When it comes to lifelong learning, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a valuable local resource. While most students in its lecture halls are in their late teens or 20s, a unique program welcomes inquisitive minds of all ages—especially seniors. 

Curiosity Unlimited was founded in 1977 by a group of area residents and CU alumni. The goal was to provide a forum for stimulating community interest in UCCS, introduce attendees to faculty members and explore relevant topics through free lectures. 

What began as a grassroots effort has grown alongside UCCS, which, at the time, had only two buildings on campus.

Today, Curiosity Unlimited continues to evolve. Rather than board members selecting lecture topics, the group now seeks input from its members.

Lectures, which run no longer than 90 minutes, take place at 10 a.m. on the second Friday of each month at the Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N. Nevada Ave. Attendees are invited to arrive early for coffee and conversation starting at 9:30 a.m. Lectures cover a broad range of subjects, including travel, technology, food, climate change and artificial intelligence. When possible, topics are tailored to local issues. Last fall, Dr. John Harner from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies led a lecture which explored the region’s drought challenges and the importance of conservation. 

Health and wellness are popular themes among seniors. Field trips are also a hit—recent outings included a visit to the Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center, and board members are considering a tour of the newly renovated Pioneers Museum. 

Unlike traditional lectures, attendees can ask speakers questions after presentations, and those interested in earning continuing education credits can do so by submitting a brief write-up.

The organization gives back by supporting students at UCCS. They have set an ambitious goal of raising $20,000 by 2025 to help even more students complete their degrees.

Members play a key role in funding the scholarship program. Annual membership dues, which cover operational expenses, are $35 for individuals and $45 for households. 

“I cannot encourage people to come out enough,” said Curiosity Unlimited President Sandy Shakes, 72. “It’s not a large commitment, and it’s a great opportunity to meet new people, keep the brain going, learn something new and stay connected to our community.” 

For more information, including the schedule for upcoming lectures, visit Curiosity-Unlimited.org.

Curiosity Unlimited March Lecture: What’s Happening to Religion?

Speaker: Jeffrey Scholes, Ph.D., Professor & Head of Department,
Department of Philosophy

March 14. Coffee at 9:30 a.m., Lecture at 10 a.m.

Chapman Recital Hall,
Ent Center for the Arts,
5225 N. Nevada Ave.

Scholes discusses “Religion and Sport in North America: Critical Essays for the Twenty-First
Century,” which also includes an examination of racial issues. Scholes co-edited the book with noted historian of American
religion Randall Balmer.

Call for info: 719-210-8168