Lifelong Learning Exploration
November 3, 2026
At McKendree University, our mission is to deliver a high-quality educational experience rooted in the principles of responsible citizenship, engagement, academic excellence, and lifelong learning. We are dedicated to equipping students not only for the present but also for their future endeavors.
The Lifelong Learning Exploration initiative was inspired by our 33rd President, Dan Dobbins. During his inauguration, President Dobbins highlighted the importance of a relevant and impactful education. He fondly recalls the significant role his own internship experience played in shaping his career.
President Dobbins, a native of Pittsfield, Illinois—a small farming community situated about 120 miles north of Lebanon—majored in accounting and business administration. He chose McKendree for its robust business program, the chance to participate in basketball, and the opportunity to gain practical experience through what was then an innovative internship program. Now, four decades later, our internship program remains a cornerstone of our commitment to lifelong learning.
Today, we encourage our students to "Make Their Mark" in their careers, communities, and the world: Lifelong Learning Exploration is designed to empower students to do just that. Many thanks to the committee for developing an event for the McKendree community to explore career opportunities and beyond. Sessions include topics such as résumé strategies; social media for your career; what to do with your degree; what if your major is not what you want; avoiding burnout; networking and mentorship; and how to be happy, healthy, and productive. The event will conclude with a keynote panel of alumni that have “Made Their Mark” and are back to share their success stories.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Morning Sessions
Piper Academic Center 2nd Floor
Below is a list of live presentations.
Leadership Starts With You
Leadership is not defined by a title, position, or academic major; it is a skill every student can develop. This interactive discussion will examine how effective leaders build trust, inspire purpose, and create environments where people feel valued. Students from all majors are invited to gain practical strategies they can apply in college, their careers, and their communities.
Presenters: Dr. Donna Matanane, Dr. Jean Sampson
Location: PAC 222
Implicit Bias: Welcoming New Ideas and Different Perspectives
Biases can occur consciously or subconsciously. It is the brain's inherent ability to associate patterns. While implicit biases do not always hinder interactions, being aware of potential biases can help individuals better understand how these biases may influence their interactions, perceptions, and behaviors toward others.
Presenters: Angela K. Gilbreth DNP, RN, CLS, EBP-C
Location: PAC 220
Open Source Software: No-cost alternatives to expensive brands
Explore the best free software for video/audio editing, documents and spreadsheets, note-taking, graphic design and print, screen capture, live streaming, media encoding/playback, animation, 3D modeling, file sync, and password management. Discover how to find and install this software, and locate learning materials for their use.
Presenters: Sam Speer
Location: PAC 218
All In, Party at the Polls
Presenters: All In Committee
Location: PAC 216
Build Before You’re Ready: Small Decisions, Strong Relationships, and the Career You Create Along the Way
Invites McKendree students to learn from an alumnus’s experiences navigating life and career after graduation, highlighting how small decisions, meaningful relationships, and stepping outside your comfort zone can shape professional growth.
Presenters: Cory Berberich '18, LCPC
Location: PAC 214
Below is a list of live presentations.
Rest Is a Skill: Four Ingredients of Real Recovery
Taking time away from responsibilities does not always leave people feeling restored. This interactive session introduces four research-informed recovery experiences: psychological detachment, relaxation, mastery, and control. Students will apply this framework to identify at least one practical way to make the time they already have more restorative.
Presenters: Calvin Wertman
Location: PAC 222
Teamwork When Your Team Sucks(the life out of you): How to Work With Difficult People
Let’s be honest: teamwork sounds great until you’re stuck with someone who doesn’t communicate, misses deadlines, takes over, or simply doesn’t pull their weight. This interactive session will explore practical communication strategies for navigating difficult teammates, managing conflict, setting expectations, and contributing to a team—even when you didn’t get to choose the team.
Presenters: Dr. Sara Frank
Location: PAC 220
Career Kickoff: The First Year in the Real World
Transitioning from student life to workplace life Is a challenging yet exciting time. This session addresses topics such as workplace etiquette, seeking out a mentor, navigating workplace dynamics effectively, challenges new employees face and how to overcome them, and more.
