PLATO Weekly Update

September 29, 2026

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
Most Fall Courses are underway! Have a question about a Fall Course? Find the answer on the Fall Course Schedule webpage.

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
Have you considered offering a PLATO course but need a boost in confidence to take the next step? Learn about one coordinator's positive experience in this brief article and learn how to get started on the Propose a Course webpage. The PLATO community is supportive and generous – and leading a course is a rewarding growth experience!

EVENTS

NOON ZOOMS

THIS WEEK! Join retired Wisconsin Public Radio talk show host Joy Cardin and Dr. Patrick Remington for a Noon Zoom discussion about the measles outbreak, vaccine controversies and other public health concerns on Thursday, October 1 from 12:00 - 1:00pm. Dr. Remington, Professor Emeritus at the UW-Madison's School of Medicine and Public Health, has authored or co-authored over 300 publications. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link and guests are welcome. Learn more and register here.

SAVE THE DATE! Analyzing the Election Results with Joy Cardin and Barry Burden, Professor of Political Science at UW-Madison, on Thursday, November 5, from 12:00-1:00pm via Zoom. Learn more and register here.

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LECTURES

NEXT WEEK! Forgiveness as a Way of Improving Well-Being on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 1:30pm with Dr. Robert Enright, a world-renowned University of Wisconsin-Madison professor and pioneer in the science of forgiveness, for an inspiring and uplifting presentation on how forgiveness can bring greater peace, hope, and healing to our lives. Registration is not required and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! Equity for All: CLIMB USA’S Movement to Promote Democratic Capitalism as an Economic Empowerment Framework on Thursday, October 22 at 1:30pm with Robert Wynn, CLIMB USA Founder and President. In his lecture, Mr. Wynn will outline how CLIMB USA’s Launchpad Program provides a viable pathway for youth, families, and communities to collectively build wealth and thrive within the capitalist framework. Registration is not required and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

VIRTUAL LECTURE

SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendar for this Virtual Lecture with local journalist and author Perry Hibner for Centennial Revisited: An Oral History of the Epic TV Miniseries. The miniseries follows the fictional history of Centennial, Colorado from 1795 to the 1970s and is based on the 1974 novel by James Michener. Mr. Hibner will also discuss his writing process. Registration is required and guests are welcome. Learn more and register here. 

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FIELD TRIPS
NOTE: Going forward, mail-in registration is discontinued – all PLATO field trips will require online registration.

THIS SUNDAY! There are a handful of spots left for this fascinating guided walking tour through Madison's historic West Rail Corridor on Sunday, October 4, from 2:00 -3:45pm. Registration is required and members may bring a guest. Learn more and register here.

SOLD OUT! Milwaukee Art Museum Tour with Professor Emeritus Alan Garfieldon Wednesday, October 21. Learn more and join the waitlist here.

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

THIS WEEK! First Friday Breakfast Gathering at Panera Bread located at 601 Junction Road on October 2, from 9:30-11:30am. To RSVP, send an email to Catherine Masi, the event coordinator, by the Thursday before the event. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT WEEK! NEW LOCATION! Second Friday Breakfast Gathering at the ZuZu Cafe located at 1336 Drake Street on October 9 from 9:30-11:30am. To RSVP, send an email to Sharon Scrattish, the event coordinator, by the Thursday before the event. Learn more and find Sharon's email address here.