Retirement Reimagined
Registration Is Now Open
A groundbreaking program called Retirement Reimagined is set to transform how individuals approach life after their careers. Recognizing that retirement brings significant lifestyle changes, this initiative offers a series of five workshops tailored to help new retirees thrive in their next chapter. From discovering new passions to maintaining vibrant social lives, Retirement Reimagined addresses the multifaceted nature of this transition. By focusing on both practical skills and personal fulfillment, the program empowers participants to create a retirement that’s truly their own.
Managing the Transition
Three In-Person Sessions
Wed., Jan. 22, Feb. 5,
Feb. 12, 2025, 6:30-8:30 pm MT
$495
Retirement Reimagined: Managing the Transition
Three In-Person Sessions
Wed., Jan. 22, Feb. 5,
Feb. 12, 2025, 6:30-8:30 pm MT
$495
It’s been said that retirement isn’t the end of the road, but the beginning of a new highway. That may be, but sometimes the on-ramp to that new highway can be a bit steeper and tougher to maneuver than you expect.
Retirement marks a profound shift not just in your daily routines, but in your identity, purpose and relationships. It’s a time filled with potential, but navigating the transition can be challenging. Many face uncertainty about their future role, concerns over health, or simply wonder how to fill their days with meaningful activities. It’s a period that asks us to reassess who we are and what we value most.
Yet, within this transition lies unparalleled opportunity. Picture a phase of life where you can prioritize purpose over obligation, explore new horizons and deepen relationships. Retirement can indeed be your most fulfilling phase yet, provided you approach it with intention and support.
In this course, husband-and-wife team and retired DU professors Scott McLagan and Barbara Kreisman help you embrace the opportunities of retirement while effectively managing the challenges that come with it. Discover strategies to ensure a smooth transition, address potential pitfalls, react to sudden changes—both good and bad―and unlock the full potential of your retirement years.
Whether you’re on the brink of retirement or already retired, this course offers valuable insights and practical tools to craft a fulfilling retirement. Embrace this new phase of life with confidence and excitement.
Please note: This course is a prerequisite for all of the other Retirement Reimagined workshops.
Scott McLagan and Barbara Kreisman, PhD, are former DU professors who recently completed a fellowship at the University of Chicago focusing on guiding people through life transitions. They both serve on the board of advisors and teach at the Knoebel Institute of Healthy Aging. Barb was recently named to the Governor’s Commission on Aging, responsible for workforce related issues.” Their experience makes them valuable guides for those navigating retirement.
Finding Your Purpose
One In-Person Workshop
Sat., Feb. 22, 2025, 9 am-12 pm MT
$270
Retirement Reimagined: Finding Your Purpose
One In-Person Workshop
Sat., Feb. 22, 2025, 9 am-12 pm MT
$270
There’s no question that retirement marks the beginning of a new journey, one filled with endless possibilities and opportunities for growth and fulfillment. But, it’s also a transition that can sometimes feel daunting as you begin the process of redefining not only your identity, but also your life’s purpose. Past experiences deserving of reflection that may have a profound effect on the future you define. In this course― a workshop designed to help you uncover your passions and create a fulfilling retirement. Professor emerita Barb Kreisman, along with guest speakers Gregg Vanourek and Jack Kronser, explore concepts of ikigai (reason to live) and other nuances of retirement in the U.S. versus Europe and Asia. Learn how to tap into your interests, hobbies and lifelong dreams to design a retirement that’s both enjoyable and deeply rewarding. Through interactive sessions and guided exercises, discover insights that align your values and goals with your new lifestyle. Plus, get practical tools and inspiration to help you live your retirement years with purpose. Please note: This course is a prerequisite for the Community Involvement and Social Impact workshop.
