CCSU 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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Scholars For Life! Speaker Series
Virtual Movie Club- Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
Professor Steve Armstrong
09/09/2026
7:00 pm
Password:
Watch the movie in advance and then join us for a lively, casual conversation. Just like a book club, but only with movies! Movies can be found on Amazon and sometimes in libraries!
“Geographies of Coffee: From Jumping Beans to Devil’s Brew to Addiction with Dr. Cynthia Pope-Portelinha”
Dr. Cynthia Pope-Portelinha
09/16/2026
5:00 pm
Password:
Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages around the world. While it is a luxury good in the United States (although some of us think of it as a necessity!), cultivating coffee is a livelihood for millions of people around the world. This presentation will highlight how geographers view the coffee industry globally, with a focus on the lands and people who grow this commodity. This presentation features coffee tasting and food pairings, but you do not have to drink coffee to enjoy the talk.
New! Interactive Presentation: “1950’s TV Comedy Pioneers”
Mr. Waldemar Kostrzewa
10/05/2026
5:00 pm
Password:
How much do you know about your favorite 1950’s TV comedians? Follow their talented paths from vaudeville to television with movie roles and radio programs along the way. You’ll see how the Borscht Belt shaped TV comedy pioneers Milton Berle, Jack Benny, Sid Caesar, Lucille Ball, Red Skelton, and Jackie Gleason. Have fun with Waldemar “Wally” Kostrzewa to spotlight the comic characters who made us laugh each week. Hear those behind-the-scenes stories and test your memory about TV comedy trivia. Bring your funny bone and a friend to this 90-minute workshop you’ll talk about for days.
Virtual Movie Club- Nashville (1975)
Professor Steve Armstrong
10/14/2026
7:00 pm
Password:
Watch the movie in advance and then join us for a lively, casual conversation. Just like a book club, but only with movies! Movies can be found on Amazon and sometimes in libraries!
“Fall-ing into Astronomy: What’s Up This Fall (and Beyond) with Dr. Kristine Larsen”
Dr. Kristine Larsen
10/20/2026
5:00 pm
Password:
Fall is the perfect time to spend some time outdoors with the night sky. Join Central astronomy professor Dr. Kristine Larsen on a tour of what's up in the night sky currently, what's new in the world of astronomy and space exploration, and a sneak peak to some future events.
Virtual Movie Club- Killer of Sheep (1978)
Professor Steve Armstrong
11/11/2026
7:00 pm
Password:
Watch the movie in advance and then join us for a lively, casual conversation. Just like a book club, but only with movies! Movies can be found on Amazon and sometimes in libraries!
“Living in a Changing Climate with Dr. Shayne O’Brien”
Dr. Shayne O'Brien
11/16/2026
5:00 pm
Password:
Climate change is a complex issue that leaves many of us with questions. What is causing climate change? How do we know? Where will impacts benefit? Who is responsible? Dr. O'Brien will answer these questions and more as he reflects on the past, present, and future of our climate.
Virtual Movie Club- There Will Be Blood (2007)
Professor Steve Armstrong
12/09/2026
7:00 pm
Password:
Watch the movie in advance and then join us for a lively, casual conversation. Just like a book club, but only with movies! Movies can be found on Amazon and sometimes in libraries!
Virtual Movie Club- The Florida Project (2017)
Professor Steve Armstrong
01/13/2027
7:00 pm
Password:
Watch the movie in advance and then join us for a lively, casual conversation. Just like a book club, but only with movies! Movies can be found on Amazon and sometimes in libraries!
Virtual Movie Club- Nomadland (2020)
Professor Steve Armstrong
02/10/2027
7:00 pm
Password:
Watch the movie in advance and then join us for a lively, casual conversation. Just like a book club, but only with movies! Movies can be found on Amazon and sometimes in libraries!
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
