The Knowledge Exchange

Senior enrichment starts with curiosity and ends in lifelong friendships.

Designed for the retired and semi-retired, The Knowledge Exchange is a lifelong learning program that meets on Fridays for eight-week sessions in fall, winter and spring. Full-length courses, workshops and presentations are offered.

Courses are non-credit and led by a team of dedicated volunteers made up of GovState faculty, alumni and community experts. A volunteer Advisory Committee made up of Exchange class leaders and participants assist in overseeing the curriculum and sustaining quality programming. Topics include: History, Law, Liberal Arts, Current Events, Foreign Policy, Music/Film, Philosophy and more with lively discussions. Lunch is a great time to know other Exchange students, continue classroom discussions and share classroom and life experiences. Participants of The Knowledge Exchange enjoy a relaxed and friendly environment on the GovState campus and have formed a community of shared learning, social interaction and the free exchange of opinions and ideas.

For questions about TKE programming: 

Lauren Healy, Cultural Development Officer: 708.534.8390 email: lesolato@govst.edu 

Dr. Jan Figa, Executive Director, Library & Info Svcs.: 708.534.4110 email:  jfiga@govst.edu 

 

For over the phone registration please call the Center Box Office: 708.235.2222
Box Office Hours: 

Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Thursday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

If you need to reach the box office outside of these business hours, please leave a voicemail at 708.235.2222 or email tickets@govst.edu.

The Knowledge Exchange, Fall 2026

Fridays, September 18 - November 6, 2026

Morning Sessions 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Chicago's Four Stars
Presented by Ted Golat, retired Chicago ("Seecago") Tour Guide
Friday, September 18 - Friday, November 6, 2026
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
$80 for 8 weeks
Register Now

Guest Speaker Series: Fall 2026 Edition

Friday, September 18 - November 6, 2026
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Two registration options:
Register for 8 full weeks at $80  to attend all sessions (1-8) listed below
Individual sessions are $15 each and can be registered for separately below

1. Myras Osman: The Wonders of China
Friday, September 18, 2026: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Register Now

 

3. Bill Mitchell: Lincoln & The Constitution
Scott Dominiak: Events That Led to the Civil War
Friday, October 2, 2026: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Register Now

 

5. Dr. Jan Figa: Textiles: A Twisted Tale of Traveling 
A fast paced romp through textile history, bizarre fabric facts, and a peek at how textiles continue to change.
Friday, October 16, 2026: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Register Now

 

7. Myras Osman: An African Safari
Friday, October 30, 2026: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Register Now

 

2. Judi Wilks: Write Your Name in Persian
Friday, September 25, 2026: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Register Now

 

4. Jerome Julian: The 13th Amendment and the New Jim Crow
Friday, October 9, 2026: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Register Now

 

6. Jan Figa: The Gouda, the Bad, and the Curdy: A Whimsical Journey Through Cheese Lore
Friday, October 23, 2026: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Register Now

 

8. Elizabeth Kurella: A History of Lace
Friday, November 6, 2026: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Register Now

 

Afternoon Sessions 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Al Jackson: The Jailbird Sings Part 1
Friday, September 18 - Friday, October 9, 2026
$40 for 4 weeks
Register Now

Dr. Jan Figa: Unlocking Your Personality Palette: 
Journey into Personality Types and Discovering the Colorful Way We Connect
Friday, October 16 - Friday, November 6, 2026
$40 for 4 weeks
Register Now

The Center
1 University Parkway,
University Park, IL 60484

Box Office Hours
Tues, Wed, Fri: 10AM-4PM
Thurs: 11AM-6PM
OPEN TWO HOURS PRIOR TO SHOWTIMES