Jan Skalny was born and educated in Central Europe, earning a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and materials science. After an early academic career in Czechoslovakia and research in the U.K., he settled in the U.S. where he spent most of his professional life in the fields of materials research and research management.

IN HARMONY
Tony Moon, Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy (RCLLA) #30
For more than seven decades, America has always had a love affair with vocal groups. From the Big Band beginnings of the Andrews Sisters to the recent popularity of Boy Bands. In this class, we will listen to the great recordings and watch fascinating videos as we discover those great singing groups. We’ll learn the beginning and development of doo-wop – that enduring sound of the 50s, and travel down the harmony highways with Manhattan Transfer and the Four Freshmen. Motown’s popular vocal groups will be featured as well. Come sing along with us as we harmonize with these favorites.

Tony Moon was an artist, songwriter, producer, publisher, and agent during his long, multi-faceted career in the music business. He also enjoyed a second career as chef/owner of a successful Nashville restaurant. He currently does music research for Sarasota’s West Coast Black Theater Troupe, but only cooks for family and friends!

A SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING
Jeff Rodgers, Pierian Spring Academy (PSA) #30
Join Jeff Rodgers for a fascinating scientific journey, starting from nothing and ending with the universe we see around us today. Along the way we’ll touch on our latest understandings of the Big Bang and the beginnings of our universe, the interactions of matter and energy that create stars and the elements, the formation of solar systems, and the origins and evolution of life.

Jeff Rodgers is Director of Education for the South Florida Museum and Director of the Bishop Planetarium. He joined the South Florida Museum in November 2004 after nine years at the American Museum of Natural History and Hayden Planetarium in New York City. As a science communicator, he spends the bulk of his time trying to de-mystify the universe and our place in it.

THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE REFUGEE CRISIS
Miles Williams, Pierian Spring Academy (PSA) #30
The European Union is a politico-economic union consisting of 28 member states and more than 500 million people. In 2012, the EU received the Nobel Peace Prize for having “contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy, and human rights in Europe,” a testament to the European Union’s motto, “United in diversity.” The Schengen Agreement, ratified by most EU member states, abolished passport controls within the area, ensuring the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital. The world refugee crisis now threatens that unity in no small measure because of Schengen and the provisions for handling asylum contained in the Dublin Regulation. This presentation will examine some of the major challenges to the European Union associated with the refugee crisis.

Miles Williams has been a Peace Corps Volunteer, Colombia (1963 – 1965), received a Ph.D. in political science from Vanderbilt University, and has taught at universities in the United States, Colombia, Mexico, Sweden and the Netherlands. His primary teaching and research interests include Comparative Politics, International Politics, Human Rights, and Immigration and Asylum.

Robert de Warren, international ballet director, choreographer, and designer, began his career in Britain’s Royal Ballet. He later directed several ballet companies, including La Scala Opera Ballet in Milan, and was artistic director of the Sarasota Ballet for thirteen years. His memoir, “Destiny’s Waltz—In Step with Giants”, covers his artistic journey.

WISDOM OF THE ENNEAGRAM
Mark Stuart, Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy (RCLLA) #30
The Enneagram is a geometric figure that maps out the nine fundamental personality types of human nature and their complex interrelationships. As such, it is a condensation of universal wisdom from a variety of ancient cultures. Each of the types is represented in each of us, but only one is predominant. We will explore how we interact with others based on our primary type, seeking to become more self-aware and knowledgeable, accepting, and “transparent.”

Mark Stuart has a B.S. degree from Long Island University and a M.Ed. in counseling and psychological services from Springfield College, MA. A former teacher and businessman specializing in retirement planning, his experience prompted a keen interest in personality types and led him to study the Enneagram system.

WOMEN-ONE OF THE MOST DOMINANT SUBJECTS IN THE HISTORY OF ART
Andre Krauss, Pierian Spring Academy (PSA) #30
Portrayed as goddess, temptress, victim or avenger, in art, the woman has been celebrated, adored (and adorned), worshiped, revered and even hated and brutalized. More often than not, these representations had been expressed from a man’s point of view.

