Winter Lecture Series Explores What's Happening Around the World—and Why It Matters Here.
Dec 10, 2025, 16:36
by
Think & Thrive Lecture Series
From rising tensions overseas to rapid changes in technology, global events affect more than just faraway places—they shape our economy, security, and daily lives. Open to all ages, this special 6-session series begins January 27.
Join us for clear, informed discussion that connects world events to real-world implications. Over six sessions, we’ll explore the big questions:
- How is U.S. foreign policy evolving?
- What do conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East mean for America?
- How will China’s rise and Africa’s growth impact the future?
- And what role will artificial intelligence play in the global economy?
The Foreign Policy Lecture Series will be held on Tuesdays & Thursdays, January 27 through February 12. All sessions are held from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm, live via Zoom. Using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can join virtually from the comfort of home, a favorite coffee shop, or anywhere there’s internet. Can't attend live? Recordings of each session will be available to registered attendees.
The registration fee is $90 per person, which includes all six sessions. Register online using the link below. For more information, please contact the Academic & Student Affairs office at 762-4460.
Register for Lecture Series >>
Series schedule:
- One Year In: U.S. Foreign Policy and Global Effects | Tuesday, January 27
- Ukraine and Transatlantic Relations | Thursday, January 29
- Crises in the Middle East | Tuesday, February 3
- China and U.S. Policy toward Asia | Thursday, February 5
- Africa and its Rapidly Growing Importance in the 21st Century | Tuesday, February 10
- Trends in the Global Economy and Impact of AI and other New Technology | Thursday, February 12
About the Presenter: Thomas Hanson
- Former U.S. Foreign Service Officer who helped open new U.S. embassies in Mongolia and Estonia.
- Served on the U.S. House and Senate Foreign Relations Committees.
- Served as director for NATO and European Affairs at the Atlantic Council in Washington D.C.
- Diplomat in Residence at the Alworth Institute for International Affairs at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.5
- Chairs the Minnesota Committee on Foreign Relations, co-chairs the Minnesota China Business Council, and frequently speaks on global issues.
Presented by Alexandria Senior College
Designed to encourage community members to participate in academic learning opportunities beyond a single field of study, ATCC established the Senior College series in 2006 in response to community interest in informative and challenging college learning without the pressures of tests, grades or degrees. Open to all ages, the Distinguished Lecture Series brings noted speakers and college faculty from across the state and beyond to share their expertise on a range of topics of thought.
Register online using the link below. For more information, please contact the Academic & Student Affairs office at 762-4460.
Register for Lecture Series >>
Schedule subject to change.
Additional Resources:
| Title | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Lecture Series Season Schedule | Download Lecture Series Season Schedule Document pdf |
Senior College News:
Winter Lecture Series Explores What's Happening Around the World—and Why It Matters Here.
From rising tensions overseas to rapid changes in technology, global events affect more than just faraway places—they shape our economy, security, and daily lives. Open to all ages, this special 6-session series begins January 27.
Join us for clear, informed discussion that connects world events to real-world implications. Over six sessions, we’ll explore the big questions:
- How is U.S. foreign policy evolving?
- What do conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East mean for America?
- How will China’s rise and Africa’s growth impact the future?
- And what role will artificial intelligence play in the global economy?
The Foreign Policy Lecture Series will be held on Tuesdays & Thursdays, January 27 through February 12. All sessions are held from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm, live via Zoom. Using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can join virtually from the comfort of home, a favorite coffee shop, or anywhere there’s internet. Can't attend live? Recordings of each session will be available to registered attendees.
The registration fee is $90 per person, which includes all six sessions. Register online using the link below. For more information, please contact the Academic & Student Affairs office at 762-4460.
Register for Lecture Series >>
Series schedule:
- One Year In: U.S. Foreign Policy and Global Effects | Tuesday, January 27
- Ukraine and Transatlantic Relations | Thursday, January 29
- Crises in the Middle East | Tuesday, February 3
- China and U.S. Policy toward Asia | Thursday, February 5
- Africa and its Rapidly Growing Importance in the 21st Century | Tuesday, February 10
- Trends in the Global Economy and Impact of AI and other New Technology | Thursday, February 12
About the Presenter: Thomas Hanson
- Former U.S. Foreign Service Officer who helped open new U.S. embassies in Mongolia and Estonia.
- Served on the U.S. House and Senate Foreign Relations Committees.
- Served as director for NATO and European Affairs at the Atlantic Council in Washington D.C.
- Diplomat in Residence at the Alworth Institute for International Affairs at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.5
- Chairs the Minnesota Committee on Foreign Relations, co-chairs the Minnesota China Business Council, and frequently speaks on global issues.
Presented by Alexandria Senior College
Designed to encourage community members to participate in academic learning opportunities beyond a single field of study, ATCC established the Senior College series in 2006 in response to community interest in informative and challenging college learning without the pressures of tests, grades or degrees. Open to all ages, the Distinguished Lecture Series brings noted speakers and college faculty from across the state and beyond to share their expertise on a range of topics of thought.
Register online using the link below. For more information, please contact the Academic & Student Affairs office at 762-4460.
Register for Lecture Series >>
Schedule subject to change.