American Cooperative might be the choice for you, continue to learn ForEver, try chair yoga and head to the HCOC to celebrate fall.

10/06/2026

A spooky story, a creepy little door, a movie, and themed snacks—sounds like a fun way to spend a Halloween-season morning!

For our next Rated R for READ, we’ll explore Neil Gaiman’s 2002 novel Coraline and then watch Henry Selick’s 2009 stop-motion animated film adaptation. The story follows Coraline as she discovers a mysterious hidden door in her new home—and a strangely perfect version of her life on the other side. But, of course, things aren’t quite what they seem…

Jamie, LIFE’s administrative assistant, is already getting ready for the class with a library copy of the book! Reading the book is optional—you’re welcome to read it, listen to the audiobook, or simply join us for the movie. We’ll follow the film with a casual discussion.

Thursday, October 29
10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Located at Forté Living, 3975 Superior Dr NW

Join us: https://mnscu.rschooltoday.com/public/costoption/class_id/317072

10/05/2026

Good news! The deadline has been extended! You now have until Monday, October 12 to sign up for LIFE’s Harvest Dinner!

Join us Thursday, October 22, for an unforgettable evening with former State Senator Sheila Kiscaden as our keynote speaker. Enjoy a delicious dinner and great company as we celebrate LIFE together!

October 22
Doors open at 5:30 PM | Dinner at 6:00 PM
Empire Event Center
$69 per person

Free transportation is also available from Shorewood Senior Campus, Forte of Rochester, The Waters on Mayowood and Charter House - Mayo Clinic Retirement Living, courtesy of Star Transportation. Let us know ASAP if you’d like a ride!

We hope you’ll join us for this special evening!

Member Registration: https://mnscu.rschooltoday.com/public/costoption/class_id/313581
Non-Member Registration: https://mnscu.rschooltoday.com/public/costoption/class_id/312307/public/1/tokenlink/fb73c

10/01/2026

Two great in-person LIFE classes this week with two familiar faces! RCTC faculty members Chad Israelson and Brendan Shea have both been sharing their knowledge and expertise with LIFE for many years, and we’re always happy to welcome them back.

It was wonderful to see our LIFE members learning, asking questions and enjoying the opportunity to connect with one another.

Thank you, Chad and Brendan, for being such longtime friends of LIFE—and thank you to everyone who joined us! We appreciate having you as part of our learning community.

09/30/2026

Join LIFE for a special two-part experience exploring contemporary Russia through the acclaimed film Loveless with Asya Pereltsvaig.

Winner of the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, this 2017 film by director Andrey Zvyagintsev explores family, relationships and life in contemporary Russia, with the political events of the time unfolding in the background. Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h5GuecUU-Q

Watch the movie together:
Wednesday, October 7 | 4:00 PM
RCTC Heintz Center, Room H1100

Then join the discussion:
Thursday, October 8 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Online via Zoom

Register at https://mnscu.rschooltoday.com/public/costoption/class_id/317019

Come watch, learn and discuss this powerful film with fellow LIFE members!

09/29/2026

Discover the fascinating story of the Galveston Movement, a little-known chapter in Jewish-American history. From 1907–1914, approximately 10,000 Jews fleeing religious persecution in Eastern Europe entered the United States through Galveston, Texas.

Travel journalist and educator Dan Fellner takes us to Galveston to explore the sites connected to this remarkable movement and share stories of the immigrants who built new lives in Texas and throughout the western United States.

Tuesday, October 6 | 10:00–11:00 AM | Online via Zoom

Join us for this fascinating look at immigration, history and the Jewish community that helped shape Galveston. Register at https://mnscu.rschooltoday.com/public/costoption/class_id/317013

09/24/2026

✨ Meet our Harvest Dinner keynote speaker, Sheila Kiscaden! ✨

We’re excited to welcome former State Senator Sheila Kiscaden to this year’s LIFE Harvest Dinner on October 22. Sheila will share stories and reflections from her remarkable life and career, bringing warmth and insight to what promises to be a memorable evening.

Enjoy a delicious dinner and time to connect with fellow LIFE members and friends.

Thursday, October 22
Doors open at 5:30 PM | Dinner at 6:00 PM
Empire Event Center
$69 per person

Registration deadline is October 5: www.learningisforever.net

We hope you’ll join us for this special LIFE tradition!

09/23/2026

What happens when six aristocratic sisters choose six very different paths?

Discover the fascinating story of the Mitford sisters—a family whose lives included scandal, tragedy, political extremes, royalty, literary fame, and plenty of humor. As Europe moved toward war, each sister forged her own remarkable path, breaking from the traditions and expectations of their privileged upbringing.

Thursday, October 1, 1:00–2:30 PM
Online via Zoom

Join LIFE for this fascinating look at The Mitford Family: A Tale of Passion and Pathos. Learn more and register at www.learningisforever.net

09/21/2026

For 30 years, Chad Israelson has been sharing his knowledge with RCTC students and has twice been named an Outstanding Educator.

Now, LIFE participants have the opportunity to learn from him as he explores Liberalism and Nationalism, two powerful ideologies that have shaped the modern world.

From the Enlightenment and the American and French Revolutions to world wars, decolonization and today’s world, discover how these ideas developed, influenced history and continue to impact us.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of RCTC’s longtime outstanding educators!

Register at www.learningisforever.net