Bixby University: Lectures, Libations & a Little Extra Credit
Hosted by Bixby Knolls Community Foundation. Bixby Knolls Wellness Center will be presenting “Hack Your Memory: How to Outsmart the Aging Brain” during Class Periods 1 and 2.
Overview
Come learn something new, explore the neighborhood, enjoy a little recess, and support the community while you’re at it.
Bixby University: Lectures, Libations & a Little Extra Credit
Welcome to the university with no student loans, no finals, and plenty of recess.
For one afternoon, Expo Arts Center transforms into Bixby University, where you can build your own class schedule and choose from a lineup of lectures, local history tours, hands-on workshops, gallery experiences, and more, all led by an eclectic faculty of local experts, artists, educators, historians, journalists, wellness professionals, and community builders.
Between classes, hit the Schooltastic Book Fair 📚, browse the Bixby University School Store, explore the galleries, snap your official yearbook photo, grab a drink at the Campus Pub 🍻, or make some new friends during recess and extracurricular activities.
And yes, you’ll earn a degree. No thesis. No finals. No student debt. Just bragging rights. 🏆
Even better, your tuition helps support the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation as part of the Long Beach Gives campaign. Programs that fund arts, culture, and community events make our community a little more connected, creative, and fun. 💛
Come for the education. Stay for the libations. Graduate with a degree you definitely didn’t need four years to earn.
🎓 How Bixby University Works
Your student experience begins with check-in and class registration from 12:00pm–1:30pm.
Once you arrive, you’ll register for your classes. Class registration is first come, first served, so don’t sleep through orientation. Each class has a limited capacity, ranging from approximately 30–90 students.
There are three class periods, allowing you to take up to three different classes or tours throughout the afternoon, based on availability.
Your Academic Schedule
12:00pm–1:30pm
🎓 Check-In + Class Registration
Pick up your student information, register for your classes, explore campus, visit the galleries, grab a drink, and get your bearings.
1:30pm–2:15pm
📚 Class Period 1
2:15pm–2:30pm
📣 Passing Period
2:30pm–3:15pm
📚 Class Period 2
3:15pm–3:45pm
🎉 RECESS
3:45pm–4:30pm
📚 Class Period 3
4:30pm–4:45pm
🎓 Graduating degree recessional
📚 Classes & Tours
Choose your major. Ignore the prerequisites. There are no midterms.
Hack Your Memory: How to Outsmart the Aging Brain
Featuring Lisa Fillis, N.D., Anna Pearl, D.C., and Soo Jin Bae, Ph.D., L.Ac. of Bixby Knolls Wellness Center
What if staying sharp isn't about doing more crossword puzzles, but about continuing to be a beginner?
Join the experts from Bixby Knolls Wellness Center for a fun, interactive conversation about keeping your brain healthy and resilient as you age. Explore how learning new skills, movement, sleep, stress, inflammation, and gut health can all play a role in supporting memory and brain health.
Course credit: Brain power.
Bixby Knolls Historical Restaurant Walking Tour
Presented by LBFoodComa
Take a stroll down Bixby Knolls' main artery, Atlantic Avenue, and discover the history hiding behind some of our favorite places to eat.
Learn how the neighborhood's food scene has evolved over the years and uncover fun facts about the restaurants, businesses, and people that helped shape Bixby Knolls.
Course credit: Delicious local history. Comfortable shoes recommended.
100 Years of Homes in Bixby Knolls
Presented by Team Fasnacht
Take a walking tour through the neighborhood with third-generation Bixby Knolls native and REALTOR® Michael Fasnacht.
Explore Spanish Revival, Tudor, Traditional, and Ranch-style homes located within just a few blocks of one another. Learn how the neighborhood developed and how these homes have been added onto, remodeled, restored, and reimagined over the decades.
Bring comfortable shoes and questions about your own house.
Course credit: Residential architecture + neighborhood history + real estate curiosity.
Justin Rudd: Building Community 101
What does it actually take to build a community?
Justin Rudd, the founder behind Rosie’s Dog Beach, monthly beach cleanups, thousands of donated books, annual dog parades, and countless community gatherings, will share practical lessons on creating connection, trust, and belonging.
Learn how big ideas and small gatherings can bring people together and turn neighbors into a community.
Course credit: Community building 101. A natural group project with no drama.
Your Money, Your Plan: Budgeting Financial Workshop
Presented by F&M Bank
Get a better handle on your money by learning how to understand your income and expenses, create a realistic budget, and build a plan toward your financial goals. Presented by F&M Bank, this workshop offers practical tools and strategies you can put to work right away.
Course credit: Financial confidence + money management skills.
From the 562 to the Mic: Sonksen on Growing Up Poetic in Long Beach
Featuring Mike the Poet Sonksen
Join Mike the Poet Sonksen, author of Letters to My City, for a look at growing up in the 562, finding his voice as a poet, and using storytelling to build bridges in Long Beach and beyond.
🎫 Important Student Information
Class registration is first come, first served. Students must arrive between 12:00pm–1:30pm to check in and register for classes. Class capacities vary, so we recommend arriving early to get the classes and tours you want.
Your ticket supports the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation and its community programming. Tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, your ticket will be considered a donation to the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation.
To learn more about the Foundation, our programs, and how your donation supports the community, visit bixbyknollsinfo.com/donate.
Class dismissed. See you on campus.