Presenters: Anna Leitner
Location: PAC 218
Doing Good for a Living: Careers in Nonprofits and Philanthropy
Explore how passion for social good can become a profession. This session introduces students to careers in nonprofits and philanthropy, highlighting the skills, opportunities, and challenges of doing good for a living.
Presenters: Christie Derbin
Location: PAC 216
Forthcoming
Presenters: Rev. C. Ray Penn
Location: PAC 214
Below is a list of live presentations.
Balancing Academics and Athletics in College: Succeeding in Both Arenas
Balancing academics and athletics at the collegiate level requires more than just time management. It demands intention, discipline, and support systems that empower student-athletes to succeed in both arenas. This session explores strategies for thriving in both arenas by developing transferable skills, building a personal performance system, and choosing daily habits that reflect long-term goals. Success isn’t about doing it all perfectly, it's about doing it all with purpose and resilience.
Presenters: Nickie Sanlin
Location: PAC 222
McKendree Alumni Panel - Career Advice
McKendree alumni who majored in political science will offer advice on starting and growing careers. Kenneth Herman (Class of 2006) works for the Department of Defense in geospatial analysis; Zachary Kilhoffer (Class of 2013) is a Product Manager in AI Governance at Dynatrace; Tabitha Meador (Class of 2005) is the Director of Economic Development in Salem, Illinois; and Tony Mitchell (Class of 2010) is the Senior Director of Government Affairs at Gilead Sciences.
Presenters: Dr. Brian Frederking, Kenneth Herman, Zachary Kilhoffer, Tabitha Meador, Tony Mitchell
Location: PAC 220
I Don't Know How She Does It...Neither Does She
In this candid session, Dr. Allie Helfrich challenges the idea that successful women have somehow mastered the perfect balance between motherhood, career, and ambition. Drawing from her own experiences as a mother and professional, she explores the constant reprioritizing, support systems, and imperfect choices that come with building a life where both family and career matter.
Presenters: Dr. Allie Helfrich
Location: PAC 218
Know Yourself, Speak Up, and Think It Through
Success in college and everyday life involves more than academic achievement. It requires self-awareness, effective communication, and strong critical thinking skills. Throughout this interactive and informative presentation, audience members will explore how to recognize personal strengths, navigate challenges, communicate their needs efficiently, and make thoughtful decisions. Through discussion and reflection, attendees will explore practical strategies to build confidence, support and strengthen relationships, as well as build continued success in college and beyond the classroom.
Presenters: Emma Riley, Karyn Wilson
Location: PAC 216
Career Ready: Understanding the McKendree Career Ecosystem
Students will be introduced to the McKendree Career Ecosystem and learn how their classes, campus involvement, leadership roles, jobs, athletics, service, and other experiences help them build career-ready skills. Students will also learn about the new co-curricular badge system and how they can begin earning badges for career competencies developed outside the classroom.
Presenters: Dr. Jennifer Miller
Location: PAC 214
Join the School of Business for their annual Frank Spreng BBQ &
The All In Committee's Party at the Polls Event
Noon - 1:30
The Quad
Afternoon Sessions
Piper Academic Center 2nd Floor
Below is a list of live presentations.
Know Yourself, Speak Up, and Think It Through
Success in college and everyday life involves more than academic achievement. It requires self-awareness, effective communication, and strong critical thinking skills. Throughout this interactive and informative presentation, audience members will explore how to recognize personal strengths, navigate challenges, communicate their needs efficiently, and make thoughtful decisions. Through discussion and reflection, attendees will explore practical strategies to build confidence, support and strengthen relationships, as well as build continued success in college and beyond the classroom.
Presenters: Emma Riley, Karyn Wilson
Location: PAC 222
NO MORE ICEBREAKERS: An Introvert’s Guide to Success
Our culture often rewards the people who speak first, network effortlessly, and somehow seem excited about “going around the room and introducing ourselves.” Drawing in part from Susan Cain’s Quiet, this panel explores why introverts may be overlooked, the strengths they bring to work and leadership, and why being quiet does not mean having nothing to say. We’ll also share practical strategies for succeeding in an extrovert-friendly world—without forcing yourself to become the loudest person in the room. (I promise, I won't make you introduce yourself!)
