Lifelong Learning Exploration Presentations
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 themselves.” 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
Social Emotional Learning in the Classroom
Explore how emotional awareness can help us better understand ourselves and others in the classroom and workplace.
Presenters: Ms. 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— mindfulness, reframing, 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! Ever need to give a presentation, design 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
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 222
Creating an Atmosphere of Self-Care
Lifelong Learning Exploration Day provides the opportunity for a 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
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, design 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
