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PLATO Weekly Update
August 11, 2026
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REMINDER... As of August 1, we have entered a new membership year! If you have not renewed yet, your membership has lapsed. Renew today to take advantage of the mix of in-person and virtual courses, lectures and social activities this fall and into next year – dues are just $60 per person!
There's a reason PLATO's membership has once again surpassed 1,000 members... PLATO is thriving! Since June 2025, PLATO has offered more than 100 Courses; 26 Field/Theater Trips; 15 Lectures; more than 50 Social Gatherings, and more! Lapsed members may renew here and new members may visit the Join PLATO webpage to become members.
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CURRICULUM
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SUMMER COURSES
Find details about Summer Courses on the Courses webpage.
FALL COURSES
NEXT WEEK! The Fall Course Schedule will be posted on Tuesday, August 18 on the Courses webpage and registration will open the same day. Most Fall Courses will begin the Week of September 14.
There will be 36 courses with in-person, virtual, and hybrid options to choose from!
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SPECIAL EVENTS
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NOON ZOOM
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NEW! Join retired WPR talk show host Joy Cardin and the Director of the Marquette Law School Poll Charles Franklin for a Noon Zoom discussionabout polling, politics, and public opinion on Tuesday, September 1 from 12-1pm. Registration is required and members can register a guest. Learn more and register here.
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FIELD TRIPS
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NEW! Helen Schlimm, Research Specialist & Outreach Coordinator for the UW-Madison Center for Limnology, will join us for a Limnology Lake Tour via pontoon boat on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 from 5-8pm. Due to limited seating, this is a member-only event. Learn more and register here.
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LECTURES
SAVE THE DATES! These September Lectures are just around the corner:
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Tuesday, September 8: Hidden Messages in Negro Spirituals on the Underground Railroad, presented by Connie Martin.
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Thursday, September 24: The Power of Art in History, presented by Dr. Alan Garfield, Emeritus.
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PAST RECORDINGS
Visit the Past Recordings webpage to explore past lectures and course sessions on a variety of interesting subjects presented by PLATO members and special guest presenters.
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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.
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THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – August 14, 10:00am-12:00pm at the Memorial Union Terrace. Learn more and RSVP here.
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BIKE RIDES
Explore Madison's neighborhoods with self-guided bicycling routes – there's also electric bike rental info. Also, heads up! The popular bicycling route around Lake Monona has a detour until the summer of 2027 due to construction on John Nolen Drive. To learn about the detour along with details about the entire route, see PLATO's A Guide to Bicycling around Lake Monona with the Detour.
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STAY IN THE KNOW! While PLATO’s course offerings are consistently cited as the number one reason that members join PLATO, there are many benefits to membership. To make the most of your PLATO membership, visit the About PLATO webpage.
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