Every June, a remarkable tradition unfolds on the Principia College campus—one where learning and joy go hand in hand. Summer Session is more than lectures and lessons. It’s a week of lively conversations, inspiring ideas, and spiritual renewal paired with friendship and plenty of fun in an uplifting community setting.
This year’s program offered more than 35 courses, covering subjects from art, Bible, poetry, history, sustainability to the ethics of AI. Beyond the classroom, the program also included chapel talks, workshops, entertainment, and even a pickleball tournament. Whether diving into deep discussions or sipping Pub shakes, Summer Sessioners found countless ways to connect and be inspired.
“Principia’s educational approach encourages development of the whole person,” says Susie (Sharples) Quitter (US’89, C’93), Principia Lifelong Learning Director. “We value that same foundation at Summer Session and offer a mix of learning opportunities to support limitless growth—intellectually, spiritually, socially, and physically. On top of that, it’s a lot of fun!”
These opportunities weren’t limited to those who traveled to Elsah for the week.
Lifelong learners across the globe could register for several virtual classes and events. Three online courses generated 180 additional registrations for “The Hope of the First Two Isaiahs” with Madelon Maupin (C’73), “Jews, Christians, and Muslims” with Dr. Gretchen Starr-Lebeau, and “Asia in Focus” with John W. Williams, JD (C’76). More than 1,700 Principia alumni and friends also joined virtually for a concert with Dr. Marie Jureit-Beamish (HON’14) and a talk with The Christian Science Monitor Editor Christa Case Bryant (C’03). Sound interesting? Even though Summer Session has concluded, you can still register for the classes and receive recordings to watch at your convenience.
Another highlight of this year’s program was the introduction of Saturday-cation, a one-day event full of learning, creativity, and connection. Additional participants joined in on the final day of Summer Session, and the theme of the day was variety. This lively, all-day event featured workshops on an assortment of topics including jewelry making, woodworking, photography, AI, and a cooking class with master chef Marcel Biró. Attendees also enjoyed a pickelball tournament, a workshop on parenting and grandparenting young children with Early Childhood Principal Dorothy Halverson (C’85), and the Monitor talk.
“We wanted to give people a taste of what Summer Session is like and include those who couldn't attend the full program,” said Quitter, “It also gave current Summer Session learners more variety with an extra day of creative and thoughtful workshops and stellar talks.”
One Saturday-cation attendee shared, “We were so glad this was offered. We have never considered doing a Principia trip or Summer Session before, but this definitely whet our appetites for more Principia activities—and maybe even trips—in the future. Thanks for this one-day event, which captured our attention and helped us renew our acquaintance with Principia.”
Another Summer Session guest said, “I love coming to Summer Session for the people involved and for the interesting courses. There’s so much variety that there is always something for everyone. I loved all the joy expressed! I still feel it.”
“Learning doesn’t end when you graduate,” said Quitter. “It’s a joy to stay engaged and continue learning new ideas and skills, especially with supportive and like-minded friends.”
Fortunately for those curious minds, Principia Lifelong Learning has plenty planned for the future. Whether on a trip or through a virtual event, Principia alumni and friends can look forward to expanding their thinking—hand in hand with Principia.
Save the date for Summer Session 2026: June 13–21.