PLATO Weekly Update

June 9, 2026

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES

THIS WEEK! Many Summer Courses begin this week and some still have space! Find the Summer Course Scheduleon the Courses webpage and if you haven't yet, please read this brief article to learn about a new pilot registration process for select Summer Courses.

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS

THIS MONTH! Join us on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 1:30pm for PLATO's second tour of Epic's unique corporate headquarters in Verona to explore their Storybook Campus. This tour will be led by PLATO members Bob Shaw andBarb Drake using Epic's self-guided handout. Registration is limited to PLATO members only. Learn more and register here.

~  ~  ~

NATURE WALKS

THIS WEEK! There are a few spots left! Register today for a 2.5 hour tour of the Pheasant Branch Conservancy on Thursday, June 11, 2026 starting at 8:30am. Hans Hilbert will guide PLATO members and their guests through some of the most unique land features in the Conservancy. Topics will include human history, ecology, watershed dynamics, the impacts of development, and more. Registration is required by 5pm Wednesday, June 10 for this complimentary tour. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST & COFFEE GATHERINGS + A LUNCH HOUR MEET-UP
These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee or breakfast and lunch options.

THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – June 12, 10:00am-12:00pm at the Memorial Union Terrace – note the time change and new summertime location. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT WEEK! Third Friday PLATO Meet-Up at the Great Dane Pub on the East Side on Jupiter Drive on June 19, from 11:30am-1:30pm. Note that this gathering will now be in the downstairs bar area instead of upstairs and ordering lunch is not required. Learn more and RSVP here.

~  ~  ~

BIKE RIDES

Explore Madison's neighborhoods with self-guided bicycling routes – there's also electric bike rental info.

~  ~  ~

LECTURES

PLATO Lectures will resume in early September! In the meantime, explore the Past Recordings webpage to enjoy lectures and course sessions on a variety of interesting subjects presented by PLATO members and special guest presenters.

PLATO POP-UP EVENTS

Providing members with new opportunities to connect, learn, and grow!

THIS MONTH! PLATO member Jane Barnard invites up to ten PLATO members to join in for an upbeat Let’s Play Trivia Night on Thursday, June 25 at Middleton Sport Bowl on University Ave. Arrive by 6:15pm to socialize and to order food and/or drink from the menu which you can browse in advance here. There’s no fee to participate but members are responsible for their own food and drink. Learn more and register here.