Back-to-School Classes

On June 17, 1972, five men were arrested in a bungled burglary at the Watergate, a Washington, D.C., complex housing the Democratic National Committee. What one White House called a “third-rate burglary” ultimately led to the resignation of Richard M. Nixon in August 1974.  Although the extent of involvement by the Nixon 1972 reelection campaign remained unclear, eventually the break-in and the attempt to cover it up brought down the Nixon presidency. Join Bill Link '76, American historian, academic and author, as he explores Watergate with the advantage of a more than half-century perspective. How did the crisis unfold and why? Who was “Deep Throat”? How well did journalists cover the story? And what were the long-term implications of the scandal for our own time?

Register by Monday, March 16

We spend years of our lives in school learning, and have been eating and drinking since we were born (probably not wine when we were young!) – but most adults have never taken a class on how to assess what you’re seeing, tasting and smelling in a glass of one of the world’s most complex beverages – wine. Join Master Sommelier Andy McNamara ’96 as we talk about how to use your senses to create more enjoyment in every sip!

Register by Monday, March 23

Energy makes civilization possible -- from the electricity in our homes, to the safety of our food, to the next healthcare breakthrough. Energy also presents enormous challenges -- how to deliver enough at the right time to the world and how to produce it with the least environmental impact. How do we meet this dual challenge? It starts with coalition building and effective planning. In this session Yancey Fouché, Director of Sustainability for Davidson, will have a conversation with Sophia Cunningham ’16, Vice President, Houston Energy Transition Initiative at the Greater Houston Partnership, to share how she’s using critical thinking and empathy for diverse perspectives to lead diverse stakeholders towards impact. From emerging energy technologies to the diverse policy and market landscape, come learn how we’re navigating the evolving landscape of energy and sustainability—and how you can be a part of the solution.

Register by Friday, April 10

Join Davidson alums Lauren Schultz Miller '01, Grier Martin ’91 and Robert Lim ’91 for a virtual conversation on their transition from Davidson students to dedicated military leaders. They will share how a liberal arts foundation prepared them for a lifetime of service, leadership and sacrifice in uniform. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear how several Wildcats have lived out the college’s mission on a global scale.

Register by Friday, April 17

We all have stories that guide our lives. We either write those stories ourselves (hopefully) or someone else writes them for us. 

Hear about the call for Donald Davis ’66 to be a full-time performing storyteller and his work as a teacher helping others find the germane turning point stories in their own lives. (Warning!  There may be some hints about working on your own stories.)

While we are together, enjoy some exemplary stories from Donald’s performing repertoire.

Register by Tuesday, April 28

Step into the high-stakes world of Trauma Surgery with John Porter ’81, Head of the Division of Trauma Surgery with Cooper University Healthcare, for an intimate look at life in the trauma bay. Through a collection of compelling personal stories, Porter will share the critical lessons he’s learned on the front lines and the perspectives gained from a career spent saving lives. This session offers a unique blend of professional insight and human connection, concluding with a dedicated Q&A. Whether you are interested in medicine or simply love a great story, come prepared for a candid and unforgettable conversation.

Register by  Monday, May 11

Join Vice President and Director of Athletics Chris Clunie '06 for a deep dive into the seismic shifts reshaping the intercollegiate sports world. In a conversation with classmates Tyler Thompson Tapia (Editor-in-Chief, Kentucky Sports Radio), Brendan Winters (Co-Founder, Pro Skills Basketball) and Matt McKillop (Head Coach, Davidson Men’s Basketball), the panel will explore the chaotic evolution of the NCAA landscape and its far-reaching ramifications. From grassroots youth programs to the high-stakes world of FBS football and Division I basketball, discover how Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), the transfer portal and legal challenges are fundamentally changing the game for athletes, coaches and journalists alike.

Register by Monday, May 18

Cole Ferraro ’21 was crowned one of the youngest winners of a World Series of Poker gold bracelet just months after graduating from Davidson College. Now, four years later, he has amassed more than 1.1 million dollars in earnings from live poker tournaments. Join us as Cole describes the journey of playing poker for a living and how he navigates the highs and lows on and off the table. How do you respond when life's cards don't go your way? How can you increase your chance of success with improved decision-making? Learn how something as simple as paying attention can lead to optimized decision-making in every aspect of your life.