A B R O A D
LIFELONG LEARNING
Semester
#Study Abroad
Dear Residents, Family, and Guests,
Welcome to the #StudyAbroadWithRUIU Spring Semester! As we enter this season of exploration, RUI University is thrilled to offer a range of exciting opportunities that will broaden your horizons and inspire your curiosity. This spring, we’re offering:
A Special Lecture from the National Women's History Museum: Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn about the women who have shaped history and continue to impact the world today.
The Annual RUI Academic Decathlon in April: Put your knowledge to the test and compete against other RUI communities for the coveted trophy in this intellectual challenge!
Spring Break Travel Week: Be sure to check your community’s calendar for details on travel week, offering exciting opportunities for exploration and cultural discovery
We encourage all residents, family members, and guests to get involved this semester. Whether you're deepening your knowledge, meeting new people, or experiencing something completely new, RUI University offers an inclusive and engaging environment for everyone.
Spring classes are now open for registration!
For any questions or feedback, feel free to contact our engagement team at RUIUniversity@rui.net. We look forward to a spring full of learning, connection, and new experiences!
HISTORY
Army: Land, Sea, and Air
March 24 at 10:30 AM, April 28, Mary 26 at 2:30 PM
here are four major branches of the United States military: Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force Each one has a special history of service to the country, and millions of Americans have worn their uniform This series will focus on the development of each branch and its unique contributions to the history of the United States.
Class 1: Army
Class 2: Navy
Class 3: Airforce
Dr James Baer is an emeritus professor of history at the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. He received his Ph.D. in Latin American History from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. He was awarded a Fellowship for College Teachers from the National Endowment for the Humanities and served as the Virginia Chancellor’s Commonwealth Professor from 2003 to 2005 Dr Baer is the author of several articles on Argentine social history and Cuban Protestants. His book, Anarchist Immigrants in Spain and Argentina, is a transnational study of anarchists and their impact on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Dr. Baer’s latest book, A Social History of Cuba’s Protestants: God and the Nation, is published by Lexington Books.
Visual Learning Lab
Illustrated History- March 7, April 4, May 9 at 3:00 PM
HISTORY
Women in STEM
March 13 at 10:30 AM
In this engaging virtual talk hosted by the National Women's History Museum, explore the remarkable stories of women who have defied societal and scientific barriers throughout history From Civil War doctors to pioneering astronauts, learn about trailblazing women like Mary Edwards Walker, Bessie Coleman, and Sally Ride, who broke new ground in STEM fields. This session will highlight both the challenges women in STEM have faced and the inspiring contributions they’ve made to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Discover the legacy of these extraordinary women who reshaped our understanding of what’s possible
The National Women's History Museum (NWHM) is dedicated to recognizing, honoring, and preserving the diverse stories of women throughout American history. By educating and inspiring individuals of all ages, the NWHM seeks to shine a light on the incredible contributions women have made to society, culture, and various fields, from politics and science to the arts and beyond. The museum offers a wide range of virtual programs, educational resources, and events that celebrate the lives of trailblazing women, providing a platform for reflection and learning about gender equality and empowerment Through its engaging initiatives, the NWHM strives to promote awareness of women's history and ensure their achievements are acknowledged and celebrated for generations to come.
FINE ARTS
Timeless Marvels: Selected Masterpieces of the Louvre
April 9 at 11:00 AM
Explore a curated selection of the Louvre’s most iconic masterpieces, from ancient sculptures to Renaissance paintings. This lecture offers an in-depth look at some of the museum’s greatest treasures, shedding light on their historical significance and the artistic innovation that continues to inspire generations
Growing up amidst the artistic treasures of Northeastern France and Tuscany, Tosca’s passion for art was ignited at an early age. This enthusiasm led her to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History in Paris, followed by a Master’s Degree in Art & Archaeology from EPHE-Sorbonne. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Arts & Cultural Management from King’s College London.
Tosca’s career began with a role working for a prominent private art collector, where she honed her expertise in curating and appreciating fine art She later expanded her experience in the art world by working in renowned galleries across
London and teaching art history at a French university.
In 2021, Tosca founded Art with Tosca to share her passion and knowledge with a wider audience Based in Washington, D C , she designs and leads curated tours of the National Gallery of Art, Phillips Collection, Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Portrait Gallery and other fine arts museums, showcasing masterpieces that span the Italian Renaissance to Modern art.
Art with Tosca is dedicated to making art accessible, engaging, and inspiring. Whether through virtual lectures and events that bring centuries of art history to life or in-person tours through the halls of museums, Tosca’s mission is to connect people to the stories and significance behind the world’s most celebrated works of art.
