
Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Special Projects
Education doesn’t end when you toss your cap at graduation – it is a lifelong journey.
At Indiana University Kokomo, we understand the benefits of continuing education. The Kokomo Experience and You (KEY) Academy provides residents with unique opportunities to engage in robust and hands-on learning experiences, and to expand their knowledge in topics covering a wide range of interests.
These experiences can include immersive events, such as trips to ballparks, opportunities to shadow professionals, attend guest lectures led by experts, and much more.
While the length and format of KEY Academy programs will vary, a typical experience will include 4-6 sessions, usually conducted in person, over the span of a month or two. All academy programs will typically include multiple experiences, such as simulations, retreats, and field trips developed and led by IU Kokomo faculty.
Get an up-close look at Indiana’s birds with IU Kokomo’s KEY Academy! Sessions will be led by Lina Rifai, associate professor of vertebrate biology and IU Kokomo’s resident ornithology expert! This two-day program will explore bird species from hummingbirds to raptors.
On August 12, you’ll board a bus at IU Kokomo to the Indiana Raptor Center in Nashville, IN, where you will meet and learn about raptors close up, as well as the work done by the raptor center.
On August 19, get close to songbirds and hummingbirds as Lina Rifai demonstrates how birds are banded for research. This session is at the height of the hummingbird migration, when it is most likely to see the state’s smallest birds on campus.
Travel to Indiana University Bloomington with IU Kokomo Spanish faculty Christine Taff and JR Pico to attend an opera lecture at the Jacobs School of Music, as well as a performance of the opera, Ainadamar. A 40-seat bus has been scheduled, with 25 seats open for Community First Journey Club Members, IU Kokomo alumni, and community members at $75 each. The remaining seats are reserved for students.
Travel to Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis with Spanish faculty Christine Taff and JR Pico to enjoy Ballet Hispanico. A 40-seat bus has been scheduled, with 10 seats open for Community First Journey Club members, IU Kokomo alumni, and community members at $40 each (the event is free). The remaining seats are reserved for our students.
Travel to IU Bloomington to attend an opera lecture at the Jacobs School of Music, as well as a performance of the opera Anne Frank with history faculty Sarah Heath. A 40-seat bus has been scheduled, with 28 seats available for Community First Journey Club members, IU Kokomo alumni, and community members at $75 each. The remaining seats are reserved for our students.
Travel to IU Bloomington to take in the touring Broadway production of Jagged Little Pill, inspired by the music of Alanis Morissette, led by English department faculty Michelle Westervelt and Jim Coby. A 40-seat bus has been scheduled, with 25 seats available for Community First Journey Club members, IU Kokomo alumni, and community members at $100 each. The remaining seats are reserved for our students at $20 each.
Travel to IU Bloomington to attend an opera lecture at the Jacobs School of Music, and enjoy a performance of the operetta, Candide with philosophy faculty member Chris Buckman. A 40-seat bus has been scheduled, with 20 seats available for Community First Journey Club members, IU Kokomo alumni, and community members at $75 each. The remaining seats are reserved for students, faculty, and staff.
For more information about the KEY Academy, contact Leah Nellis.
Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Special Projects
Indiana University Kokomo
765-453-2000