Presenters: Dr. Rich Murphy
Location: PAC 220
Exploring, Learning and Growing Through Art
Through a lifetime of creating, art becomes a continuous journey of discover, reflection, and growth. With each drawing, the artist develops new ways of seeing, thinking and expressing the world around them. Over time, their work can capture changing experiences, emotions, ideas and perspectives. Art allows the artist to remain curious, keep learning, and leave behind a visual record of a life continually shaped by creativity.
Presenters: Jeffrey Nihiser, Jane Rix
Location: PAC 218
Social Emotional Learning in the Classroom
This session relates to emotional awareness in the classroom or workplace, how we understand our students and ourselves.
Presenters: Nikki Brown
Location: PAC 216
Career Ready: Understanding the McKendree Career Ecosystem
Students will be introduced to the McKendree Career Ecosystem and learn how their classes, campus involvement, leadership roles, jobs, athletics, service, and other experiences help them build career-ready skills. Students will also learn about the new co-curricular badge system and how they can begin earning badges for career competencies developed outside the classroom.
Presenters: Dr. Jennifer Miller
Location: PAC 214
Below is a list of live presentations.
From Stressed to Your Best: Managing College Pressures
This session will help students understand the sources and impact of stress in college life. It teaches practical, evidence-based strategies—like mindfulness, reframing, and self-compassion—to manage pressure in healthy ways. The presentation empowers students to view stress as a normal part of growth and to develop stress management strategies through balance, awareness, and support.
Presenters: Melissa McHenry
Location: PAC 222
Ciao, Educators! Teaching and Learning in Italy
Participants will journey through Italy to discover how culture, history, and education come together beyond the classroom. Along the way, they will explore how studying abroad can spark fresh ideas, broaden perspectives, and inspire future teaching.
Presenters: Dr. Alexandra (Niki) Owens
Location: PAC 220
Personality Traits, Self-Awareness, and Leadership Styles! Oh My!
What makes a great leader? It starts with knowing yourself! Explore how your personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses shape the way you lead, influence others, and make decisions—and discover how self-awareness can help you turn your unique qualities into your greatest leadership strengths.
Presenters: Dr. Mary McKee
Location: PAC 218
Introduction to Genially
Students! Every need to give a presentation, create an infographic, or create a timeline and you want it to be interactive, so that you don't have to do all the talking? Genially is the tool for you! Through Genially (a free tool) you can design interactive presentations, infographics, timelines, concept maps, games, and review activities to help demonstrate your understanding of course content and support your study skills.
Presenters: Dr. Jen Barr-Starms
Location: PAC 216
Resume Ready: Essential Strategies for Professional Success
This presentation offers essential strategies for crafting a standout resume, focusing on how to effectively present your skills, experiences, and achievements. Attendees will learn techniques to enhance their professional image both on paper and in person to increase their chances of securing job opportunities.
Presenters: Dr. Allie Helfrich
Location: PAC 214
Keynote
Hettenhausen Center for the Arts
Join a conversation with McKendree alumni whose lives and careers have taken unique and unexpected turns. Find out how they have found growth in lifelong learning using the foundations developed while at McKendree to achieve life and career goals.
Jim Polarine '93 Studied Biology, Principal Consultant, Technical Services at STERIS Corporation
Brian Scott '00 Studied Marketing, Owner/Vice President - Managing Partner at Stryde Staffing Agency
Sarah (Goetze) Anderson '17, '18 Studied Sociology/Criminal Justice, Executive Director at Franklin-Williamson Child Advocacy Centers
Jackie (Busekrus) Jackson '08 Studied Accounting and Finance, Director of Finance at Pairwise and Dressage Trainer at Marshall Show Stable
Location: THE HETT
Evening Session
Piper Academic Center 2nd Floor
Leadership Isn't a Position You Wait For - It's a Choice You Make.
Leaders are not just born. Anyone can be a leader if they have a few basic skills. Let's have some fun and learn some basic leadership skills.
Presenters: Dr. Donna Matanane, Dr. Jean Sampson
Location: PAC 218
Math Majors Make Good
Open to all students, this session will provide an update on the careers of three successful McKendree graduates.
