Back-to-School Classes

Whether we grew up in a home with positive models of healthy relationship behaviors or not, our childhood experiences shape the relationships we have in adulthood. And if you are a parent, your own behaviors in the parent-child relationship will shape how your children engage in their future relationships. This class will dive into two main questions 1) What are the basic characteristics of healthy family relationships? and 2) What does it take to cultivate healthy family relationships at home? Dr. Trenita Brookshire Childers ‘05, a sociologist and mom of three boys, describes a framework for family wellness which includes five core areas: health and safety, identity, connection, belonging, and legacy. In this discussion, Dr. Childers will walk through ways to intentionally cultivate these five core areas of family wellness as we shape relationship dynamics in our homes. 

Register via Zoom by Wednesday, February 26

What does the hostile takeover of New College in Sarasota, FL tell us about the future of public liberal arts education in an America awash with Florida politics? Eric Walker ’75 will spotlight this and several high-profile crises of late in Florida public higher education, including the battle over the presidential stakes at UF (the Ben Sasse controversy), system-mandated curricular reforms targeting DEI, boards of trustees newly active in faculty hiring and tenure and the precarious status of faculty unions on all these fronts. As an emeritus professor of English, former president of the Faculty Senate at Florida State University, member of the FSU Board of Trustees, and member of the statewide Florida Council of Faculty Senate presidents Eric has a strong interest in keeping a close eye on these matters during his retirement.

Register via Zoom by Friday, February 28

Join us for an engaging discussion exploring the power of storytelling in shaping our lives and the world around us. This panel, inspired by Davidson’s 50 Years of Coeducation celebration, will feature alumnae from reunion years who will share their unique journeys from Davidson to their current endeavors and reflect on the stories that have defined their paths. Together, we’ll examine how the stories we tell, and those we live, influence our perspectives, relationships, and leadership. Whether you’re a storyteller at heart or simply curious about the transformative role of narratives, this class will inspire and empower you to reflect on your own story in new ways. Panelists include Makayla Binter ’20, creative catalyst at Charlotte Is Creative; freelance artist; Kathy Bray ’85, Counselor/Owner of KBray Counseling and former Associate Dean of Students at Davidson College; Rev. Caroline Bryer (Levy) Cupp ’05, ordained Presbyterian (USA) minister, writer, and author of several books on disability and relationships; Yvette Pita Frampton ’95, an award-winning documentary filmmaker. The conversation will be facilitated by Marya Howell ’91, Senior Major Gifts Officer – Women’s Philanthropy and sponsored by Women ACT (Aspire, Create, Transform).

Register by Friday, March 21

Most of our common causes of death and disease are rooted in poor lifestyle choices. What can we learn from lifestyle medicine and the Blue Zones about steps we can all take to live long, healthy lives? Join Brian Asbill ’90 who specializes in adult cardiology and lifestyle medicine as he shares insights on this topic. He has spent many years treating patients with cardiovascular disease and other lifestyle-related chronic illnesses.

Register by Monday, March 31

Join us for a special virtual class commemorating With These Hands, a powerful representation of the contributions of those who helped shape Davidson College but who have previously been downplayed or unacknowledged. 

In 2019, members of the Board of Trustees were given the charge to rectify the wrongs of omission and obfuscation, to acknowledge vital contributors to our school history and to help Davidson reclaim its history in a fuller, more just, and more accurate way. They commissioned With These Hands as a part of that reconciliation.

Members of this committee will lead a discussion about creating the commemorative site and delve into the untold stories of labor, resilience, and legacy, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared history. The essence of the committee’s work is to acknowledge the past and imagine a new future. 

Through engaging discussions and reflections, alumni will reconnect with the enduring values of community and purpose that define Davidson.

Register via Zoom by Friday, April 4

Join Janet M. Stovall '85, author of the forthcoming book "Now What? Doing DEI (whether others give a damn or not)," for an interactive workshop exploring the essential elements of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

In this session, you'll:

• Delve into the five archetypes of the "DOING" model - Disaggregationist, Opportunist, Interventionist, Neutralist, and Globalist - to help you identify your personal approach to DEI.
• Discover how understanding your motivations, strengths, and potential blind spots can empower you to make a real difference in promoting inclusion.
• Learn practical strategies for translating your DEI archetype into meaningful action in your personal and professional life.
• Explore the concept of "equity" and how it relates to inclusion, gaining insights into how to advocate for fairness and dismantle systems of inequity.

Whether you're a seasoned DEI advocate or just beginning to explore these concepts, this workshop will provide you with valuable tools and insights to navigate the complexities of this work with clarity and purpose.

Register via Zoom by Monday, April 21

Join Maria Whitehead ’95, vice president of land for the southeast through the Open Space Institute (OSI), in a discussion with Dr. Wenonah G. Haire (Catawba), executive director of the Catawba Cultural Center, and Lydia Locklear Canty (Lumbee), tribal attorney for the Catawba Nation. The panel will explain how the OSI and Catawba Nation partnered to preserve a 600-acre tract of historical, cultural, and natural significance in Lancaster County, SC. The King’s Bottom Tract will eventually become a South Carolina state park. Protecting this land from commercial development ensures that Catawba potters will continue to access and co-manage an ancestral clay pit that the Catawba regard as a sacred resource. The initiative provides a model for how Davidson College may partner with the Catawba Nation in future land preservation initiatives as part of Dútα Bαhiisere Kus Ráˀhere (We Know Corn Together), the collaboration between the Catawba Nation and Davidson College. The conversation will be facilitated by Prof. Rose Stremlau, Charles A. Dana Professor of History. 

It’s never too early or too late to start thinking about the impact you want to make! Join us for an engaging session on how you can help shape Davidson’s future through an estate gift. Jamie Stamey, our Director of Gift Planning, will guide you through planned giving options such as bequests, beneficiary designations, and charitable gift annuities in this beginner-friendly session. Plus, hear from JJ and Virginia Summerell ’80 as they share their inspiring reasons for supporting Davidson in this meaningful way. Everyone is welcome to join and learn how you can make a lasting difference!