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Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) has received funding through a West Central Initiative Civic Engagement Grant to support its Think & Thrive program, formerly known as Senior College.

Think & Thrive is a community learning initiative that brings people together to explore timely topics and issues that affect everyday life. Through grant-supported programming, ATCC students and community members will have opportunity to explore civic issues, engage in thoughtful nonpartisan discussions, and strengthen connections across generations. The Fall 2026 Think & Thrive lecture series will encourage participants to learn more about civic engagement and the role they can play in shaping and strengthening their communities.

As part of the Fall 2026 series, ATCC will host two free public presentations featuring nationally recognized experts in their respective fields.

The series begins with Voting Rights & the 2026 Elections on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Nationally recognized political scientist David Schultz will examine the history of voting rights in the United States and discuss how recent challenges to voting laws and election administration may impact the 2026 elections.

Schultz is Distinguished University Professor of Political Science and Legal Studies at Hamline University, a four-time Fulbright Scholar, and the 2026 recipient of the American Political Science Association's Distinguished Award for Civic and Community Engagement. He has taught extensively throughout Europe and Asia and is widely recognized for his expertise in elections, voting rights, and civic engagement.

The second presentation, Free Speech on Campus, will take place on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Attorney C.L. Lindsay III, a nationally recognized expert in student rights and higher education law, will present a discussion on free expression, the First Amendment, and navigating difficult conversations with respect and confidence.

Lindsay is one of the nation's leading experts in higher education law and student discipline. For more than two decades, he has worked with college students and institutions on legal issues affecting campus life. He is the author of The College Student's Guide to the Law, a widely used resource for students, university counsel, and higher education professionals nationwide.

Both presentations are free and open to the public and will be held in ATCC's 700 Building Auditorium (Room 743). No registration is required.

In addition to the speaker series, ATCC is inviting community members to participate in a Think & Thrive and Senior College Planning Session on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Rooms 209 and 211 of ATCC’s Main Campus Building.

The planning session will provide an opportunity for participants to help shape future Think & Thrive programming, suggest topics and speakers, and discuss Senior College opportunities being explored in partnership with Alexandria Community Education. The effort reflects growing interest in lifelong learning and creating meaningful educational experiences for community members of all ages.

Funding for Alexandria Technical & Community College's Fall 2026 Think & Thrive program is provided through a West Central Initiative Civic Engagement Grant, supporting civic education, community dialogue, and lifelong learning opportunities throughout the region.

For more information, visit alextech.edu/lecture-series.