Senior University April Class Highlights

In April explore hypnotherapy, safe travel, art appreciation, free speech, aging well and more!

Tuesday, April 7, April 14, April 21, & April 28
Hypnotherapy for Mental Health: A Commune Course

In this co-hosted course with Senior University and Holistic Wellness, watch pre-recorded presentations over 8 weeks (running March 24 – May 12). Hypnotherapy for Mental Health with Marisa Peer is an online mental health course that will help you boost your self-esteem, improve your sense of self-worth, and support you in cultivating a positive mindset through gentle, effective meditations. By doing so, you can break free from limiting beliefs and learn how to get what you really want in life.

2:00 pm, Bristol View 1^st Floor Bowditch Room

Thursday, April 9
Safe Travel

Join this informative discussion to learn how to prepare so that you can enjoy safe travel as an older adult, provided by Matt Santelli, Education and Outreach Specialist at Pierce County Aging Disability Resource Center. Matt will teach you some practical steps to ensure your travel dreams do not become travel nightmares. Bring your questions and Matt will provide the answers!

3:00 pm, Bristol View 1^st Floor Bowditch Room

Friday, April 10
Art Appreciation Lecture Series: Touring the World Through Art

Come with us on a journey around the world as we explore global cultures, histories, and visual artistic traditions, with each session focusing on a different region, country, or artistic movement. Regions include Asia, Africa, the Americas, the Mediterranean, Oceania, the Middle East, and more. Key themes will include Universal themes in art, the role of art in society, the interaction between cultures, and the importance of indigenous art traditions.

2:00 pm, Bristol View 1^st Floor Bowditch Room

Wednesday, April 15
Free Speech on College Campuses: Loyalty Oaths, Funding Cuts and Other Restrictions

In 1967, in Keyishian v. Board of Regents, the Supreme Court affirmed that academic freedom is a special concern of the First Amendment and that the government may not impose ideological orthodoxy in the classroom. Despite this principle, the Trump administration and several states have enacted measures critics argue restrict free expression in higher education. One Inside Higher Ed article claims that in less than nine months, the administration engaged in more unconstitutional actions affecting campus free speech than all prior presidents combined. This session will review the legal foundations of academic freedom, examine recent challenges, and consider potential long-term consequences at 2:00 pm, Bristol View 1^st Floor Bowditch Room

Friday, April 17
Discussions of Resilience and Aging

What is the meaning of “resilience”? How does the concept of resilience apply to the aging process?  We will present highlights on the topic of resilience in aging and consider participants’ personal experiences in this process.

2:00 pm, Bristol View 1^st Floor Bowditch Room

Wednesday, April 22
Moody v. NetChoice: A Win for the First Amendment?

In July 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in Moody v. NetChoice that social media platforms have First Amendment protection when curating and publishing third-party content. While many view the decision as a victory for free speech, critics argue the Court oversimplified social media by likening it to newspaper editorial pages. This session examines the ruling and questions its implications for corporate power and free expression online at 2:00 pm, Bristol View 1^st Floor Bowditch Room

Wednesday, April 29
Restricting Woke Words, DEI, and CRT: Protecting the Exchange of Ideas or Complete and Utter Censorship?

In June 2025, President Trump signed the executive order “Prevent Woke AI in the Federal Government,” one of several orders targeting DEI-related programs across federal agencies. The administration has also circulated guidance discouraging certain terms, including “climate change,” “green,” and “sustainable.” This session examines the scope and impact of these measures and considers how they align with established First Amendment protections against government restrictions on speech at 2:00 pm, Bristol View 1^st Floor Bowditch Room

Registration required for all classes. To register please call 253-756-6219 or email Jana at

jwennstrom@franketobeyjones.com

For a full class and activity list, click here.