Verandah Community University, VCU, is excited to launch its third season of programming. This season promises to be a winner with an outstanding roster of speakers on a wide range of topics.
Opening day is Monday, October 13, 2025. 4-5:30 p.m. in the River House. The topic is “Rights, Revolution and ‘Louie Louie’: The untold story of Free Speech in America with Ken Paulson”
Join Verandah resident, Ken Paulson, former editor-in-chief of USA Today and a leading authority on the First Amendment, for an energetic and interactive look at the First Amendment. Ken is the director of the Free Speech Center and dean emeritus at Middle Tennessee State University and is currently the host of “The Songwriters,” a television show seen on PBS stations nationwide. Throughout his career, Ken has tapped his experiences as a journalist, lawyer and educator to help build understanding and support for First Amendment freedoms.
Our second presentation of the season is October 27, 2025. 4-5:30 p.m. in the River House. The topic is “The Inside Scoop: FBI International Terrorism Investigations featuring the Boston Marathon Bombing with Bob Holley”
Verandah resident, Bob Holley, former FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office, will give us an inside look at how the FBI is organized to conduct international terrorism investigations. Bob served in various positions, in multiple locations – including international assignments – overseeing terrorism cases, economic espionage, cyber and white-collar crimes as well as criminal enterprise operations. Bob will focus on his role in the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing investigation, providing a behind the scenes look at how the FBI investigated and solved the case.
See the flyer for our first event to learn more information on how to sign up. The VCU deans, Susan Shamey, Stephanie Levin, Cathy Brummer and Alice Borowsky look forward to seeing you this season.
SAVE THE DATES: VCU 2025-2026 LINE-UP
Monday, 10/13/25—Ken Paulson, former USA Today editor-in-chief, journalist, educator and advocate for First Amendment freedom.
Monday, 10/27/25—Bob Holley, former FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office and expert in international terrorism investigations.
Tuesday, 11/18/25—Fred Parker, expert on WWII and collector of WWII memorabilia.
Monday, 1/12/26—Paul Shannon, Apiarist, owner of Strictly Beesness and Verandah’s beekeeper.
Monday, 2/9/26—Lisa Fisher, CEO of Norman Love Confections.
Monday, 3/9/26—Howard Babcock, Suisson Creek Winery owner in Suission Valley, CA
Monday, 4/9/26—Krista McKerracher, biopharmaceutical leader, biologist, cancer researcher.