Barbara Kreisman, PhD, teaches in DU’s Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging Institute and serves on the boards of several nonprofits. She was recently named to the Governor’s Commission on Aging, responsible for workforce related issues. Gregg Vanourek is co-author of LIFE Entrepreneurs (a manifesto for living with purpose and passion). Jack Kronser is a Japanese American who speaks to the nuances of retirement in the East vs. the West.
Healthy Aging
One In-Person Workshop
Sat., Mar. 1, 2025, 9 am-12 pm MT
$270
Retirement Reimagined: Healthy Aging
One In-Person Workshop
Sat., Mar. 1, 2025, 9 am-12 pm MT
$270
Aging―there’s no getting around it. It’s a natural part of life. But here’s the thing to remember: How we age can significantly impact our overall well-being and quality of life. And the key here is to realize and appreciate that we can control some factors related to how we age. This workshop is all about helping you embrace the aging process by focusing on the crucial areas of exercise, nutrition, sleep and emotional health. This course, co-facilitated by physician Eric Chess and emeritus professor Scott McLagan, first examines how aging affects your body and mind, and then shares practical strategies to maintain and even improve your health as you age. Explore the concept of health span vs. lifespan and the importance of staying active through the following four pillars: exercising regularly, adopting a balanced and nutritious diet, ensuring quality sleep and nurturing your emotional well-being. “When you incorporate these good habits into your daily routine, you can enhance your vitality, boost your mood and enjoy a more fulfilling retirement,” says McLagan. “And we offer practical tips on incorporating the habits. Good health is definitely doable.” Join us in this empowering workshop and take charge of your health. Enroll today and start reimagining a healthier, happier you in retirement!
Eric Chess is a clinical professor at DU’s Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, serving as the founder and director of Aging and Well-Being/The Paul Freeman Financial Security Program. Scott McLagan is an emeritus professor of the practice in management at DU’s Daniels College of Business. He’s been studying and practicing healthy aging for the last 10 years.
Building Relationships
One In-Person Workshop
Sat., Mar. 8, 2025, 9 am-12 pm MT
$270
Retirement Reimagined: Building Relationships
One In-Person Workshop
Sat., Mar. 8, 2025, 9 am-12 pm MT
$270
There’s no question that retirement brings a great deal of freedom to pursue new interests and experiences, but it can also bring unexpected challenges, particularly when you consider losing daily connections and social networks you formed and enjoyed at work. This workshop, led by emerita professor Barb Kreisman, is designed to help you cultivate meaningful relationships that can enrich and enhance your retirement years. In the course, you discover the importance of forging new connections and nurturing existing ones. And at the same time, see how strong, supportive relationships can enhance your happiness, your health and your overall well-being during retirement. You also learn strategies to build a robust social life, whether through community involvement, hobbies, volunteering or simply reconnecting with old friends. “One of our main goals in teaching this workshop is to help students gain practical tools and insights to create the kind of robust social network that supports and energizes them,” Kreisman says. “So whether you’re newly retired or you’ve been retired for a while, this workshop is about helping you navigate the social landscape during retirement and aging with confidence. From what we experience with our families, friends, pets and even passing acquaintances can make all the difference in how we experience and live life.”
Barbara Kreisman, PhD, recently completed a fellowship at the University of Chicago focusing on transition programs for maturing populations and opportunities of retirement. She was associate dean of the Executive MBA Program, Daniels College of Business at DU and currently teaches in the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging. Barb was recently named to the Governor’s Commission on Aging, responsible for workforce related issues.
