Winter Park Institute is kicking off a new year of informational programming with an evening of uplifting discussion.
Author and Harvard professor Arthur C. Brooks has devoted his career to studying methods of improving personal and professional happiness through behavioral research and philosophical study. His weekly “How to Build a Life” column appears in The Atlantic and he has authored 13 books including “Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier,” co-written with Oprah Winfrey. Brooks’ will discuss is work and ways to counter feelings of negativity and isolation in modern culture with Build the Life You Want: How to Get Happier in an Unhappy World, presented by Orlando Health at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Steinmetz Hall on February 27 at 7 p.m.
Winter Park Institute was founded in 2007 by Rollins College with the goal of creating scholarly discourse through its “Speaker Series” events. Pandemic restrictions halted its mission in 2020 and a transfer of ownership led to 501(c)(3) status in 2021 under the leadership of GladdeningLight founder, Randall Robertson. Leadership again transferred in 2022 with Writer’s Block Bookstore owner Lauren Zimmerman taking the reins. A new Board was elected with Zimmerman serving as co-executive director alongside local architect and business developer, Jeffrey Blydenburgh.
“The inspiration to bring (the series) back is the need to build community through knowledge and information,” Blydenburgh previously told the32789. Programming is intended to foster community dialogue on issues that matter to Winter Park and Central Florida.
Winter Park Institute’s 2024 events included a discussion on building trust in leadership by former Walt Disney World Resort Executive Vice President of Operations, Lee Cockerell, in January and a panel discussion on AI’s impact on creative expression in April. The Institute is partnering with Dr. Phillips, Rollins College, Winter Park Library, All Saints Church, and the City of Winter Park to access venues for a variety of attendance needs.
Tickets for the February 27 event start at $40 each and can be purchased on the Dr. Phillips Center website. For more information on Winter Park Institute events and ways to donate, visit winterparkinstitute.org.