FINE ARTS
Watercolor for Beginners
March 5, April 2, May 15 at 3:00 PM
Join professional artist Marni Maree for a beginner-friendly watercolor class! Learn essential techniques like color mixing, brush control, and layering while gaining confidence in your creativity. No experience needed just bring your enthusiasm!
Marni Maree, a Strauss Fellowship recipient for Visual Arts, creates vibrant watercolors inspired by flowers, travel, and the joyful spirit of Haitian children She teaches workshops worldwide, exhibits regularly, and has earned numerous awards A member of Potomac Valley Watercolorists, Marni lives in Springfield, VA, with her husband, Ron.
Exploration in Mixed Media Art
March 13, April 10, May 8 at 11:00 AM
The Mixed Media Art class is designed for students to explore a broad range of artistic techniques by combining different materials and mediums In this course, participants will experiment with the fusion of traditional and non-traditional art forms such as painting, drawing, collage, printmaking, fabric, and found objects to create dynamic and textured works of art.
FINE ARTS
The Wandering Docent
March 10, April 14, May 12 at 11:00 AM
In the world of art, different periods, styles, and regions have all made distinctive contributions to the rich tapestry of creative expression. This series will explore diverse movements and cultural moments that have shaped art history Each class will focus on a unique theme, offering insights into the influences, techniques, and artists that defined each era
Class 1: The Four Seasons of Art
In this class, we will explore how the changing seasons of the year have inspired artists throughout history From the symbolic representations of nature's cycles to the way artists have captured the dynamic beauty of the seasons, this session will uncover the fascinating relationship between nature and artistic expression
Class 2: American Art from the Depression-Era
This class will delve into the artistic responses to the challenges of the Great Depression in the United States We will study how artists of the era used their work to reflect the hardships, hopes, and resilience of the American people, including the rise of social realism and the influence of government-sponsored art programs like the WPA
Class 3: French Art: The Glorious Palette of Renoir
In this class, we will focus on one of the most renowned French artists, Pierre-Auguste Renoir Through a deep dive into his vibrant use of color, light, and his revolutionary contributions to the Impressionist movement, we will explore how Renoir's work continues to captivate audiences with its timeless beauty
Roshna Kapadia has a BA from Tufts University, an MA in South Asian Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MA in Art History from George Mason University. She has lived in the Washington DC area for 25 years.
HISTORY
Science of Music
March 22 at 10:00 AM
An acoustical exploration of the wonderful science behind that makes beautiful music! Did you know that Benjamin Franklin, the renowned man of science, while sipping a glass of wine was inspired to create a musical instrument that would one day be used by Mozart ?! In the same manner that we are charmed by music and song, scientists have been equally enchanted by the workings of instruments, and the complexity of acoustics since the time of the Ancients. Physics teacher Dean Howarth, in the guise of The Natural Philosopher, shares the science behind the music of the 18th century and the discoveries made by ingenious philosophers of the past whose innovations made the symphonies of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven possible
Dean Howarth is veteran teacher with over 30 year of experience in both public and private high schools in Northern Virginia and Washington DC. He teaches physics, astronomy, science history, and living history. He has been recognized for outstanding contributions to classroom education and is the namesake of the Observatory at McLean High School in Fairfax County, VA He has collaborated with scientific and educational institutions such as regional astronomical and science societies, planetariums, universities, national science festivals, and notable institutions like the Smithsonian. Having been inspired to teach by beloved popularizers of science like Carl Sagan and James Burke, Dean brings history to life in the classroom, at museums, historic sites, festivals, conferences, camps, and other institutions with connections to both science and history. For over 25 years he has engaged in historical interpretation, first with his students, and most recently as a private enterprise under the moniker "The Natural Philosopher"
CURRENT EVENTS
Navigating the News
March 3 & March 24, April 7 & 21, May 5 & 19 at 11:00 AM
In this interactive discussion, we dive into the overwhelming flood of information we face every day It’s exhausting to stay up-to-date with the constant stream of news coming at us from all directions – whether it's through newspapers, television broadcasts, radio programs, online articles, or the endless flood of social media posts With so many different perspectives and sources, it can quickly feel like we’re being bombarded.
For many of us, it becomes incredibly difficult to sort through the noise and discern what’s truly important With various biases, agendas, and agendas shaping the way information is presented, how do we filter through the noise and separate the wheat from the chaff? How can we confidently distinguish between what’s real, credible, and trustworthy, and what’s exaggerated, misleading, or outright false?
