Inspired by Seniors
This page is for reference to the upcoming Art event at OLLI venue for the Boneyard Art fest 2026 on- 11 April 2026, Noon- 4:30pm.
And is pert of the Creative Inqiry project
About the display
While working on the Inquiry project it was a pleasure and an honor to get connected to Senior Guests 90+ years young. They all had the wisdom that brightened up our world, an energy and enthusiasm that was uplifting and love for everyone that felt healing.
This Art display is inspired by and is a tribute to our Senior dignitaries who graced the Creative Inquiry with their presence.
I am grateful to Dr Robert Stake, Dr. Govindjee, Dr. Rajni V. Govindjee, Dr Tam Wei and to friends who helped us connect with them, Alejandra Aguero, Suci, Nada Sweid respectfully. Much gratitude to Julie Nieset, Suči:,: SECS student group, for willing to participate in this event with their creative contributions..
Special Thanks to organizers from OLLI for giving us this opportunity to be part of their venue.
About Seniors 90+ years young:
Dr Robert Stake- Professor Emeritus College of Education UIUC)
Link page- https://education.illinois.edu/profile/robert-stake
Dr. Robert E. Stake is a Professor Emeritus of Educational Psychology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (from 1963-1998) renowned for his pioneering work in educational program, evaluation and qualitative research methods. He finished his M.A. in Educational Psychology (1954), Ph.D. in psychology (1958). from Princeton University.
He served as Co-Director and subsequently in 1975 as Director for the Center for Instructional Research and Curriculum Evaluation (CIRCE).
Professor Stake co- authored the book, A Paradigm of Care with scholar-artist Dr. Merel Visse, building on his foundational work in qualitative methods.
* Professor Stake and Dr. Visse were part of our Book Reading event June 2024 (Phase- I of project)
Dr. Govindjee Govindjee ( Professor Emeritus of Biophysics, Biochemistry)
Link page-https://www.life.illinois.edu/govindjee
Dr. Govindjee Govindjee is Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Plant Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He obtained his Bachelor’s in Science (B.Sc.) in 1952 and Master’s inScience, (M.Sc.) in1954 from the University of Allahabad before moving to the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign as a Fulbright fellow in 1956 to pursue his doctoral work with Dr. Robert Emerson and subsequently with Dr. Eugene Rabinowitch. His seminal discoveries have laid the foundational textbook knowledge in the field of Photosynthesis. Besides his passion for research and discovery, he enjoyed teaching and mentoring students and more recently has taken up the task as a historian for the field of Photosynthesis (Ref 1). He is the founding Series Editor of the Advances in Photosynthesis and Respiration as well as the Editor of Historical Corner of Photosynthesis Research. His current interest is on improving photosynthesis for the benefit of us all.
Links-
https://www.life.illinois.edu/govindjee/90th_files/IJLSVol13(3)Sept-Dec2024_revised22-1-2025.pdf
* Dr. Govindjee and Dr. Rajni Govindjee were our Senior Guest inspirers during 'Water of Asia' exhibit April 2025 (Phase- II of project)
Dr. Rajni V. Govindjee (Photobiologist and Scientist)
Link page-
https://www.life.illinois.edu/govindjee/Rajni_Govindjee_BrighterThanTheSunRajniGovindj.pdf
Dr. Rajni V. Govindjee is a Photobiologist, and an eminent research scientist who is known for her pioneering work in Photosynthesis and Retinal proteins. She obtained her Bachelor’s in Science (B.Sc.) in 1953 and Master’s in Science, (M.Sc.) in1955 from the University of Allahabad before moving to the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign in1957 to purse her doctoral work with Dr. Robert Emerson and subsequently with Dr. Eugene Rabinovitch. Together with Govindjee, she showed that chlorophyll a , two light reactions and two pigment system with an energy requirement of 8-12 quanta per O2 was required for photosynthesis. She then transitioned working on retinal proteins. Besides her excellent research acumen, and a wonderful mentor Rajni was an excellent host and a competitive sportswoman- be it badminton or swimming!
Thomas (Tom) Ebrey describes Rajniji as 'Brighter than Sun' in his tributary article to celebrate her work Ref 2
Links-https://www.life.illinois.edu/govindjee/recent_papers_files/Balashovetal(2023)IJLS.pdf
Dr Tam Wei (Educational Psychology)
Link page- Alumni Spotlight UIUC
Dr. Tam Dang Wei is a Vietnamese-born educational psychologist, author, and advocate for refugees whose career spans teaching, school psychology, and cross-cultural education.
Dr Wei's message in recent talks with her:
While talking about the present situation of the world, Dr Tam Wei compassionately expressed that, One person can make a difference. It is futile to criticize or feel bad about wrong happening in the world, we should do our part to maintain peace and harmony around us.
Just bringing a smile to one person is enough. With a smile we can lighten the heart and bring joy to one person. We can plant the seeds of Peace
and Love, then tend to it and let them grow!
* Dr. Tam Dang Wei was our Senior Guest during 'Water of Asia' exhibit April 2025 (Phase- II of project)
It has been challenging traversing the unknown terrains of this Inquiry but the creative force is far more stronger making it a joy to explore it. Thanks to the Inspirations from our active, enthusiastic Seniors. We do not know what comes out of this Creative Inquiry but its not about the result as much as it is about the journey of learning, connecting, sharing, and creating.
Kuldeepa VM