Pursuing Knowledge

Each year, alumni volunteers take the lead in organizing a daylong event that brings together University faculty members for a firsthand account of the latest research and scholarship taking place at Rochester. Known as the Rochester Forum, the events are the brainchild of the University Lifelong Learning Advisory Council (LiLAC), a group of about 20 alumni who host the events at campus locations, including the Memorial Art Gallery.

Kathy Plum ’73, ’76N (MS), ’93N (PhD) (left) and Gene Ulterino ’63 (right) help organize regular programming to highlight Rochester’s leadership in research and other activities as the cochairs of the University’s Lifelong Learning Advisory Council.

“As a council, our goal is to present a full day of enlightening talks given by top scholars from across the University,” says Kathy Plum ’73, ’76N (MS), ’93N (PhD) and LiLAC cochair. “These forums are always interesting and fun—they provide intellectual stimulation as well as an opportunity to get together with alumni, friends, and community members.”

The most recent forum, held last summer, featured presentations on political science and party leadership, medicine and cancer care, nursing in the community, and the role theater plays in building character. The event drew 160 people, and an additional 60 participated via simulcast.

“Those of us involved in the council as well as those who attend our events have one thing in common: we all love to learn,” says cochair Gene Ulterino ’63. “At every Rochester Forum event, we get this opportunity to broaden our perspectives, enrich our knowledge, and hear directly from scholars on interesting topics.”

Each year at Meliora Weekend, LiLAC helps to design a shortened edition of the event. This year’s program featured the University’s new performing arts in medicine program—a partnership between the Eastman School of Music and the Medical Center.

Stephanie Case, associate director for Alumni Relations, says the insight of the council members is invaluable. “They consistently build compelling programs for our audiences.”

After getting his bachelor’s degree in political science, Ulterino went on to law school and then pursued his career with Nixon Hargrave, now Nixon Peabody. “Over the years, my wife, Gloria, Class of 1962, and I have stayed involved with the University because it provided us with a great education and foundation for our lives,” he says.

Plum, an RN who majored in psychology and earned advanced degrees in nursing, agrees. “My Rochester education prepared me for a career I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I wouldn’t have had the life I have had without Rochester. It’s a key reason why I stay involved.”