The Ever Scholar program is a series of free courses designed to engage and connect lifelong learners in the greater Kingston community and beyond by providing an enriching and accessible learning experience.
Developed by the Faculty of Education in collaboration with subject-matter experts, the interactive courses are taught by qualified instructors who care deeply about sharing their knowledge and expertise with the community. Designed as a lifelong-learning program for all ages, Ever Scholar provides opportunities to explore topics in art, science, and the humanities.
Follow us on Facebook.
Upcoming Programs
Italian Culture, Food & Drink
November 20, 27, and December 4, 11, 2025
5 - 7 pm
Discover the rich tapestry of Italian culture, food, and drink in this engaging course designed to immerse you in the heart of Italy. Explore the country’s history, geography, and cultural identity as they shape the diverse and celebrated culinary traditions found across its regions. This appreciation-style series delves into Italy’s key cultural elements while offering an in-depth look at traditional recipes, iconic dishes, and the artistry behind Italian food and beverages. Special sections focus on the variety of Italian wines and spirits, highlighting their unique regional origins and characteristics. Whether you're a curious foodie or a lover of cultural exploration, this course invites you to connect with and celebrate all things Italian.
Paolo Fietta currently serves as an elementary school principal with the Toronto Catholic District School Board in Toronto and has extensive experience teaching and leading professional development both in-person and virtually. Born in Canada to Italian parents, he spent significant portions of his childhood and adulthood immersed in Italian culture and language, making him fluently bilingual in English and Italian and “bicultural” in his perspective. Paolo is deeply passionate about all things Italian, driven not only by his heritage but also by personal interests in travel, food, wine, history, art, and architecture. He holds a PhD in Italian Studies from the University of Toronto, where he also taught Italian Language. Additionally, he served as an Administrative Assistant and Italian Language Coordinator at the Italian Cultural Institute in Toronto. Paolo has led two Ever Scholar sessions for Queen’s University, focusing on Photography and Architecture, and looks forward to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for Italian culture with others.
Healthy Habits for a Vibrant Life
January 14, 21, 28 and February 4, 11, 18, 2026
5 - 6:30 pm
Embrace vibrant living at any age with this uplifting, science-backed course focused on nurturing the body, mind, and spirit. Blending wellness, fitness, happiness habits, and creative pursuits, this engaging online experience offers practical strategies to enhance energy, mood, and mental clarity. Each week features interactive discussions, live demonstrations, and simple, take-home activities designed to inspire lasting positive change. By the end of the course, participants will create a personalized “Vibrant Life Plan” to support and sustain their overall well-being.
Sunaira Tejpar is a PhD candidate in Education at Queen’s University with a strong passion for wellness and creativity, which she brings into her teaching. Her research focuses on self-advocacy and supporting students with learning disabilities. She has experience teaching undergraduate courses as well as several Additional Qualification courses through the Professional Studies Department. Sunaira is particularly dedicated to teaching adults and creating engaging, supportive learning environments where participants feel empowered to explore new ideas, develop skills, and grow personally and academically. The course she is proposing focuses on fitness and wellness, areas she is deeply passionate about. While not a formal expert, she continues to learn, practice, and explore strategies that support a healthy, vibrant lifestyle in her own life.
What Water and Life Leave Behind: Isotope Mysteries
March 18, 25, and April 1, 8, 2026
5 - 7 pm
Explore the hidden stories of ourselves and the world around us in this engaging four-week course on isotopic analysis. Through captivating discussions and real-world case studies, you’ll discover how isotopes help us uncover the diets and origins of ancient human populations, track the migration patterns of endangered species, and advance medical diagnostic techniques. This course offers an appreciation-style look at the science behind isotopes, explaining what they are, how they’re analyzed, and what they reveal about our past, present, and environment. Whether you’re curious about human history, wildlife, or the latest scientific innovations, this course invites you to uncover the fascinating insights that isotopes can provide.
Shukri Matan is a scientist who has focused on enabling innovative research and technologies to improve life for Canadians through her work as an analyst. Shukri is a published author in a peer-reviewed scientific journal on the topic of isotopes for diet analysis and has done environmental research at a national and international level. Matan holds a BSc in Biology from Western University, a dual MSc focusing on Energy, Natural Resources and Environment and Business from Ivey Business School at Western University. Through her research and work, Shukri has presented on isotope fingerprinting for subject matter experts, youth and curious adults. Shukri is also passionate about designing and delivering interactive, engaging and accessible workshops on science, tech, engineering and math subjects that inspire curiosity in everyday life. Shukri looks forward to sharing her enthusiasm for unravelling the hidden mysteries of the world with isotopes with Ever Scholar students!