This conversation will provide an opportunity to explore these questions in-depth, and together we’ll work to develop strategies for identifying reliable sources of information and understanding how factors such as media bias and misinformation can shape our views. The discussion will be guided by the input and experiences of the participants, helping us build better media literacy in an increasingly complex world.
Pam Benson spent more than 33 years of her four-decade journalism career as a producer at CNN. She was one of the network's original employees. While there, Pam produced a one-hour news show; ran news coverage for the entire DC bureau; reported from the White House, the State Department, and the Pentagon; and traveled to more than 50 countries
CULINARY
Culinary Women: A Taste of Female Chefs
March 21 at 2:00 PM
Organize a tasting event featuring dishes prepared by local female chefs Include cooking demonstrations and discussions about their journeys in the culinary worldCelebrate the talents of local female chefs in this immersive class that highlights their culinary skills and inspiring journeys. Enjoy a tasting event featuring their signature dishes, along with cooking demonstrations and engaging discussions about their experiences in the culinary world Learn about the challenges and triumphs of women in the kitchen, and gain insight into the creative process behind their flavorful creations A must for food lovers and those passionate about supporting women in the culinary arts.
Farm-to-Table: Connecting Food, Community, & Sustainability
April 18 at 2:30 PM
Experience the power of local, sustainable food in this hands-on class that connects community and cuisine. Enjoy a tasting event featuring dishes prepared by local female chefs, complemented by cooking demonstrations and discussions about their journeys in the culinary world Learn about the farm-to-table movement, sustainability in cooking, and the inspiring stories of women shaping the culinary landscape Perfect for food lovers and those passionate about supporting local chefs and sustainable practices.
Vegetarian and Vegan Traditions Around the World
May 23 at 2:30 PM
Explore the rich vegetarian and vegan culinary traditions of countries like India, Israel, and Ethiopia in this engaging lifelong learning class. Discover the cultural, religious, and historical significance behind plant-based diets, and how they have shaped these diverse societies Through food and storytelling, you'll gain a deeper understanding of global dietary practices and expand your culinary knowledge Perfect for food enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike!
CULINARY
Spring Awakening: White Wines of the World
March 10 at 2:30 PM
Explore a selection of crisp, refreshing white wines from renowned regions, including Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Albariño Discover the perfect pairings with light, vibrant spring dishes, and enhance your appreciation for these versatile wines through a sensory journey. Ideal for wine enthusiasts looking to elevate their seasonal dining experience.
Earth Day: Organic and Biodynamic Wine
April 14 at 3:00 PM
Savor wines crafted from organically and biodynamically farmed grapes while exploring the growing importance of sustainability in viticulture Learn about the practices that promote environmental stewardship and how they enhance the flavor and quality of the wine. Perfect for wine lovers passionate about sustainable farming and the future of winemaking.
The Art of Blending: Bordeaux vs. Rhône
May 12 at 3:00 PM
Compare the iconic Bordeaux blends with the expressive Rhône blends in this in-depth class. Explore the distinct characteristics of each, from the structure and elegance of Bordeaux to the bold, aromatic complexity of Rhône wines. Delve into their historical roots, the influence of terroir, and how each region’s winemaking traditions shape their unique profiles A must for wine enthusiasts eager to deepen their knowledge of these legendary blends
HEALTH
Benefits of Strength Training As We Age
March 21 at 11:30 AM
This class highlights the benefits of strength training as we age, focusing on improved muscle mass, bone density, metabolism, and mobility, while emphasizing safe techniques tailored for older adults to maintain independence and vitality
Walking & Good Foot Health
April 18 at 11:30 AM
This class focuses on the vital connection between walking and good foot health, emphasizing how regular walking improves circulation, strengthens muscles, and enhances overall well-being. Participants will learn practical tips for maintaining healthy feet, preventing common foot issues, and understanding the impact of proper footwear, posture, and walking techniques. Whether you're aiming to increase mobility, reduce pain, or prevent injury, this course offers valuable insights to support long-term foot health and an active lifestyle
National Women’s Health Month
May 16 at 11:30 AM
This class celebrates National Women’s Health Month by focusing on the unique health challenges women face throughout their lives. Participants will learn about the importance of preventative care, healthy lifestyle choices, and managing stress, while gaining insight into the latest research on women’s health issues. The course provides practical advice on nutrition, fitness, mental health, and self-care, empowering women to take control of their health and make informed decisions for a long, active, and fulfilling life
Retirement Unlimited, Inc values our residents and understands the positive impact movement has on health Through RUI FIT, we offer an exclusive fitness and health program with a variety of classes that empower residents to have fun while staying active. By following the four pillars - Nutrition, Well-Being, Exercise, and Strength.
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LIFE LONG LEARNING
