LIFELONG LEARNING
Winter Semester 2025-2026
WHAT IS RUI UNIVERSITY?
RUI University is a multifaceted curriculum that promotes purposeful living. The program supports intellectual wellness by allowing residents to critically think and examine topics from a variety of disciplines. Residents engage with peers and visitors in discourse and work through questions collaboratively.
CLASSES
Taught by RUI University Fellows and tailored to our residents’ interests Class subjects include history, music, fine arts, culinary, wine, horticulture, environmental sustainability, and more
LEARNING LABS
Activities that build upon class subjects
Learning labs engage all different types of learning styles: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, reading, and writing
#WINTERENRICHMENT
Dear Residents, Family, and Guests,
As we look ahead to 2026, RUI University is pleased to present our Winter Enrichment semester an inspired season designed to support lifelong learning, personal enrichment, and intellectual exploration. As the vibrant colors of autumn give way to the calm and clarity of winter, this is an ideal time for learners to reflect, reset, and engage in meaningful academic pursuits.
Monthly Events to Look Forward To:
December- Top Scholar Event
Celebrate the achievements of our dedicated lifelong learners at the RUI University Top Scholar Ceremony. This event honors residents who exemplify curiosity, growth, and engagement throughout the year.
January – Civic Engagement
Explore the importance of informed citizenship through discussions and activities focused on civic processes, volunteerism, and community involvement. January encourages residents to stay engaged and empowered.
February – Global Culture & Contemporary Issues
Expand your global perspective through programs highlighting diverse cultures, current events, and worldwide trends February’s offerings spark meaningful dialogue and deepen global understanding
Our winter curriculum has been thoughtfully developed to meet the evolving needs and interests of our diverse learning community. The 2026 course offerings span a wide range of subjects, skill levels, and formats, ensuring that every participant can explore new areas of curiosity or deepen existing knowledge From interdisciplinary seminars and creative arts workshops to skill-building sessions and special events, each program is crafted to encourage growth, discovery, and engagement.
RUI University remains committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment where residents, family members, and guests can connect, share perspectives, and enrich one another’s educational journeys These connections strengthen our community and enhance the overall learning experience.
ART HISTORY
Watercolor Techniques
December 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM, & January 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM
February 18, 2026 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.
Art History with Paula
January 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM
February 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM
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 nontraditional art forms such as painting, drawing, collage, printmaking, fabric, and found objects to create dynamic and textured works of art.
Paula Roman-Leon is a versatile artist skilled in various mediums, including painting, crafts, stained glass mosaics, and cement sculptures. She began her artistic journey at age 8 and studied Graphic Design and Drawing at the Portland School of Art in the 1980s. With over 20 years in graphic design, she freelanced as an illustrator for projects like the children's show Olivia Currently, Paula teaches art for all ages and enjoys creating furniture pieces. Her mantra emphasizes continuous growth and exploration in her artistic endeavors.
ART HISTORY
The Art of Forgery
December 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Uncover the fascinating world of art forgeries, where skilled forgers have mimicked the styles of the great masters, deceiving collectors and experts alike. In this lecture, we’ll explore the history of famous art forgeries, the techniques used to create them, and how they’ve impacted the art world, sparking debates on authenticity and value
Cabinet of Curiosities: Treasures and Oddities from Princely Collections
January 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Step into the extravagant world of princely collections, where eccentric and rare treasures tell the stories of royal patrons throughout history From exotic artifacts to bizarre oddities, this lecture highlights the fascinating items that filled the cabinets of curiosity, revealing the intellectual and artistic pursuits of wealthy collectors.
Lee Miller: A Life in Many Acts
February 9, 2026
From her groundbreaking collaboration with Man Ray to her fearless work as a war correspondent for Vogue, Lee Miller defied convention at every turn. This lecture follows her through the Surrealist circles of Paris, the studios of Picasso and Cocteau, the battlefields of World War II, and her richly creative final chapter at Farleys House
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BUSINESS
101 Fraud Tips: Protecting Seniors from Scams
January 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Discover practical and proven strategies to safeguard your finances and personal information in this engaging session led by Shawn Smith, State Director of the Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol and author of the widely praised guide 101 Fraud Tips. Drawing from the book’s clear, actionable advice and real-world examples, Shawn will explain the most common scams targeting older adults today and how to prevent, detect, and report fraudulent activity Known for its accessibility and effectiveness, 101 Fraud Tips has been recognized within senior-service and fraudprevention circles as an essential resource for empowering adults to stay informed and secure. This presentation provides participants with confidence, clarity, and tools they can use immediately.