Presenters: Brad Copelin, Noah Crocker, and Shannon Sanders
Sponsors: Dr. Alan Alewine and Jamie Pace
Location: PAC 220
Special Sessions
Major/Minor Fair
Join us at the Major and Minor Fair, where curiosity meets opportunity! Whether you're just starting your academic journey or considering a new direction, this event offers the perfect space to explore programs, connect with faculty, and discover how your passions can shape your future.
Location:
PAC Lobby
Nursing
Creating an Atmosphere of Self-Care
Lifelong Learning Exploration Day provides the opportunity for high-quality educational experience rooted in the principles of responsible citizenship, engagement, academic excellence, and lifelong learning. The Division of Nursing will be hosting an online active discussion on self-care from 12pm-1pm. Attached is an article on self-care within healthcare. Nursing students attending the event should read the article in preparation for active discussion. If attending, two hours towards current practicum will be obtained.
Article:
Location:
Meeting ID: 294 286 138 890 191 6
Passcode: df2W5hU7
Paraprofessional, MAT, and Graduate Students
The Power of Positive Leadership
Build a great culture, lead with optimism, develop a connected and committed team and achieve results. The research is clear. Being a positive leader is not just a nice way to lead - it's THE way to lead if you want to build a great culture, develop a connected and committed team, and achieve goals
Presenters: Dr. Kelly Stewart
Location: Hybrid/PAC 220
Empowering Your Path to Success
Learn how intentional self-development and critical thinking can help you make informed career decisions, build professional confidence, and create a meaningful path toward your future goals.
Presenters: Ms. Kelly Kendrick, Dr. Jennie Fowler-Williams
Location: Hybrid/PAC 116
Ciao, Educators! Teaching and Learning in Italy
Participants will journey through Italy to discover how culture, history, and education come together beyond the classroom. Along the way, they will explore how studying abroad can spark fresh ideas, broaden perspectives, and inspire future teaching.
Presenters: Dr. Niki Owens
Location: PAC 114
Introduction to Google Gemini for Education
In this session, participants will explore how this new era of generative technology can help handle the 'heavy lifting' of instructional design, allowing you to scale the best practices you already value. To do this, participants will be introduced to a personal AI assistant for teaching and learning: Google- Gemini for Education. Participants will work through a few learning scenarios. At the end of the presentation, participants will take a short quiz to earn a completion badge/micro-credential. Note: Participants should bring their own devices.
Presenters: Dr. Julie Tonsing-Meyer
Location: Hybrid/PAC 220
Introduction to Genially
Students! Ever need to give a presentation, create an infographic, or create a timeline and you want it to be interactive, so that you don't have to do all the talking? Genially is the tool for you! Through Genially (a free tool) you can design interactive presentations, infographics, timelines, concept maps, games, and review activities to help demonstrate your understanding of course content and support your study skills.
Presenters: Dr. Jen Barr-Starms
Location: Hybrid/PAC 116
From Good to Great: Simple Strategies to Improve the Depth and Quality of your Work
Are you tired of getting feedback that your answers are too surface-level or missing the big picture? In this session, you'll learn some simple, powerful ways to transform your assignments from "basic" into complex, deeply reasoned arguments. We will look at concrete examples of how to connect your ideas, defend your points, and show true mastery of the material. Walk away with practical strategies you can use immediately on your next paper or project to boost the depth and the quality of your work.
Presenters: Dr. Jennie Winters
Location:
https://mckendree.zoom.us/my/drwinterszoom
Building Your Professional Brand as an Educator
Your professional brand begins long before your first teaching position. In this session, we will discuss effective communication, professional presence, and relationship-building that can help you stand out in the classroom, the workplace, and throughout your educational career. Participants will leave with practical tools and strategies they can immediately apply in their university coursework, field experiences, and future careers.
Presenters: Mrs. Samantha Krieg
Location: Hybrid/PAC 220
SEL in the Classroom and Workspace
Make your classroom more effective and enjoyable. Understand that social-emotional learning can help you gain more academic time and help with classroom management.
Presenters: Mrs. Nikki Brown
Location: Hybrid/PAC 116
