Senior Academy Newsletter - Message #66

Senior Academy March 2026 Newsletter

Curious About Cryptocurrencies

Tuesday, March 10, noon – 1 p.m. An Introduction to Cryptocurrency. Dr. Russell Rhoads, Clinical Associate Professor of Finance, IU Kelley School of Business Indianapolis, will discuss the history and motivation of cryptocurrencies, starting with the introduction of Bitcoin in 2009 and proceeding to the current environment. Dr. Rhoads will introduce topics such as tokens, stablecoins and decentralized finance platforms. Finally, he will demonstrate how the introduction of cryptocurrencies is being incorporated into traditional finance and the relevance to the economy. This live session will be held via Zoom, with time for questions and discussion. You can register at this link.

Read a Stirring Account of the Pivotal Year of the American Revolution

All Senior Academy members and friends are welcome and invited to register for Book Club discussions that are held on Zoom. The March Book Club discussion is especially recommended since 2026 is the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Wednesday, March 11 on Zoom, 11 a.m. to noon – 1776 by David McCullough is a bestselling historical book that focuses on George Washington’s leadership and the ragtag Continental Army’s struggles against the British in the year of the Declaration of Independence. With captivating narrative force, McCullough chronicles the military events and human struggles of 1776, emphasizing the fragility of the American cause and the resilience of soldiers and leaders on both sides. Craig McDaniel will lead a discussion of the book.

Looking Ahead: Book Club Selection for April

Wednesday, April 8 on Zoom, 11 a.m. to noon – Poetry as Enchantment: And Other Essays is a collection of writings by Dana Gioia, one of America’s leading poet-critics. Gioia explains why poetry exists and why we need it.

March Meeting of String Theory

Tuesday, March 10 in person, 4:30 – 6 p.m. String Theory is a welcoming group of Senior Academy members, spouses, partners and friends who get together with others and chat while knitting, crocheting or being otherwise creative. Group creations are donated to organizations that serve individuals in need. Most recently, String Theory donated 35 hat and hat/scarf sets to the Simon Cancer Center in December and another 25 hats and hat/scarf sets in January. String Theory meets on the second Tuesday monthly from 4:30-6 p.m., but don’t meet in November and December. All skill levels are welcomed and supported, including beginners. No long-term commitment is required. Anyone interested is invited to participate.

Hear an Expert Speak about how Human Brains have Evolved to Respond to Art

Wednesday, April 8, 2 – 3:30 p.m. In this hybrid program, offered both in-person on the Bloomington campus and online on Zoom, Dr. Aina Puce will discuss the research for her pending book with co-author Riitta Hari, Art & Brain: Experiencing the Visual Arts (London: Oxford University Press, in preparation for June 2026 deadline). Dr. Puce is the Eleanor Cox Riggs Professor, Psychological and Brain Sciences Department at IU Bloomington. She will briefly discuss how we: (1) evolved to become modern humans; (2) developed unique cultures and styles of art based on our geographical locales; and (3) use our brain's existing perceptual, cognitive, motor and emotional brain systems to not only appreciate the cultural and artistic offerings of others, but also to produce creative visual arts ourselves. The program is organized by the Indiana University Retirees Association (IURA) on the Bloomington campus and is co-sponsored by IURA and the Senior Academy at IU Indianapolis.

Join in the way that works best for you:

Online: Registration is a two-step process. Follow this link to register on the Senior Academy website. You then will be directed to a link to also register on the IURA website. A Zoom link will be emailed to all registered participants ahead of the program.

In person: Gather on the Bloomington campus in the Peterson Room at the IU Foundation, 1500 IN‑46, Bloomington, IN 47408.

Welcome Spring with a Tour of the Gardens at Newfields

April 15, 11 a.m. – noon . This private tour will take us through the gardens at Newfields during Spring Blooms, when the gardens come to life with a display of more than 100,000 new blooms. The grounds feature multiple gardens, a greenhouse and a vast array of sites. The tour will be free for Newfields members; otherwise, the charge will be $16 per adult/senior, payable at the time of the tour unless you are a guest of a Newfields member whose membership level allows one or more guests. Optional lunch at the museum café after the tour.

Register soon at this link if you want to join the Spring Blooms garden tour at Newfields. Attendance is limited to 25 people.

Remembering Scott Deal

Dr. Scott Deal, Music Technology professor in the Herron School of Art + Design, passed away on Jan. 23, 2026. A memorial celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 9 in Aaron- Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home, 11411 N. Michigan Road, Zionsville, IN 46077. Members of the Senior Academy may recall that on Nov. 8, 2024, Professor Deal delivered the heartfelt 2024 Last Lecture, sponsored by the IU Indianapolis Senior Academy, Office of the Provost, and IU Foundation. His presentation, A Musical Life in the Academy, included a brief live musical performance on the vibraphone. Scott Deal made a lasting impact on his many students and professional colleagues. As a percussionist, he performed solo and chamber music throughout the world. As director of the Donald Louis Tavel Arts and Technology Research Center at Herron, he specialized in researching the performance of music in conjunction with computational interactivity.