Filmmaker headlines final program of event series
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—An award-winning filmmaker will headline the concluding activities of an event series in Kalamazoo encouraging residents to engage with the question, “What is a life well lived?”
On March 15, filmmaker Sky Bergman will deliver an honorary talk as a Visiting Scholar on Western Michigan University’s campus to conclude the series, called A Life Well Lived—Kalamazoo, launched by three local organizations in October 2024. The event is free and open to the public.
Bergman’s film, Lives Well Lived, celebrates the incredible wit, wisdom and experiences of adults ages 75 to 100 years old. Their intimate memories and inspiring personal histories encompass more than 3,000 years of life experience. The film served as inspiration for the Kalamazoo event series. The film is currently airing on PBS and has won eight awards since being released in 2017.
The event will begin with Bergman’s talk at 2 p.m. in Room 1303 of Dunbar Hall.
At the conclusion of the talk, there will be a reception at 3:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Richmond Center for the Visual Arts, where guests will have the opportunity to explore two artistic exhibits that were created as part of the A Life Well Lived—Kalamazoo series.
A PhotoVoice exhibit curated by award-winning photographer Jeri Love will feature the work of students from WMU's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI@WMU). There will also be screenings of videos in Room 1004 produced by WMU undergraduate students under the supervision of Associate Professor of Communication Dr. Lusike Mukhongo on the theme of the series. There will be free food and drinks for attendees to enjoy.
The OLLI@WMU PhotoVoice artists are: Jim Bennink, Deb Dunstone, Lynne Hall, Shannon Huneryager, Kris Locke, Joan Robertson, Deborah Russell and Luana VanDam.
The WMU undergraduate students are: Ashlyn Eddins, Caroline French, Andrea Lule, Aidan Ralko and Kaitlin Swinehart.
The event is sponsored by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. RSVP for free
The organizations teaming up to coordinate the A Life Well Lived—Kalamazoo series are all celebrating anniversaries this year: the Kalamazoo Lyceum (2 years), WMU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (10 years) and the University’s Center for the Study of Ethics in Society (40 years).
About the Series
The series sought to bring community voices into the conversation to inspire dialogue around what makes a purposeful and full life. Across 2024-2025, A Life Well Lived—Kalamazoo offered a variety of opportunities to engage with the topic. More than 300 folks attended the different program offerings, such as a documentary film screening, book clubs, PhotoVoice course, and multiple community conversation events.
Attendees are encouraged to support Western Michigan University’s Essential Needs office, which helps WMU students with unmet basic needs. There will be bins at the March 15 event to donate personal care items, such as toothpaste, shampoo and menstrual hygiene products. Find more information on Essential Needs
Kalamazoo Lyceum: A tradition that spans back over 100 years, the Kalamazoo Lyceum hosts panels and community conversations on art, history, philosophy, and community life featuring local and regional experts with profound insight into the subjects at hand. Each event includes food, drinks and opportunities for attendees to engage with other members of their community in meaningful conversation.
Western Michigan University Center for the Study of Ethics in Society: Founded in 1985, the Western Michigan University Center for the Study of Ethics in Society creates interdisciplinary opportunities for the University and Community to engage in public reflection about ethical issues. It offers lectures, book clubs, conferences, podcasts and other programming to encourage thoughtful exploration of moral questions. The Center is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Western Michigan University Osher Lifelong Learning Institute: The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WMU offers high quality non-credit programs for mature adults in the greater Kalamazoo community. This volunteer driven organization, with support from WMUx, works with Institute volunteers, community members, WMU emeriti, faculty and staff to offer courses, events and trips year-round. OLLI at WMU is proud to have created a community of lifelong learners in Kalamazoo.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.