Shawn Smith is the State Director of the Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol program. He leads a team of over 100 paid and volunteer staff that educate seniors on fraud prevention. Shawn is also the author of “101 Fraud Tips”, a guide to help seniors protect their money and identify from scammers. His presentation will be about "Avoiding Common Healthcare Scams” In it, he will cover the most common types of scams affecting seniors and he will share ways to prevent, detect, and report those scams.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
VPAP's Civics Navigator Civic Health Series
January, 2 2026 at 3:00 PM (Virtual)
RUI University is proud to launch the winter semester with the Civics Navigator –Civic Health Series, presented in partnership with the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) This series is designed to strengthen civic understanding and empower participants to engage meaningfully in the governmental processes that shape their communities
The January class, Civic Engagement, introduces learners to the foundational concepts of civic participation, public service, and community involvement Participants will explore how informed engagement whether through voting, volunteerism, advocacy, or awareness contributes to healthy, vibrant communities This session provides a clear, accessible roadmap for understanding how local and state systems work, equipping residents with the knowledge to stay involved and make meaningful contributions.
Erin Hill joined VPAP in 2024 as Civics Education Program Director With a Master's in Education and BA in Political Science, she taught high school humanities for nearly a decade While at CodeRVA Regional High School, she earned both the 2021 VASCD Impact Award and was the 2020 National History Day Teacher of the Year Nominee for Virginia. Prior to VPAP, she honed her skills in the private sector as an agile project manager. Now, Erin helps Virginians understand the political process and engage with issues that matter at state and local levels
CURRENT EVENTS
Navigating the News
December 11 & December 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM
January 5 & January 19 at 11:00 AM
February 2 & February 16, 2026 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 indepth, 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 onehour 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.
FINE ARTS
History of Jazz
December 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM
January 8, 2026 at 11:00 AM
February 5, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Pianist Quentin Walston will take listeners through a musical history of jazz. Performing a selection of works and styles from James P. Johnson to Dave Brubeck, Quentin will share the nuances of ragtime and stride piano, bebop and contemporary jazz Learn about each style and artist in jazz’s vibrant history and engage in a Q&A with Quentin afterward.
Quentin Walston is a pianist, composer, and music educator from Loudoun County, Virginia, performing solo and with his trio in the Northern Virginia and D.C. area. After studying piano at James Madison University, he shifted to jazz, culminating in his debut album, *Play*, released in June 2019. He performs originals, jazz standards, and folk arrangements while also composing for students and ensembles in Northern Virginia
The Great Chocolate Show
Chocolate Trivia
January 26, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Chocolate Trivia: How much do you really know about chocolate? Challenge yourself in this enjoyable and delectable game centered around chocolate trivia, where you can win chocolate-themed prizes! Join an experienced and FUNcertified chocolate speaker who will guide you through the fascinating process of how chocolate is made, from the bean to the bar and from the farm to the factory.
Donna Haase had a 24-year Navy career as a hospital corpsman and nurse. Haase spent nine years in semi-retirement working at the Hershey Story Museum which chronicles the life of candy maker and philanthropist Milton S. Hershey. She then decided to literally take her show on the road Experienced and FUN certified chocolate speaker teaching about how chocolate is made from the bean to the bar, from the farm to the factory.
HISTORY
Behind the Headstones – Amazing Stories of Heroes at Arlington National Cemetery
December 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM
This topic profiles people who achieved remarkable things during their military career and in some cases, equally impressive accomplishments in civilian life; most names are not well known but a few people will be recognized by most listeners; this presentation has two parts which can be presented separately.
PT Boats – The Weapon That Saved a General, Made a President, and Helped Win World War II
January 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM
This covers the development and use of these boats but also includes links to famous people, television and movies
Between Pearl Harbor and Midway – Turning Defeat into Victory in the Pacific During World War II
February , 2026 at 2:00 PM
This focuses on the naval fighting of the Allies in first six months of the warbetween Pearl Harbor and the battle of Midway; most events are not well known and though most of the fighting resulted in defeats for the Allies, it set the stage for later success; tie-ins to movies and other well-known events are included.
Blane Ampthor is a retired federal employee with more than 36 years of service. He has had a lifelong interest in history and has read extensively on World War II, the American Revolution and ocean liners He has taught with several Lifelong Learning Institutes and has instructed with various organizations such as the Loudoun County Public Library system in Virginia, AARP and seniors’ communities. He enjoys visiting sites related to his interests so he can gain a fuller understanding of events.
MUSIC
Live Music with Adam Melia
December 5, 2025, January 16. 2026, and February 20, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Adam Melia Music with Nashville Standard Presents provides quality and uplifting vintage style musical entertainment.
Live Music with Lee Jones
December 12, 2025 at 3:00 PM
A area musician who plays in a variety of musical genres, primarily on guitar, banjo, and uke
Live Music with Lalo Garcia
January 3, 2026 & February 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM
.Eduardo “ Lalo” Garcia is a bass player and singer from Mexico City and has played bass since he was thirteen years old. A very experienced and versatile musician, Lalo can handle multiple styles of music with authenticity Lalo has played in the US with Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Wanda Jackson, Ron Holloway, and Daryl Davis, with whom he toured Europe and South America.
UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
RUI University Scholars Celebration
February 24, 2026 at 3:00 PM
The RUI University Scholars Celebration recognizes residents and community participants who demonstrate outstanding engagement by attending the most classes throughout the semester This signature event also serves as the official unveiling of our upcoming curriculum, offering both residents and local community members an exclusive preview of new courses, programs, and learning initiatives Designed to inspire continued participation and broaden community connection, the celebration features full class descriptions, opportunities for early registration, and a welcoming environment that builds excitement for the next semester of enrichment and discovery
Tabitha Purcell , Life Enrichment Director
Pets on Wheels
December 9, 2025 at 10:30 AM
January 13, 2026 at 10:30 AM
February 10. 2026 at 10:30 AM
Pet visitation has been medically proven to have a calming effect. Visits by trained volunteer/pet teams help reduce anxiety, relieve depression, lower blood pressure, encourage communication, and increase socialization. What’s more, touching animals helps chase away loneliness, depression, and withdrawal and encourages a meaningful connection to happier times
The mission of Fairfax Pets On Wheels, Inc (FPOW) is to provide companionship and improved quality of life to residents of Fairfax area nursing homes and assisted living facilities through regular pet visitation by trained volunteers and their approved pets.
CULINARY
December-Food & Hospitality Traditions
December 26, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Celebrate the season at our signature Champagne & Snowflakes Holiday Party— the most anticipated event of the year This elegant gathering welcomes residents, families, prospective residents, and industry partners for an evening that highlights the warmth, sophistication, and exceptional hospitality of our community.
Savor 2026: A Culinary Discovery Series
This 12-month series is designed to engage residents in hands-on culinary learning experiences rooted in culture, seasonality, and therapeutic outcomes. Each month features a specific theme with global influence, wellness benefits, and social connection
January – Warming the Soul: Global Comfort Foods
January 20 ,2026 at 2:30 PM
Featured Cuisine: Moroccan Tagine, Thai Coconut Soup, Tuscan Ribollita
Experience global comfort foods through warming spices, rich textures, and hands-on exploration. This session highlights seasonal nourishment, cultural traditions, and interactive spice blending to support sensory engagement and cognitive wellness
February – Sweet & Savory: Mood Foods
February 27,2026 at 2:30 PM
Featured Cuisine: Dark Chocolate Truffles • Oysters Rockefeller • Strawberry Balsamic Glaze
Discover how select ingredients can elevate mood, support heart and brain health, and add sophistication to your cooking. This session highlights the balance between indulgence and wellness while exploring culinary creativity with naturally stimulating flavors
CULINARY: UNCORKED
Cheers to the Holidays: Festive Pairings
December 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Discover wines that beautifully complement traditional holiday dishes, enhancing flavor and elevating each festive gathering. This session highlights warm, rich, and sophisticated pairings that bring an elegant touch to seasonal celebrations.
Uncorked 2026: A Year of Wine Discovery
Each month, this series immerses residents in the culture, science, and story of the world’s most iconic wine regions. Rooted in hospitality excellence and lifelong learning best practices, each program includes structured tastings introducing non-alcoholic wines, paired culinary elements, and multi-sensory learning.
Uncorked Origins: January – Georgia: Tbilisi, Winelands & Highlands
January 5,2026 at 3:00 PM
Discover the 8,000-year winemaking tradition of Georgia and its deep cultural and spiritual significance This session explores qvevri fermentation, natural wine techniques, and the ancient clay vessels that shaped one of the world’s oldest wine cultures.
February – Uncorked Romance: Winter in Italy Romance, Reds & Truffles
February 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Explore the rich flavors and styles of Northern Italian red wines while discovering how they pair beautifully with hearty winter dishes and chocolate This session highlights renowned varietals such as Barolo, Brunello, and Super Tuscans, along with regional wine customs and stories that bring Italy’s winemaking heritage to life.
HEALTH
Holiday Hits Classic
December 29, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Celebrate the season with a joyful wellness experience that blends music, movement, and festive spirit. Participants will learn how to curate an uplifting, non-denominational holiday playlist featuring classics and modern covers, creating the perfect backdrop for energizing activities. The session includes a guided, low-impact exercise program set to holiday rhythms, incorporating gentle warm-ups, cardio, strength, balance, and a calming cooldown
The Act of Everyday Vitality
January 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM
This class explores vitality as a foundation for staying strong, active, and energized. Participants will learn how regular physical activity supports longevity, cognitive function, and emotional well-being, while also understanding the importance of recovery and balance The focus is on promoting independence, improving quality of life, and building sustainable wellness through consistent, enjoyable movement.
Matters of the Heart: A Gentle Cardiac Soiree
February 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM
This uplifting class introduces residents to gentle, rhythm-based movements designed to support heart health, boost energy, and encourage social connection. Participants explore how light cardiovascular activity enhances circulation, endurance, and mood, while group participation fosters emotional well-being With an emphasis on enjoyment, consistency, and community, this session highlights how small, mindful efforts can make a meaningful impact on cardiovascular vitality.
LIFELONG LEARNING
