Lifelong Learning Exploration Presentations
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; they are 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!
Your voice matters! Discover how government, politics, and the issues affecting your community connect to your everyday life. Hear from voters across generations as they share their experiences and perspectives on democracy. Join us throughout the day for conversations and activities celebrating the importance of civic engagement and voting!
Presenters: All In Committee
Location: PAC 216
Build Before You’re Ready: Small Decisions, Strong Relationships, and the Career You Create Along the Way
Learn from a McKendree alumnus about how small decisions, meaningful relationships, and unexpected opportunities can shape your career path after graduation. Discover how stepping outside your comfort zone can open doors to personal and 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 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 a 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
A Loser Tells You How to Win
What does it really take to succeed when others doubt your potential? From being labeled a “loser” in high school to earning multiple advanced degrees and becoming a published author and speaker, Rev. Dr. Cecil Penn shares his inspiring journey of overcoming obstacles and defying expectations. This session encourages students to embrace challenges, develop a winning mindset, discover their passions, and create a vision for their future.
Presenters: Rev. Dr. C. Ray Penn ’70
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
