Brian Amkraut is the Founding Executive Director of The Laura and Alvin Siegal Lifelong Learning Program at Case Western Reserve University. The Lifelong Learning program serves as a mechanism for connecting the intellectual resources of CWRU with the general community. Through innovative and engaging programming, Siegal reaches lifelong learners of all ages at CWRU’s University Circle Campus, throughout greater Cleveland, and beyond. It provides opportunities for the public to interact with scholars, to share in their cutting edge research, and to engage in the ongoing conversation of our histories, current events, and our collective future. Since its creation in 2012 the Siegal Lifelong Learning program has expanded its programming and enrollment by over 20% annually, and currently serves over 3,000 individuals in greater Cleveland, through academic courses, hands-on workshops, lectures, educational travel and other activities. The Lifelong Learning program is currently expanding its programming opportunities into the realm of workforce development, leveraging the academic talents and expertise at Case Western Reserve University to serve the needs of both the public and private sectors in local, regional national, and event international markets. Our continuing professional studies division offers noncredit and competency-based certificate programs for working professionals through both open enrollment and customized industry-sponsored courses.
Dr. Amkraut completed an undergraduate degree in Chemistry at Columbia University and master’s and doctorate degrees in European history and Jewish studies at New York University. In addition to his administrative position at Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Amkraut serves on the faculty of religious studies.
Brian’s talk will address the changing landscape of higher education and the imperative for lifelong learning – and specific ways that universities like CWRU are changing in order to address those needs. CWRU is offering a Design for Advanced Manufacturing for Lightweighting Certificate geared for working professionals working in advanced manufacturing. Lightweight engineering is important to the transportation industries.
