Most people join LP2 because they love learning and look forward to the intellectually stimulating study groups. But then they discover that LP2 is very much a learning community, with an emphasis on the “community.” Members are encouraged to connect with each other both in an out of the classroom. By attending the many extracurricular activities available, exploring shared interests, breaking bread together, and volunteering to support LP2 members develop close friendships and expand their personal horizons.
Activities
LP2 special events and a wide array of extracurricular activities complement the core Study Group program. The list below offers a glimpse of major activities, but there are many others: Overseas Travel, Special Presentations, and one-off Events. During the pandemic some of these activities have been curtailed but others have continued on Zoom. Whatever is coming up, can be found here: Upcoming Events and News.
- Bi Annual General Membership Meetings, typically held at the beginning and the end of the Fall and Spring semesters, bring together the entire community for “State of the LP2” reports, entertainment, refreshments, and socializing.
- Fridays@1 offers a program of well-known speakers on newsworthy subjects to LP2 members, the CUNY community and the general public. Recent subjects have included the presidential elections and the press, climate change, the microbiome, and racial inequality.
- Tuesdays with Friends’ sponsors 6 casual small get-togethers in the homes of LP2 members where another member talks on a topic of general interest. Recent topics include Hinduism: Neither Fish Nor Fowl, From Inside the C.I.A., Three Pivotal Moments, and Bebop: First Sounding of Black Power.
- The Theatre SIG selects several new Broadway and Off-Broadway plays and revivals for members to see on their own and then discuss. Merrily We Roll Along at the Roundabout, The Mother at the Atlantic Theater and Ink at the Manhattan Theatre Club are among past shows.
- The Art SIG organizes trips to museum and gallery shows, to artist’s studios, and other Metro NY area art events. Examples of past trips include: Chaim Gross’s Greenwich Village studio, home, and art collection; Painting Modernity: The Black Model from Manet and Matisse to Today; and the Winter Antiques Show at the Park Avenue Armory.
Members are also welcome to attend the many public lectures, performances, and other academic Programs hosted by the Graduate Center. Check out the GC Event Calendar.
Breaking Bread
Sharing a meal with friends before or after study groups or other activities is an important part of the LP2 culture and options abound. In the Graduate Center building there are many comfortable common areas and dining facilities. In the neighborhood there is an vast array of restaurants for every budget as well as public parks and spaces where members congregate before and after Study Groups to visit, plan and make friends.
Finding Each Other
Our robust Member Directory allows members to search for others by interests and location and to seek out those who they have met in Study Groups. Member Faces helps you find those whose name you don’t know but who you recognize and want to connect with. The Tech Help Page offers tips for how to make the most of this new and enhanced tool.
Get Involved
Finally, helping to keep our member-run organization flourishing is one of the most satisfying ways for members to use their skills and to engage with other members. Supporting the community through activities such as coordinating study groups, serving on committees, and working on special projects that benefit LP2, The CUNY Graduate Center and the larger world. It is actually the best way to get involved! Learn more about how to Get Involved.