Community Involvement &
Social Impact
Two In-Person Workshops
Sat., Apr. 26, May 3, 2025, 9 am-12 pm MT
$495
Retirement Reimagined: Community Involvement & Social Impact
Two In-Person Workshops
Sat., Apr. 26, May 3, 2025, 9 am-12 pm MT
$495
Retirement opens up a world of possibilities, and one of those possibilities is the opportunity to give back and to make a positive impact on your community. However, finding meaningful ways to get involved isn’t always easy. This workshop, made up of two workshops, is designed to help you identify high-leverage areas where you can contribute your time and talents to make tangible differences in your community. In these enlightening workshops, led by husband-and-wife team and retired DU professors Scott McLagan and Barbara Kreisman, you explore the importance of community engagement and discover how your unique skills and passions can be channeled into substantial opportunities. Learn to navigate the landscape of community involvement, from local organizations and nonprofits to grassroots initiatives and social causes. Gain insights into how you can create a lasting social impact and build a solid legacy of service. Whether you’re newly retired or seeking to enhance your community involvement, this workshop offers the tools and guidance you need to find and engage in fulfilling activities. Join us and start making a meaningful and potent contribution to your community. Enroll today and reimagine your retirement as a time of purposeful giving and connection!
Please note: Retirement Reimagined: Finding Your Purpose is a prerequisite to this workshop.
Scott McLagan and Barbara Kreisman, PhD, are former DU professors who recently completed a fellowship at the University of Chicago focusing on guiding people through life transitions. They both serve on the board of advisors and teach at the Knoebel Institute of Healthy Aging. Barb was recently named to the Governor’s Commission on Aging, responsible for workforce related issues. Their experience makes them valuable guides for those navigating retirement.
Hear From Our Retirement Reimagined Students
Meet Our Instructors
Barbara Kreisman, PhD and Scott McLagan, are former DU professors who recently completed a fellowship at the University of Chicago focusing on guiding people through life transitions. They both serve on the board of advisors and teach at the Knoebel Institute of Healthy Aging. Their experience makes them valuable guides for those navigating retirement.
Barbara Kreisman, PhD
Barbara.Kreisman@du.edu
Scott McLagan
Scott.McLagan@du.edu
Celebrating Over 20 Years of Quenching Curiosity
Meet Our Instructors
Hear From Our Students
Enrichment Program students appreciate the opportunity to pursue lifelong learning at the University of Denver, where quality instruction meets outstanding facilities. Hear what our students have to say …
Registration Information
Enrichment Program students may enroll and pay for non-credit classes online or by telephone by calling our Student Support Center. To register for a class the day it begins, please contact Student Support for assistance.
The Student Support team can be reached at 303-871-2291 and can answer questions Mon.-Fri., 8:30 am-4:30 pm MT.
When registering for more than one person, please create separate online registrations/accounts or register by phone. Enrollments are filled on a “first come, first served” basis. Auditing a non-credit class provided by the Enrichment Program is not an option. Payment for classes is due upon enrollment and may be made by cash, credit card (MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover), or check.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations, Withdrawals, and Refunds: Please be aware that your spot in class may prevent someone else from enrolling. Because of this, our policy is as follows: A 100% refund is given to students who contact the Student Support Center at least seven days before the first class meeting. Students who withdraw from a course after this time will not receive a refund.
The Enrichment Program cannot provide refunds, transfer payments, or offer makeup sessions for classes missed as a result of illnesses, job losses, or other personal emergencies. If a class session is cancelled due to instructor illness, it will be rescheduled. If students are unable to attend the make-up session, a partial refund may be considered. If, however, an entire course is cancelled, a full refund will be issued.
Apply for an Enrichment Program Scholarship
The Enrichment Program is pleased to offer a limited number of partial scholarships towards the cost of one Enrichment course.
Enrichment Program Scholarship Requirements
- Limited to one scholarship per qualifying student per calendar year.
- Scholarships no greater than 50% off course price for qualifying courses.
- Early application is suggested as funds are limited.
- Final decisions on awards will be made no later than two-to-three weeks prior to start of class.
- Applicants will be notified by phone or email if a scholarship is granted.
- Based on course availability.
Give to the Scholarship
Help spread the joy of learning for the love of it and donate to the Enrichment Program scholarship fund.
Our Partners
Contact Information
General Information
Program Contact
Lynn Wells
Director
lynn.wells@du.edu
Charles Stillwagon
Program Manager
charles.stillwagon@du.edu