Shea Lecture
Thursday, February 5, 2026, 5:00 pm | Hybrid
Being Heard & Hearing Others: The Art of Active Listening
Start the New Year by exploring skills that foster presence, curiosity, and genuine connection.
Free to Attend. Registration Required [bit.ly/Shea2026Feb5]
Start the New Year by exploring the transformative art of Active Listening and Clarifying Questions - skills that foster presence, curiosity, and genuine connection. This immersive experience will help you:
- Listen for true understanding—not just to respond
- Ask clarifying questions that deepen dialogue
- Build conversations where respect and belonging thrive
The Shea Lecture series was created to make lifelong learning accessible to all—free of charge. Since 1987, it has honored Dr. Bernard Shea’s vision that every adult deserves opportunities to learn throughout life. In 2024, we launched the Art of Civil Discourse series to bridge divides and spark courageous conversations. Join us as we continue that mission—strengthening communication that brings people together.
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Understand the components of active listening and their impact
- Differentiate clarifying questions from defensive or leading ones
- Practice reflective language and paraphrase in real time
- Express your perspective while validating others
- Reserve your spot today and begin the year with the power of listening.
Free & Open to All | Registration Required. Please Reserve Your Spot Today
Learn More and Register via the Event Page Shea Lecture 2026: Being Heard & Hearing Others
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WIT 25th Anniversary Brunch
SAVE-THE-DATE: Sunday, May 3, 2026, 12:00 pm
Society Room, Hartford, CT | Details coming soon.
Donate Today: "The Power of Education & The Radiance of Resilience!"
Celebrate and Support Degree Completion
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Annual Appeal Unrestricted Donations
Invest in the future with a gift to the unrestricted fund of the Charter Oak State College Foundation. Though there is uncertainty, the Foundation remains committed to making higher education a possibility for all, to help eliminate gender and racial inequities, reduce wage and poverty gaps and to ultimately, enrich the lives of students, graduates, children, the workforce, and our communities. Give today! Annual Appeal 2025-2026!
ARCHIVES: HISTORY of Foundation EVENTS:
January 14, 2025, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (EST)
The Shea Lecture 2025
Civil Discourse, Session 2: The Power of US: Empowering Voices, Building Bridges
The Pond House Cafe, West Hartford, CT
Shea Lecture 2024
Bridging Perspectives: The Art of Civil Discourse
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
A FREE PUBLIC LECTURE & MODERATED DISCUSSION
Presenting Sponsor: Liberty Bank
Guest Speakers Include:
Yvonne M. Alston, CEO, Chief Culture Architect, and Founder of Indelible Impressions Consulting, LLC
Elease E. Wright, HR and Leadership Consultant
Jay Williams, President and CEO, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Carlos A. Soler, the Assistant Director of Admissions and Adjunct Faculty at Central Connecticut State University
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Questions? Contact Carol Hall, chall@charteroak.edu or (860) 515-3889