PLATO Weekly Update

January 27, 2026

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Registration for Spring Courses is underway! There are 37 Spring Courses to choose from including in-person, virtual, and hybrid options. Find a link to the Spring 2026 Course Scheduleon the Courses webpage. 

NEW COURSES
Check out these new Courses coming this Spring: 

The Psychology of Happiness: Mondays from 10am-12pm at Oakwood Village University Woods.

Introduction to Infectious Diseases: Wednesdays from 10am-11:30am Virtually via Zoom.

Living in 1984: Fridays from 10am-11:30am Virtually via Google Meet.

Also, while most Courses will begin the week of February 16, these two will begin early:  

History of the Hollywood Musical starts on Tuesday, February 3

Native Wisconsin starts on Tuesday, February 10

REGISTRATION TIPS
Some courses fill up quickly so if you see a course that interests you, try to sign up right away. If you find out that a course is full, ask if there's a waiting list you could join. Also, there are frequently a variety of courses that offer unlimited participation, so those are a sure bet. 

PLEASE NOTE! Courses that meet virtually or offer a hybrid virtual option will now list the platform they will use under "Location" in their course description. So if you need to download the Zoom app in advance, you will have plenty of time to do so. Learn more in the "Announcements" section at the top of the Spring 2026 Course Schedule webpage.

WINTER COURSES
Have a question about a Winter Course? Find answers on the Courses webpage. 

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
NEW! Learn about Allen May's recent Course Why Free Speech is Not a Free Pass in the latest article in the Curriculum Showcase. 

PLATO POP-UP EVENTS
Providing members with new opportunities to connect, learn, and grow!

NEW! PLATO Pop-Up Men’s Group Discussion – There is a widely shared sense among PLATO members (both men and women) that American boys and men are on a downward trajectory. The disturbing metrics on education, family, work, societal status, etc. all tell the same story. And there is growing literature about this story. If true, what are the causes? And how can we work toward a solution? Enrollment is limited to 20 men.

When: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Time: 10am – 12pm
Where: Covenant Presbyterian Church @ 326 S. Segoe Rd.
Facilitators: Baxter Richardson and Tim Otis
Registration: Complete this form to register by Wednesday, February 11

Click here to learn more or to offer a Pop-Up Event.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & COFFEE GATHERINGS
These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee or breakfast and lunch options.

NEXT WEEK! First Friday Breakfast Gathering at Panera Bread located at 601 Junction Road on February 6, 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 find Catherine's email address here.

LECTURES

Download the PLATO Lecture Schedule through April 2026!

NEXT MONTH! March your calendar for these February lectures:

NEXT MONTH! Your Voice in Healthcare: How to Prepare & Partner for Better Outcomes on Thursday, February 12 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In her interactive lecture, Angie Ingraham, a Board-Certified, Independent Patient Advocate and founder of True North Patient Advocates, LLC, will identify practical ways to speak up, stay informed, and feel more confident no matter where you are on your healthcare journey.Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! Global Entries: Anecdotes from My Travels Abroad on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In his lecture, author Joe Fahey will share his extraordinary adventures while traveling to the ends of the earth and many places in between during his 40-year corporate career working for several multinational companies. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

THIS WEEK! Join us to cheer our UW Badgers on to victory! The next Basketball Watch Party is on Saturday, January 31 at 1pm. Registration is not required and guests are welcome – learn more here!

THEATER TRIPS
SAVE THE DATES! Review this updated schedule for theater trips that will be offered later this spring – destinations include Milwaukee, Fort Atkinson and Chicago!

FIELD TRIPS
COMING SOON! Planning is underway for a variety of exciting field trips so please stay tuned to upcoming Weekly Updates for full details.