PLATO Weekly Update

October 21, 2025

PLATO EDUCATION FUND ANNUAL GIVING
Many thanks to those who have already donated!

If you are in a position to share... Please consider contributing to PLATO's Education Fund which provides scholarships for returning adult students at UW-Madison, and supports the UW-Department of Continuing Education's Badger Ready program, the Odyssey Project, and four local community programs. Learn more and donate here.

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
Have a question about a course? Find everything you need to know on the Courses webpage.

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
Enjoy this brief article and podcast interview of Heather Williams, a longtime course coordinator who has offered numerous drawing courses for PLATO members throughout the years. Discover the gifts that the activity of drawing can offer!

To renew or to become a member, visit the Join PLATO webpage.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & COFFEE GATHERINGS
These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee or breakfast and lunch options.

THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee at the Rotunda Café on October 24 from 9:30-11:30am. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT MONTH! First Friday Breakfast Gathering (note the new location and time) at Panera Bread located at 601 Junction Road on Friday, November 7, from 9:30-11:30am. Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES
Save the Dates – review this flyer for lecture dates through December 2025!

THIS WEEK! Immigration Law: History and Current Status by Raluca Vais-Ottosen, attorney and Chair of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association on Thursday, October 23 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! Beyond Alexa & Siri: AI, Your Digital Dignity, and an Empowered Future by Dr. Hank Weiss (PhD, MPH, MS), an experienced epidemiologist and AI advocate at JBS International. This lecture on Thursday, November 6 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center will provide a compelling and empowering introduction to AI,focusing on the crucial concept of digital dignity for older adults. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here. 

NEXT MONTH! Coping with Loss: The Empty Chair on Thursday, November 20 from 10:00-11:30am at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center . In her lecture, Peggy Weber will discuss the impact of loss on persons due to illness, death, significant family changes (and more), as well as highlight strategies for coping with grief. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

PAST RECORDINGS
NEW! View a recording of PLATO's October 9 lecture Beyond Politics: The Content of Wisconsin's Character, Past & Present by journalist and author Mike McCabe. Note that because he sold out of copies of his books at this lecture, at members' request, a link to his books is also provided.

FIELD TRIPS

NEW! Civil Rights Struggles in Milwaukee in the 1960’s – an interview of Tom Jacobson by Dave Zweifel on Thursday, November 13 from 1:30-3pm in Fitchburg at Quarry Ridge Retirement Community located at 2851 Fitchrona Road. Tom Jacobson is a renown civil rights attorney involved in some of Wisconsin's most important historical legal cases, including the defense of the legendary Father Groppi in Milwaukee during the 1960's. Registration will open on Tuesday, October 28.

SAVE THE DATE! Back by popular demand – PLATO member Alan Garfield, Professor Emeritus and retired art historian, will lead an art viewing excursion to The Chazen Museum of Art on Friday, November 14 from 1:00-3:00pm. Registration will open on Tuesday, October 28.

Join us for the Holiday of Lights Tour in Oshkosh on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Treat yourself to a day of holiday cheer with a variety of festive experiences in Oshkosh! Note that PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity so pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. Registration deadline is Monday, November 17. Learn more and register here.

THEATER TRIPS
Save the Dates – review this flyer for theater trip dates through June 2026!

Register today – just five spots left! The 39 Steps – 1pm Matinee on Tuesday, November 18 at American Players Theatre. "A seductive spy story based on all the best noir, with a hearty comic twist – think North by Northwest, but by Noël Coward. All brought to gleeful life by four incredible actors playing over 100 characters!" Registration is required and members may bring a guest. Registration deadline is Wednesday, October 29. Learn more and register here.

THE AGORA
The Agora, PLATO’s biennial literary, ideas, and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

TIME TO CELEBRATE! Join us at the PLATO Arts Café on Tuesday, October 28 at 7pm at the Capitol Lakes Grand Hall Auditorium for this complimentary event to appreciate the contributors and their work in this latest volume! Learn more here.

Access your digital copy of The Agora, Volume 9 and view highlights from the past season on the The Agora Features webpage.