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CCSU Scholars For Life! Speaker Series

Scholars for Life Speaker Series

CCSU faculty and guest speakers bring their passions and knowledge to you in our Scholars For Life! Speaker Series. 

If you are interested in learning more about lifelong learning, our events and future events, please join the mailing list  or contact Christa Sterling @ csterling@ccsu.edu or 860-832-2277.

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Life & Leisure #3

Life Long Learning is a great way to keep your mind sharp!  The Speaking Series is a great program at CCSU – diverse subjects, well done! 

Gary Robinson, New Britain Resident and Life-long Learner!

Life & Leisure #2

I go to the fitness center to exercise my muscles, and I go to CCSU’s Life & Leisure Speaking Series to exercise my brain!  I have a high ‘curiosity quotient (CQ)” so the variety of topics covered in this series helps to satisfy my CQ.  It’s said that curiosity killed the cat, but for me curiosity makes for a more interesting life!

Reverend Dolores, Avid Life-long Learner!

Life & Leisure #1

Education is still important to us and now through the CCSU Continuing Education, ‘Life & Leisure Speaking Series’ it’s also fun again.  Thank You!”

Nick ’70 and JoAnn, Active Life-long Learners!

Scholars For Life! Speaker Series

“1777: Tryon’s Invasion of Connecticut & the Battle of Ridgefield”

Dr. David Naumec

02/19/2026
12:00 pm

Password:

Few places in Connecticut experienced the Revolutionary War as directly as Ridgefield, where a pivotal battle unfolded between 2,000 British troops under General William Tryon and American defenders led by Generals Benedict Arnold, David Wooster, and Gold Selleck Silliman. As Connecticut’s only inland battle of the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Ridgefield is a major part of the history of Connecticut and that of New England. Taking place on April 27, 1777, the Battle of Ridgefield was part of a larger British expedition to destroy Continental supplies in Danbury. Although Tryon’s invasion of western Connecticut achieved the goal of destroying the Continental stores at Danbury it failed to arouse Loyalist sentiment and demonstrated that Connecticut forces could quickly rally and nearly defeat an 1,800-man force. The British won the battle, but it was the last time the British army attempted an inland invasion in Connecticut. The dramatic encounter left a lasting imprint on the town’s landscape and collective memory. Efforts are currently underway to commemorate the event in time for the 250th anniversary through new research and archaeology. Dr. David Naumec is a Historian, Archaeologist, and Museum Consultant who is collaborating with several Connecticut institutions to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution while also serving as an Adjunct History Professor and working in the field of Cultural Resource Management. Dr. Naumec is a graduate of UConn Storrs, holds a Master’s Degree in History & Museum Studies from Tufts University, and completed his doctorate in Early American History at Clark University. His professional and personal research interests include Native American history, colonial North America, the History of Connecticut, and Conflict Archaeology.

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Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.

Mahatma Ghandi

CCSU’s Office of Continuing Education offers life-long learning opportunities that are friendly, stimulating and informal.
There are no tests and no grades! You will join a learning community that is full of diversity, conversation, stimulation and friendship.

Expand Your Horizons. Meet New Friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be over 50 to attend any Life, Leisure & Community Programs?

Most of the programs are scheduled to cater to our retired audience, however, anyone can attend.  Just be sure you can keep up with them!

Are there any discounts?

  Check back for our 2019 listing coming soon!

Are there any free events?

Yes.  AARP hosts many events on CCSU’s campus, and these events are free.

Where do I park?

Each individual event will have specific driving and parking instructions.  The events are at various locations, and we will provide the closest parking option.

Is there assistance to the event location?

Yes.  We have handicap parking at every location.  However, because we are a campus and you cannot drive to the front door of most buildings, we use a golf cart to transport those that need assistance.  Please let us know when you register if you require assistance.  Only authorized personnel can drive the carts, so we need to plan ahead.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Christa Sterling 860-832-2277; csterling@ccsu.edu

Judy Ratcliffe 860-832-2276; jratcliffe@ccsu.edu