Bridges Academy Lectures Series
Education is central to the University of San Diego's mission, and our commitment to education travels beyond campus borders. The Bridges Academy is a lecture series which aims to quite literally “bridge” the gap between the retired community of San Diego and USD through educational opportunities. Because a sense of community is such an integral part of education here at USD, the Bridges Academy is designed to foster relationships with those outside the campus and raise awareness of university events.We cordially invite you to join our lecture series and experience the wonder and growth education provides. These exciting and valuable lectures are given by leading professors, alumni and students and take place on USD’s picturesque campus.
The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a program fostering life-long learning for those 55 years and older. U3A is a three-week program providing interesting speakers and workshops, and is offered by the Division of Continuing Education at USD, in January and July of each year.
For more information, please visit the University of Third Age Web pages.
Southern California: Earthquake Country
Presented by Eric Cathcart, adjunct professor, Department of Environmental Studies
Wednesday, February 8, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
Is San Diego ready for the next earthquake? When will, "The Big One" happen? This lecture will cover some basic plate tectonic concepts and how plate boundaries relate to earthquakes and earthquake magnitudes. The fundamentals of seismic waves will be discussed as well as a comparison of some major recent earthquakes around the world and how they compare to historic earthquakes along the San Andreas Fault. Eric Cathcart, a Licensed California Professional Geologist and adjunct faculty for the Department of Marine Science and Environmental Studies, will lead the discussion with multiple visual graphics as well as some hands-on activities.
Crossing Borders: A Journey to Integrity and Truth
Presented by
Elizabeth Walsh, professor, Department of English
Wednesday, February 29, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
Dante’s imaginary journey through the world beyond death is a classic poem which has been read and studied for almost seven hundred years. It is a journey which encompasses all of the small journeys of our lives; more than that, it is an allegory of our psychic and spiritual journey. In the second Canto of the Inferno, Dante learns that his journey has been a gift from heaven, and gradually he realizes that he has been given a mission to bring justice and peace to society. Dante’s poem is concerned not only with the major sins which can destroy human beings but with the effect their actions have on society itself. This lecture will concentrate on Dante’s growth in understanding, love, and hope.
Enlightened Ritual and Spirituality in 18th-century Europe: Music as Sermon
Presented by Marianne Pfau, professor, Department of Music History
Wednesday, March 21, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
The 18th century fosters diametrically opposing perspectives toward faith: enlightened skepticism vis-a-vis pietist devotion. Music emerges as an ideal vehicle where these seemingly irreconcilable viewpoints can co-exist harmoniously. For while its forms and structures rely on the power of reason and its texts appeal to the mind, 18th-century composers forged music's affective qualities to move the listener's spirit. We will consider music by late Baroque composers who espoused Enlightenment ideas, including Bach, Handel, Telemann, and Vivaldi. The lecture also serves as an introduction to the Angelus concert on March 27, 2012 where Baroque works for the Lenten Season will be performed live in Founders Chapel.
Communicating Dissent: Aesthetic Activism
Presented by Esteban del Rio, associate professor, Department of Communication Studies
Wednesday, April 4, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
Protesting used to be something you'd go out and do: hand out leaflets, sit-in, hold signs, and perhaps engage in civil disobedience. People in power have always used the media well to get their messages out - but what about dissenters whose views fall outside elite agendas? Professor Esteban del Rio, Ph.D., will present his current research on what he calls aesthetic activism to highlight successful communication strategies that protesters deploy to either garner media coverage or to create their own messages. As we've seen in recent events, from the "Arab spring" to the Occupy movements, protesters are increasingly relying on communication narratives and technology to help tell their stories.
USD Changemaker Campus: The Role of Universities in the 21st Century
Presented by Patricia Marquez, director, Center for Peace and Commerce
Wednesday, April 11, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
In 2011 USD received a designation as a Changemaker campus from the nonprofit organization Ashoka, a leader supporting thousands of social entrepreneurs and innovators all over the world striving to solve today’s most intractable social and environmental problems. Why did USD receive such prestigious recognition? During more than 60 years the institution has demonstrated a universal commitment to social change. At a time of great national and global turmoil, we are pioneers in best practices for fostering social change. A central question is: what is next for USD? Be part of the conversation as USD innovates to better enable young minds to use their passion, creativity, and knowledge in the creation of more sustainable and socially just societies.
Brain Vitality - What do we really know?
Presented by Ann Mayo, professor, School of Nursing
Wednesday, April 25, 10-11:30 a.m. 
HAHN UNIVERSITY CENTER, FORUM A
Sudoku puzzles, blueberries, vigorous exercise, oh my! Enticing strategies for brain health can be found in newspapers, magazines and on TV every day. The human brain is the most complex organ in the body making its functioning vulnerable to even slight changes in structure and chemistry. Dementia, a common disease among older adults, disrupts the delicate balance in the brain causing memory and thinking problems. Join Professor Ann Mayo, Ph.D., for a discussion about Alzheimer’s disease and the related dementias as well as an update on the state of the science regarding brain vitality, memory preservation, and thinking strategies.
Questions about the program can be directed to
Jenny Barbosa at (619)260-4815.