Dr. Andre Krauss, a research fellow at the Institute of Sociology at the Romanian Academy is a published art historian and media psychologist and holds two doctorates: History of Art from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden and Social Psychology from the University of Bucharest, Romania. Presently, Dr. Krauss’ research interests range from the aesthetics of high and pop culture and audience reception research, to the continued blurring of the distinction between fiction and reality and its impact on the perception of history, in a media dominated by entertainment.

POPE FRANCIS AND THE WINDS OF CHANGE IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
James Johnson, Pierian Spring Academy (PSA) #30
In this lecture, we will take a look at how this most progressive pontiff in modern times is rocking the “Bark of Peter” through his sweeping changes in Church thinking and discipline; from his championship of the environment to his most recent opening to the possibility of female deacons.

James Johnson has taught a variety of courses in religion at Pierian Spring Academy for the past several years and is also an adjunct instructor of religion at State College of Florida. Although he completed his education for the Roman Catholic priesthood at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, he eventually found his true vocation in teaching. He has fifteen years of experience in teaching religion at the college level and holds a B.A. in Philosophy and an S.T.B. (Master of Divinity).

Robert de Warren, international ballet director, choreographer, and designer, began his career in Britain’s Royal Ballet. He later directed several ballet companies, including La Scala Opera Ballet in Milan, and was artistic director of the Sarasota Ballet for thirteen years. His memoir, “Destiny’s Waltz—In Step With Giants”, covers his artistic journey.

“MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY”- WHAT REALLY HAPPENED?
Jordan Shifrin, Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy (RCLLA) #30
Was Captain William Bligh really the tyrant of popular belief or was he a victim of a maniacal mutineer, Fletcher Christian? Through the use of literature, historical documents and popular film, Jordan Shifrin will take you on a voyage to the ends of the earth to help you decide the mystery for yourself. Jordan often also entertains with costuming in period appropriate attire. This course is certain to be a rollicking good time while learning more about a classic story from history.

Jordan Shifrin, a retired attorney, is a film buff and devotee of American history and culture. Previous LLA courses include The Great American Musical, Cowboys and Indians, Cops and Robbers, and The Fabulous ’50s. He has history degrees from the University of Illinois and a J.D. from John Marshall Law School (Chicago).

DISCUSSING CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
Tom Dietrich, Pierian Spring Academy (PSA) #30
Where do you stand on the important social, political and economic issues of the day? Your opinions on the issues are the focus of this session. A professional video debate by opposing experts will be viewed in short segments followed by class discussion time. The facilitator does not take sides on the issues. However, you are encouraged to express your views. At the beginning a vote is taken to see which side the class favors. At the end another vote is taken to see if any views have changed. Here is your chance to express your viewpoints and hear what others think on the important topics of the day.

Tom Dietrich worked at Caterpillar Inc. for 43 years in management positions. He received a BSIE from Millikin and MBA from Case Western Reserve. Tom taught Management Training programs in the Caterpillar Training Institute. Past President of the Central Illinois chapter of the American Society for Training & Development and served on the Organization Development Committee of National ASTD. Tom is on the Board of Directors at Pierian Spring Academy and the Suncoast Alliance for Lifelong Learning.

THE SHORT FICTION OF FLANNERY O’CONNOR: GRACE IN THE TERRITORY OF THE DEVIL
Phillip Buck, Pierian Spring Academy (PSA) #30
We will read (in class) A Good Man is Hard to Find, a work many critics have called “the perfect short story,” and discuss its importance in the Southern Gothic tradition — a mid-20th-century literary movement of which Flannery O’Connor was the leading practitioner.

Phillip Buck is a retired dean and professor. He has taught English and literature at California State University in Hayward, at the University of Colorado in Boulder, at Regis University in Denver, and at several campuses in the Colorado State University system. He has taught literature at Pierien Spring Academy in Sarasota for the past ten years. His primary area of interest and research is realism and naturalism in 20th century American literature.