January 28, 2026
Lake Forest College
Krebs AI Series returns in Spring 2026, introducing Community Lifelong Learning Series
Community members are invited to participate in the second session of the College's Krebs AI Series, with additional learning opportunities debuting in Spring 2026.
The Krebs AI Series will return in Spring 2026, building on the overwhelming success of its pilot Community Engagement lifelong learning program held in Fall 2025. The upcoming series will be co-led by Professor Davis Schneiderman and Professor Ben Zeller, responding to strong community interest for continued learning around artificial intelligence.
The Fall 2025 pilot brought together 26 community members for a six-week, in-person series designed to demystify AI and explore its real-world implications. Participant feedback highlighted not only the relevance of the topic, but also the value of learning in a collaborative, community-centered environment. Of the participants, 94 percent reported an improved understanding of AI, and 81 percent expressed interest in a follow-up “AI 2.0” course.
One attendee, alumna and community member Amie Marks, reflected on the experience: “What a creative and informative way to connect the community to the college. It was a pleasure to be back in a learning environment, surrounded by my community peers of different ages, learning about a timely, cutting-edge topic. Dr. Schneiderman approached the topic of AI with a broad brush, but remained nimble, focusing in on specific areas and ideas as the attendees’ questions dictated. The beautiful food and wine was an added benefit to an engaging and enlightening program.”
The return of the Krebs AI Series underscores the College’s commitment to lifelong learning, community connection, and timely, relevant education. With renewed leadership and strong community enthusiasm, Spring 2026 promises to deepen conversations and expand understanding of one of today’s most transformative technologies. To learn more about the other installments in the Lifelong Learning Series at Lake Forest College, see below.
Additional series at Lake Forest College
This spring, Lake Forest College is offering two other Lifelong Learning series in addition to the Krebs AI Series that community members and alumni are invited to participate in.
In the Film Series, participants dive into the art of cinema through the lens of two legendary directors—John Ford and Akira Kurosawa—and uncovers how their visual styles shaped the aesthetics of film. This five-week course explores the art of filmmaking through selected works by these two titans of the film medium, discovering how movies communicate emotion, ideas, and meaning through images—and why their films still matter today.
The Music Series allows attendees to discover the rhythms that shaped a nation—from Blues to Broadway— in a five-week exploration of America’s most iconic musical traditions. “From Blues to Broadway” invites participants to dive into the stories, styles, and social movements behind some of our nation’s most influential musical traditions. Each class blends history, listening, and conversation, creating space to explore how these genres emerged, evolved, and continue to resonate today.
"It was a pleasure to be part of the inaugural lifelong series last fall." Jackie Slaats, Vice President for Career Advancement and Community Engagement, shared. "The connections made by the College with the 26 community members and they with each other during the weekly discussion topics was truly remarkable. We see them as friends and ambassadors for the College and can’t wait to welcome the next cohort of AI participants, along with a new group of Music and Film enthusiasts, to campus this spring."