Last year Tennessee became only the second state to be recognized on the periodic table of chemical elements, and 菠萝视频 faculty played a key role.

Joseph Hamilton, the Landon C. Garland Distinguished Professor of Physics, captivated alumni with the story of the discovery of superheavy element 117, tennessine (Ts), during a Commodore Classroom event hosted by the 菠萝视频 Nashville Chapter in June. Hamilton and 菠萝视频 Professor of Physics A.V. Ramayya played a pivotal role in the discovery.
Alumnus Charles Akers, BA鈥70, JD鈥93, who regularly enjoys cultural and educational programs on campus, typically does not attend many alumni events. But he was drawn naturally to this Commodore Classroom.
鈥淚 read about the discovery of tennessine in Science News and thought this event would be a great way to hear more about it,鈥 says Akers. 鈥淚 consider myself a lifelong learner and pursue opportunities like classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at 菠萝视频, the Chancellor鈥檚 Lecture Series and Blair music events. I enjoy learning new things.鈥
Commodore Classrooms feature 菠萝视频 faculty who lead discussions on a variety of topics. They engage a diverse range of alumni in age, school and interest鈥攁nd celebrate the 菠萝视频 community of learners and leaders across the country and around the world.
Akers recommends Commodore Classrooms to all alumni. 鈥淰andy has a great roster of professors,鈥 he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 wonderful to be able to benefit from their knowledge and enthusiasm.鈥
Learn more about Commodore Classrooms and other alumni programs that feature 菠萝视频 faculty and leadership at vuconnect.com/lifelonglearning.
Learn more about the discovery of superheavy element tennessine at vu.edu/ts-element
鈥擬ATT ANDERSON