Pavarotti Forever

Indiana University Northwest, in partnership with South Shore Arts and the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, will present "Pavarotti Forever," the Opening Concert Gala for the 2008-09 symphony season, at 6 p.m. Sept. 26, at Horseshoe Casino Hammond's The Venue. The event will feature Pavarotti-inspired performances by three tenors from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. The evening will begin with a feast of sumptuous Italian dishes and champagne. Tickets are available starting at $175. Table reservations for 10 and premium tickets with preferred seating and program recognition also are available. Concert-only tickets cost $20 to $60. Attendance is restricted to guests 21 and over.

FYI: Call the NISO office at (219) 836-0525.

Non-Profit Fair

The IUN Center for Regional Excellence Non-Profit Institute will host its third annual open house and resource fair from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Oct. 3 in the Savannah Center n the IUN campus, 3400 Broadway. Exhibitor reservations are available for this regional nonprofit event. The open house will include guest speakers, workshops and display booths from many of the region's nonprofit agencies and vendors who serve them.

FYI: Call (219) 981-5673 to reserve a booth.

Adult Education Classes

The IUN Adult Education Program returns this month for a new semester of informative, enriching and just plain fun non-credit classes. Participation in these courses does not require enrollment in the university.

FYI: Call (219) 980-6806 or (888) 968-7486, ext. 6806.

Medical terminology

IUN will offer Medical Terminology, a course that is mandatory for many careers in the medical field, starting Sept. 3. This class is helpful for those interested in taking the Coding Overview and Health Insurance Billing classes. Medical Terminology meets from 7 to 9:30 p.m. each Wednesday through Oct. 22. Tuition is $200, including the book, for those who register by Aug. 25.

FYI: Call (219) 980-6806 or (888) 968-7486, ext. 6806.

Balloon decor

IUN will offer Balloon Décor, a class that teaches easy, creative ways to use balloons to decorate for parties or other events, starting Sept. 2. Students learn how to make arches, columns and centerpieces with balloons. The last class will include a few balloon-twisting basics, as well. Balloon Décor meets from 7 to 9 p.m.on Tuesdays through Sept. 23.

FYI: Call (219) 980-6806 or (888) 968-7486, ext. 6806.

Comedy writing

IUN brings back the acclaimed Comedy Writing for Stand-Up course, where aspiring comics learn the basic elements of performance humor, starting Sept. 3. Students learn how to develop material into routines, how to network, how to develop a stage persona, and how to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Participants write their own routines and perform at a show for family and friends on the final night of class. The Comedy Writing for Stand-Up class meets from 7 to 9:30 p.m. every Wednesday through Oct. 8. Tuition is $95; registration deadline is Aug. 25.

FYI: Call (219) 980-6806 or (888) 968-7486, ext. 6806.

Improvisation

IUN will offer a course on Improvisation starting Sept. 4. Students will laugh and create as they learn the basics of improvisational humor through games and scene work. This class meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 25. Tuition is $105 if registered by Aug. 25.

FYI: Call (219) 980-6806 or (888) 968-7486, ext. 6806.

Photography basics

IUN will offer Photography Basics, a class where students will learn how to produce great portraits and scenic shots, starting Sept. 4. Course highlights include photography demonstrations, shooting assignments, and creative digital imaging. Participants will need an SLR film or digital camera. Photography Basics will meet from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 9. Tuition is $125 if registered by Aug. 25.

FYI: Call (219) 980-6806 or (888) 968-7486, ext. 6806.

Intro to the PC

IUN will offer Intro to the PC for Seniors from 9 a.m. noon Sept. 5 and 12. In this class, senior citizens can learn the basics of using a personal computer. Tuition is $40. Participants who sign up for this and two subsequent senior computing classes - Intro to Vista and Internet - may take all three for $115. Vista and Internet also meet at 9 a.m. Saturdays.

FYI: Call (219) 980-6806 or (888) 968-7486, ext. 6806.

Not-for-profit class

IUN will offer How to Start a Not-for-Profit, a class teaching the step-by-step process of establishing a nonprofit organization and how to become familiar with the necessary forms and applications. This two-day class meets from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 8 and 10. Tuition is $70 if registered by Aug. 28.

FYI: Call (219) 980-6806 or (888) 968-7486, ext. 6806.

Pharmacy tech training

IUN will offer a Pharmacy Technician Training class, which is approved by the Indiana Board of Pharmacy and meets the requirements for employment in Indiana, starting Sept. 9. This class helps to prepare students for an optional independent national certification test. A GED or high school diploma is required for employment and recommended for class participants. This class meets from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Nov. 20, with one week off in October. Tuition is $900, including the book, for those who register by Aug. 25. Interested participants may call (219) 980-6806 for possible financial assistance.

FYI: Call (219) 980-6806 or (888) 968-7486, ext. 6806.

Intro to Vista

IUN will offer Intro to Vista from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 13. This course introduces participants to the basic elements of Vista, including operations, editing, copying and moving files, Internet Explorer, folders, floppy disks, customizing the desktop, and printing. Tuition is $135, including the book, for those who register by Sept. 3.

FYI: Call (219) 980-6806 or (888) 968-7486, ext. 6806.