Lifelong Learning Exploration Presentations
LIVE PRESENTATIONS
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
How Do I Just Keep Getting Better?
We will review ways to strengthen self-improvement, self-belief, and self-confidence. Each student will also have a fun time reviewing personal goals and values to assist them in making a personal mission statement to boost success.
Presenters: Donna Matanane and Dr. Jean Scheller-Sampson
Location: PAC 222
Networking, Mentorship, and Lifelong Connections: The Hidden Power of Internships
Focus on how internships provide opportunities for networking, building relationships with industry professionals, and finding mentors who can guide personal and professional development. This presentation will showcase how these connections can shape career paths and open doors to unexpected opportunities.
Presenter: Mawusi Amos
Location: PAC 220
Practicing Mindfulness in the Workplace
Even your Apple Watch will tell you to take time to Breathe, Reflect, and Relax – and you should listen. This session will give you tips on finding your breath in the workplace and also give you the time and space to breathe, reflect, and relax.
Presenter: Josie Blasdel
Location: PAC 218
You Too Can Study Abroad and Pay for It
This session will introduce students to the many study abroad options and scholarship opportunities available to them to help pay for it.
Presenter: Jane Rix
Location: PAC 217
Getting into the Flow
Dive into the fascinating world of Flow Theory and discover practical strategies to amplify your learning experiences. In this session, we'll explore the core principles of the theory proposed by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi to learn how to create an optimal learning environment that supports your engagement, enjoyment, and peak performance. You'll walk away equipped with tools to make any learning experience into an enjoyable and productive journey.
Presenter: Dr. Jennie Winters
Location: PAC 215
Being Authentically YOU
In this panel, we will explore how we stay authentic in an inauthentic world. In a world of filters and curated online personas, how do we stay true to ourselves? In our panel, we will challenge the old-school definition of “keeping it real” and explore how social media is reshaping what it means to be genuine. Our goal for this session is to develop the tools to cultivate and preserve our authentic selves in both our personal and professional lives.
Presenters: Dr. Sara Frank and Dr. Rich Murphy
Location: PAC 214
2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
Using the Science of Psychology to be Healthy, Happy, and Productive
This workshop will introduce attendees to scientifically supported practices that can increase health, happiness, and productivity. Psychology experts will introduce the practices, then attendees will make plans for implementing the practices in their lives.
Presenters: Dr. Guy Boysen, Dr. Sydney Engele, Dr. Michael Hahn, and Dr. Hui Wang
Location: PAC 222
Off the Beaten Path: How I Used my Liberal Arts Training to Go Backpacking and NOT Die in the Woods
Dr. Shelly Lemons, Professor of History, started backpacking in 2022 as a way to break free from the stresses of modern life. She faced new challenges for her body and her mind using skills developed through her liberal arts training. Backpacking has evolved from an outdoor hobby to a symbol of Lifelong Learning as she continues to adventure (sometimes solo!) off the beaten path.
Presenter: Dr. Shelly Lemons
Location: PAC 220
Practicing Mindfulness in the Workplace
Even your Apple Watch will tell you to take time to Breathe, Reflect, and Relax – and you should listen. This session will give you tips on finding your breath in the workplace and also give you the time and space to breathe, reflect, and relax.
Presenter: Josie Blasdel
Location: PAC 218
Knock Out Burnout
This session will discuss gaining strategies to avoid burnout in the beginning of a new career.
Presenter: Dr. Niki Owens
Location: PAC 217
Hop on Board the Energy Bus for a Happier Life
We are all feeling the stress from the many demands that life places on us. One way to combat stress is with positive energy. Jon Gordon’s book, The Energy Bus, discusses the importance of positivity in all aspects of life. Real positivity includes optimism, grit, mental toughness, and energy that delivers actual results. This training addresses developing the power of positivity within oneself.
Presenter: Dr. Kelly Stewart
Location: PAC 215
My Major isn't for me - Now What?
Are you in a major that doesn't seem like a good fit? Are you still undecided about your major? Come to this session to find out how to find a major that may be a better fit and how to make that change.
Presenters: Dr. Melissa Meeker and Jennifer Miller
Location: PAC 214
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Keynote - Alumni Share Their Lifelong Learning Journey
Join a conversation with four McKendree alumni whose lives and careers have taken unique and unexpected turns. Find out how they have found growth in lifelong learning using the foundations developed while at McKendree to achieve life and career goals.
Presenters:
Lindsay Hansard ’15
Lindsay’s journey exemplifies the power of continuous learning and transformation. After initially working in insurance, she pursued counseling and social work degrees from Lindenwood University. She has since dedicated her career to helping others through her work at TASC and is now transitioning to private practice as a counselor. As a Lincoln Laureate and Newberry Library scholar during her McKendree days, Lindsay continues to embrace learning as a lifelong endeavor.
Nicholas Powell ’03
Nicholas, a former track athlete from Jamaica, transformed his passion for sports into a career as a Performance Psychology Consultant at The MindGame Consulting. Drawing on his McKendree education and experiences with mentors, he now works with elite athletes, including Olympians, to achieve peak performance. His career has taken him across the globe, but he credits McKendree with setting him on a path that combined psychology, mentorship, and lifelong learning.
Reginald Duncan ’12
Reggie Duncan’s journey from elementary school teacher to national education leader highlights the importance of seizing opportunities and fostering connections. With a master’s degree from McKendree, Reggie now serves as an Education Program Specialist at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, bringing STEM and innovation education to underrepresented communities. His commitment to lifelong learning has earned him numerous awards, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, and continues to shape his impactful career.
Derek Sallee ’13, MBA ‘16
Derek’s path from McKendree to a leadership role at Anheuser-Busch showcases how curiosity and perseverance open doors. Starting as a brewery tour guide while earning his MBA, Derek rose to become Senior Director of Customer Connections and Insights for the global brewing company. His journey from political science student to senior executive reflects how embracing new challenges can lead to unexpected and rewarding career opportunities.
Location: The Hett
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Continue Your Story Career Series: Mathematics
Open to all students, this session features three recent graduates who have dynamic careers in finance, actuarial science, and education.
Presenters: Ryan Haynes - Client Service Associate with Archford Capital Strategies, Noah Crocker - Actuarial Analyst with Elevance Health, and Shelby Pluto - Mathematics Teacher at Edwardsville High School.
Location: PAC 217
