WARSAW, Va. — What would it be like to sit down with Mark Twain and hear him share his wit, wisdom, and observations about life? Rappahannock Community College’s Rappahannock Institute for Lifelong Learning (RILL) is offering the next best thing when Professor Joe Swonk brings the legendary American author to life during a special class Monday, October 12.
Swonk will portray Twain in full costume, capturing the author’s iconic appearance and gravelly voice while sharing stories, observations and insights that demonstrate why Twain remains one of America’s most beloved authors.
The engaging two-hour class, “The Wit and Wisdom of Mark Twain,” will take participants beyond the pages of Twain’s books and into the world of the author himself. Known for his sharp wit, humor, and keen observations of American life, Twain continues to entertain and challenge readers more than a century after his death.
Swonk brings decades of experience to the presentation. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Michigan University and completed doctoral coursework at Florida State University. During his 48-year teaching career, he taught composition and American literature at two community colleges—Indian River Community College in Florida and Rappahannock Community College—as well as Ferris State College in Michigan and Florida State University.
The RILL class will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, October 12, in the Lecture Hall on RCC’s Warsaw Campus. The fee is $20.
Full details and registration information for RILL can be found at www.rappahannock.edu/rill. Advance registration and tuition payment is required for each class. RW-C residents can take classes for $10 each; Blue Ridge Bank Golden Advantage members receive a 15% discount. Email bjenkins@rappahannock.edu.
The Educational Foundation expresses sincere appreciation to Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury for their generous support of RILL, and to the partnership with Blue Ridge Bank’s Golden Advantage. RILL, a program of the RCC Educational Foundation, provides educational opportunities and enrichment for adults of any age. The non-credit program provides a stimulating learning environment where seniors can share interests and experience, maintain social connections, and continue to thrive in their later years.
