Clubs, Groups & SIGs
Fiction Book Club
The WISE Fiction Book Club is excited to begin our reading journey by announcing the books we will be reading this coming year based on Book Club members' recommendations. This selection of titles offers something for everyone, is designed to spark conversation, keep you interested, and maybe discover an author you have never read before.
See our current book selections and schedule below.
If you are interested in joining the WISE Fiction Book Club email
Cathy Samko.
Fiction Book Club Schedule 2025-2026
Meetings are held from
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm and meet on the Assumption campus in La Maison Salon, unless notified otherwise.
| Day | Date | Book Title (click title for Amazon link) | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | December 10, 2025 | Burial Rites | Hannah Kent |
| Wednesday | January 14, 2026 | The Mighty Red | Louise Erdrich |
| Wednesday | March 18, 2026 | Becoming Madam Secretary | Stephanie Dray |
| Wednesday | May 6, 2026 | Time of the Child | Niall Williams |
| Wednesday | June 10, 2026 | Their Eyes Were Watching God | Zora Neale Hurston |
Nonfiction Book Club
The WISE Nonfiction Book Club meets to discuss a wide selection of nonfiction books voted on by club members. We meet five to six times a year for lively conversations about works ranging from the sciences to history to biography to the humanities. We welcome all who might wish to join us.
See our current book selections and schedule below.
If you are interested in joining the WISE Nonfiction Book Club send an email to Ellen More.
Nonfiction Book Club Schedule 2025-2026
Club meetings are held from 1:30 pm to 3 pm and meet on the Assumption campus, Testa Science Building, Room 155, weather permitting.
| Day | Date | Book Title | Author | Discussion Lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | December 17, 2025 | The Blank Slate | Steven Pinker | Greg |
| Friday | January 23, 2026 | Kluge: The Haphazard Construction of the Human Mind | Gary Marcus | Micha |
| Friday | April 17, 2026 | The Hare with Amber Eyes | Edmund de Waal | Josette |
| Friday | June 5, 2026 | Red Scare | Clay Risen | Ellen |
Movie Club
The WISE Movie Club is a fun social club open to all WISE members, friends, and their guests. We present a free movie on the Assumption campus once a month, typically on a Saturday afternoon. Movies are usually followed by a short discussion for those interested. Plus, there is always free popcorn and candy! Come join us at our next movie and bring a friend.
For more information, email
Bobbi Corn, Movie Club Coordinator
Last month we asked people to choose the Robert Redford film that they would most like to see in October. The tally was close but the winner is All the President's Men starring Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman and Jason Robards.
In case you don't remember, this is the true story of two relentless journalists whose investigation of the Watergate break-in eventually helped to bring down a presidency. Based on the book by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, this is a political thriller that is still relevant today.
As always, there is no admission charge and we will have candy and popcorn. You are welcome to bring a friend for what promises to be an interesting afternoon at the movies.
November 22, 2025 at 1:00 pm
Fuller Auditorium, Testa Science Bldg.
Movie title to be announced soon. Stay tuned!!!!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) SIG
The
WISE Artificial Intelligence (AI) Special Interest Group
invites all who are curious about the what is happening with this crazy, new technology. Led by resident tech wizard, Karl Hakkarainen, you are sure to learn something fascinating.
Next AI SIG Meeting: TBD
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere these days. Wondering what it is all about? Want to learn more about how to use various AI tools? In this special interest group, we discuss the ins and outs of AI and its implications across many areas, from education to health care to technology and more.
No technical experience is necessary, just a curiosity about AI. Moderator Karl Hakkarainen encourages all to join the next meeting of this SIG.
Supreme Court SIG
Next SC SIG Meeting: Friday, December 12 at 10 am on Zoom
The WISE Supreme Court Special Interest Group meets regularly to follow the oral arguments, decisions, and other topics of interest related to the Court. This group is led by the very capable Jack Ross (A.B., Yale University; J.D., University of Virginia; Former lawyer and Adjunct Professor of Law, Washington & Lee University; Court Coordinator, Family Services of Central Massachusetts Mediation.)
The discussions of this group are informed and lively! No legal background is necessary -- all are welcome to attend. Meetings are typically held over Zoom. Reading materials and Zoom links will be made available to prior to each meeting date.
WISE Forum: A Weekly Discussion Group
Sharing wisdom and meeting friends
Each week, WISE members gather to discuss issues that are important to their lives. Some weeks, we have a specific topic queued up. Other times, it'll be an open forum where you can bring your ideas and questions.
Every meeting has two important goals: discuss the topic at hand and nourish our friendships.
We meet on Mondays from 11:30 to 1:00 in Pierre's Pub in Hagan Hall on the Assumption campus. You can grab some lunch in Charlie's on the first floor and come upstairs to the pub. If you have questions about where to go, ask the friendly Assumption student at the information desk near the first floor entrance.
